Are you embarrassed by unsightly hair? Some people could care less if their leg hair was long enough to style, others go into hiding if they forget to pluck the stray hair growing from their chin. If you want to banish undesirable body or facial hair, there are a few choices, some of which are more or less permanent. Probably the best is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal has gained in popularity since it debuted in the 1990's, and many swear it gives the longest lasting hair removal. As with any optional procedure, however, you should consider all of your options before having laser hair removal.

Alternatives to laser hair removal include shaving (repetitive but effective and cheap in the short run), electrolysis, or the use of an epilator. Electrolysis is the more painful of the latter options, and can cause damage to sensitive skin. It is also a long procedure which works better for small areas like the upper lip or the eyebrows. Eventually, with electrolysis, the hair grows back. An epilator is less painful and has the advantage of being portable. Women often use an epilator on more sensitive skin.

Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is quicker to do. No needles are involved, but it still attacks the unwanted hair at the roots. It does not, unfortunately, effect a permanent solution in the same way that electrolysis does. Laser hair removal does lighten and diminish hair, but it is not as effective for dark skinned, dark haired people as it does for fair skinned people with darker hair. Also, multiple visits to the doctor for laser hair removal are needed to get the best results.

There are a few considerations with laser hair removal. First, it works more effectively on people whose hair color is darker than their skin color. Also, recent attempts at hair removal or a trip to the tanning bed can compromise the successfulness of laser hair removal. There are few sides effects to know about, however, but they last only a brief period of time. Some blistering and redness of the site can be expected as well as dark bumps as the follicles die. Again, all fade quickly. Finally, some hair may eventually grow back, but it is often thinner and fairer.

Laser hair removal can be an excellent choice for many men and women who are perpetually bothered by hair in inconvenient areas. It is usually a very affordable solution.