In brief
- Seven methods are compared: shaving, waxing, electric shaving, epilating, laser, electrolysis and depilatory creams.
- Shaving and depilatory creams last only a few days, waxing and epilating about three to four weeks.
- Laser hair removal with the Spectra Inwave 4 is considered a long-term solution but requires several sessions.
- Electrolysis destroys the hair root with an electrical impulse and is suitable for small areas and light hair.
Smooth, hair-free skin is, for many people, a dream of beauty, hygiene and grooming. But do you know how best to remove your hair, or which hair removal methods really suit you? The choice ranges from everyday, quick solutions to long-term, professional treatments. Some procedures are simple and cheap; others require more patience and a larger investment but promise to get rid of the hair for good.
In this article we show you the 7 best-known hair removal methods, compare their pros and cons and help you find the most effective solution for your skin type, your pain sensitivity and your lifestyle.
1. Shaving: the quick classic for every day
Shaving is one of the oldest and most widespread hair removal methods. Whether in the shower or in front of the mirror, unwanted hair can be removed extremely quickly with a wet or electric razor. The blade cuts the hair directly at the surface of the skin, which leaves the skin instantly smooth.
This method is particularly practical for people with little time or short-notice appointments. However, the result lasts only a short time. After just one to two days the hair grows back, often with noticeable stubble. In addition, frequent shaving can irritate the skin or lead to small cuts.
Facts about shaving:
- Ideal for: legs, underarms, intimate area, arms, chest
- Duration of the procedure: 5–15 minutes
- Pain sensation: painless (except for small cuts)
- How long hair-free? 1–2 days
- Benefits: quick, cheap, can be used at any time
- Disadvantages: short effect, skin irritation, stubble, ingrown hairs possible
2. Waxing: weeks of freedom from hair removal
Anyone who wants to enjoy smooth skin for longer often turns to waxing. Wax, either warm or cold, is applied to the skin and then pulled off with a sharp tug, taking the hair root with it. The result: silky-soft skin for up to four weeks. The roots first have to form anew, which delays regrowth considerably. For many people, waxing is therefore an attractive alternative to shaving.
However, the method has its price: the sharp pain of pulling off the wax should not be underestimated, especially in sensitive areas such as the bikini line or underarms. Nevertheless, many users find the pain bearable with regular use, as the hair structure becomes finer over time.
Facts about waxing:
- Ideal for: legs, underarms, bikini line, back, face
- Duration of treatment: 15–45 minutes
- Pain sensation: medium to high
- How long hair-free? 3–4 weeks
- Benefits: long-lasting smoothness, less visible stubble
- Disadvantages: painful, hair must have a certain length, skin irritation possible
3. Electric shaving: between comfort and efficiency
Electric razors are one of the more practical and somewhat more skin-friendly hair removal methods. These devices cut the hair at the surface and are therefore ideal for daily use.
Also particularly advantageous is the painless application, which makes them a good choice for people with sensitive skin or little time. But the big disadvantage: the result lasts only one to two days, as the hair grows back quickly.
Facts about electric shaving:
- Ideal for: legs, underarms, arms, back
- Duration of treatment: 5–15 minutes
- Pain sensation: painless
- How long hair-free? 1–2 days
- Benefits: quick, convenient, skin-friendly
- Disadvantages: short effect, daily use necessary
4. Epilating: long-lasting results, but painful
Epilating, like waxing, is a more effective method of removing hair. The hairs are plucked out from the root in seconds with rotating tweezers. This gives a long-lasting result of about three to four weeks. The procedure can, however, be uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas.
With a little practice and suitable skincare, epilating becomes more bearable over time and is well suited to people who want to stay hair-free for a little longer.
Facts about epilating:
- Ideal for: legs, underarms
- Duration of treatment: 15–30 minutes
- Pain sensation: high (especially the first time)
- How long hair-free? 3–4 weeks
- Benefits: long-lasting result, no chemicals
- Disadvantages: painful, risk of ingrown hairs
5. Laser hair removal: permanently hair-free with little pain
For anyone who is tired of constant shaving, waxing or epilating, permanent hair removal with laser is an effective solution. Light energy is directed into the hair root, which is heated so strongly that it stops functioning. The hair falls out and, with regular treatment, does not grow back.
At Dermacare Vienna the particularly skin-friendly Spectra Inwave 4 laser is used. The laser is almost painless, especially safe and can also be used on light or tanned skin types. Thanks to the advanced cooling technology, the treatment is comfortable, while the laser's four wavelengths (755 nm, 810 nm, 940 nm and 1064 nm) ensure that all skin types and also thin or light hair are treated successfully.
Facts about laser treatment
- Ideal for these areas of the body: legs, underarms, intimate area, back, face
- Duration of treatment: between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the area of the body
- Pain sensation: very low (warm feeling, barely noticeable)
- How long hair-free?: permanently hair-free after 5–6 sessions
- Benefits: permanently smooth skin, low pain, suitable for all skin types
- Disadvantages: higher initial investment, requires patience (several sessions)
As you can see, thanks to the double power of 1800 W the treatment is particularly fast and effective. As a rule you need fewer sessions compared with other laser systems. This method of removing hair can be used all year round, even on a tanned, stubbly bikini line and in summer. So if you are wondering how to get rid of hair for good: here is the answer.
6. Electrolysis: precise against individual hairs
Do you suffer from stubborn hairs such as a moustache or annoying chin hairs? With electrolysis at Dermacare in Vienna you can remove hair effectively. This precise method destroys the hair root with a targeted electrical impulse so that the hair no longer grows back. It is also ideal for fine, grey or light hair. Finally say goodbye to annoying hairs!
Facts about electrolysis:
- Ideal for: upper lip, eyebrows, chin, nose, face
- Duration of treatment: 5–10 minutes per hair
- Pain sensation: low to medium
- How long hair-free? permanently after several sessions
- Benefits: permanent hair removal, also for light hair, precise, suitable for small areas
- Disadvantages: several sessions needed, less suitable for larger areas, minor crusting after treatment
7. Depilatory creams: removing hair chemically
Depilatory creams work on a chemical basis. The substances they contain dissolve the hair structure just below the surface of the skin, so that the hair can be removed easily with a spatula or cloth. The procedure is completely painless and also an option for sensitive users, provided they tolerate the ingredients.
The skin stays smooth for a few days, with the result lasting somewhat longer than with shaving. The big advantage: no stubble, no cuts. However, ingredients such as thioglycolic acid can cause redness or allergic reactions on sensitive skin. A skin tolerance test is therefore recommended before the first use. The typical smell of the creams is also not to everyone's taste.
Facts about depilatory creams:
- Ideal for: legs, arms, back (not suitable for the face and intimate area)
- Duration of treatment: 5–10 minutes' application time
- Pain sensation: painless (possibly slight burning on sensitive skin)
- How long hair-free? 3–7 days
- Benefits: painless, easy to use, no risk of injury
- Disadvantages: chemical ingredients, smell, possible skin reactions
So what are the best hair removal methods?
Whether you only want to remove your hair occasionally or are looking for a permanent solution, the ideal hair removal methods depend on your skin type, your pain sensitivity and the desired result. While shaving and depilatory creams offer quick solutions for everyday life, waxing and epilation provide somewhat longer-lasting results. Anyone who wishes to get rid of hair for good, however, will find the most efficient and most cost-effective solution in the long term in professional laser treatment.
Get individual advice now at Dermacare Vienna and arrange a consultation today. Experience modern and efficient hair removal at our central Vienna institute.
Frequently asked questions
The term permanent hair removal is defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration USA) as a significant reduction of hair for a period longer than the hair cycle in the region. The oldest method by which permanent hair removal can be achieved is needle epilation. For some years now, however, laser and IPL epilation have been used for permanent hair removal with increasing success. The SHR method with 3 wavelengths is the state of the art in laser technology for permanent hair removal.
Long-term studies over several years have proven that the effect of professionally performed hair removal is of long-term duration: once hair follicles have been destroyed, they will no longer produce hair.
