Hair removal has been a personal hygiene essential for humans for as far back as recorded history. In fact, researchers have found 7,000-year old hieroglyphics depicting Egyptians employing different methods for getting rid of unwanted hair. Check the internet today and you’ll likely come across a range of products and options for getting you that elusive smooth skin. While all of these techniques are actually effective, the first question that most users ask is – how long do the effects last?

WebMD lists some of the most common hair removal methods. And, when you study them, you’ll see that the most effective methods are the ones that eliminate the hair from the roots so it cannot grow back again too soon. On the other hand, the options that only remove the visible hair will have a stubble growing back in just a couple of days.

Let’s take a look at the most commonly used options for getting rid of unwanted hair and how they score on the effectiveness scale.

1. Laser Hair Removal

At present, laser hair removal is the most effective of all personal hygiene options. The method works by using light at specific wavelengths. The precisely controlled ray of light is directed at the hair follicle and works by burning it so it cannot grow back. In the hands of experienced dermatologists like the ones at the BHRC center, the procedure is completely safe. Typically, you can sign up for the treatment for small sections of the skin. And, you may have to come in for follow-up sessions every four to six weeks as they remaining hair grows back. Over the course of the next 6 to 12 months, you can expect to see permanently smooth skin.

With every session, you’ll notice that the growth is lighter and more scattered. You can get this hair removal procedure for any area including your face, underarms, and bikini area. Both men and women can sign up for the process that works best on people with dark-colored hair that absorbs the light and burns more easily. As for discomfort levels, the only sensations are that of a rubber band twanging against your skin.

2. Electrolysis

Like laser hair removal, electrolysis is also a permanent hair removal. In place of rays of light, the trained dermatologist uses an electric current passed through a fine needle to burn the hair follicles at the roots. You can get the treatment for any section where you have unwanted hair like your eyebrows, upper lip, chin, underarms, and bikini area. Unwanted hair on the breasts, abdomen, legs, and thighs can also be removed using this method.

If you have light-colored hair and don’t qualify for laser hair removal, electrolysis may be the next best alternative. Like this article on HowStuffWorks explains, you’ll need sessions every 2 weeks or so to remove the new growth as it appears. But, once the entire treatment is complete, you won’t have to worry about hair removal ever again. To answer the most important question – yes, it is painful. But, you cosmetologist will likely use a topical anesthetic to help you manage the pain better.

3. Epilators

Epilators may be the simplest way of managing your hair removal issues. You can take care of the unwanted growth in the privacy of your home and that actually makes it more economical. You’ll invest in an epilator and run it over your arms, legs, and any other area where you would like smooth skin. Since the method extracts hair from the roots, you’re unlikely to see a stubble before 4 weeks. And, that makes it an effective system to adopt if you combine it with exfoliating before running the device over the skin.

You can try epilating dry and damp skin depending on your comfort and pain tolerance levels. Expect to feel a stinging sensation as the device plucks individual hairs from the targeted areas. While epilators are convenient and quick to use, you need the length of the hair to be at least 0.5 mm like this feature on Vogue directs. As you continue to regularly use the device, you’ll notice that the hair growth is lessening and you can get by for longer periods without the need for hair removal. The major issue with epilators is that they work perfectly well for your body. But, if you need the clean skin on your face like the upper lip or chin, and shaped eyebrows, you may need to look for other options.

4. Sugaring

Although messy and somewhat cumbersome, sugaring is a technique first used by the ancient Egyptians in addition to tweezing. You can safely use this method for getting smooth skin even if you’re sensitive to chemicals because you’ll only use organic ingredients. You can make the paste for sugaring at home and that makes it the most economical method for hair removal. Combine together sugar, lime juice, and water and warm it slightly to match your body temperature. You can also add a little glycerine for conditioning the skin.

Apply a thin layer of the paste on your skin and allow to set for a few minutes. Flick it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth for smooth, soft skin. Sugaring helps lessen the new growth and you might notice that it is softer, finer, and far less visible. However, like this feature on Greatist warns, you do risk breaking off the hair shaft without really removing the follicles under the skin. But, with regular usage, it is possible to go without sessions for longer times. You can safely use this method all over your body, but again, look for options with more precision for your face.

There you go! 4 of the most effective hair removal options available today. Use them and you can sport all that pretty swimwear and the hottest of bikinis with flair.