Hair removal is not just one procedure but a series of procedures that is undertaken by both men and women for the removal of unwanted body hair. There are various methods used for the same. Most of them are used by both, men and women; however there are some methods of hair removal that are designed for particular body types.

Body hair or androgenic hair

Body hair is the colloquial term for androgenic hair. This is the hair that develops on the human body during and after puberty. This hair should not be confused with the hair on the head and the one known as vellus hair. The name "androgenic" itself gives a fair idea of its origins. It is the levels of androgens (male hormones) in the individual that determine the amount of body hair. Men have more androgens than women; hence tend to show more androgenic hair than women.

During a person"s childhood, regardless of the sex, there is a growth of vellus hair all over the human body. There are a few exceptions like specific genital areas, lips, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, scar tissue, navel, and the soles of the feet. Over time, as the levels of androgen increase in the body during and after puberty, the vellus hair in many parts of the body transforms into terminal hair or androgenic hair. The human pubic area is more sensitive to androgens than any other parts of the body hence; there is a heavy appearance of hair in this region first up.

Hair removal for men

These days, it"s not uncommon to come across men who are looking for ways to deal with excess body hair. Moreover, there are quite a number of hair removal methods that men can use.

• Laser Hair Removal

In this method, the penetration of focused light energy takes place through the hair shaft, effectively killing it. The results of laser hair removal are either permanent or last for a long time. The Rio Salon Laser or Rio Scanning Laser is a laser based device that has been designed for home use; it can be used for convenient, safe and easy hair removal.

• Shaving

Shaving is a common form of hair removal in men, typically used for the removal of facial hair. Some men also use back shavers for shaving their backs and shoulders. Moreover, men also use shaving as a means of shaving hair from their chest.

• Creams and Inhibitors

These are also called depilatories and they are essentially natural or chemical compounds in the form of a gel, cream or spray used for hair removal purposes. Their function is to target the protein in the hair and help dissolve them or deplete them appreciably. Thus, hair loosens and falls out instantly.

Other hair removal options for men include waxing and electrolysis, amongst various others.

Hair Removal for Women

Most forms of hair removal for men and women remain common. For e.g. laser hair removal is a popular method of hair removal for women as well. Women with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates for laser hair removal. On the other hand, if a woman has blonde hair, than electrolysis could be a better option. Electrolysis is a permanent option for hair removal and its aim is to destroy those cells that help in hair growth.

Waxing is yet another popular hair removal method for women. Wax is applied to the area of the body that needs hair removal. Then special cloth strips are applied to this area and then pulled in the opposite direction to the hair growth. The hair thus gets removed.

The No! No! Hair removal system is another unique system that removes hair using the trademark heat technology. Its patented Thermicon tip helps remove hair when the device is plugged into a power point.

Sprays like Ultra Hair Away and Hair No More hair Inhibitor as well as creams like the CC Depilation cream also help women remove body hair effectively.