Getting Rid of Leg Hair
Shaving is probably the most popular method for leg hair removal. This is possibly because it's so cheap and quick. But it's also just a quick fix, as hair can grow back within a day or a few days—if you're lucky. It's different for everyone. Just go pick up your favorite razor from the store (there are a zillion options). Lather up your leg with shaving cream or soap and water, and shave your leg in the opposite direction of hair growth. Beware of razor burn and cuts. Rinse off, allow to dry, and apply some lotion for maximum sexiness.
Tweezing is another cheap, at-home method, but more time consuming. Tweezing the entirety of both your legs is quite a task, but I know women who do it. Your legs will be hairless for days longer than shaving, and you save yourself a pile of money by foregoing waxing. The only thing you need to spend money on is your tweezers. You'll want a good pair if you're going this route, which are more expensive than you'd think. However, they are still loads cheaper than other leg hair removal options. Ingrown hairs may result.
There are a ton of creams, gels, foams, and lotions available to help minimize leg hair. Depilatory products work by essentially dissolving your leg hair with chemicals. These can be lotions that will make hair less noticeable over time or foams that will eradicate hair a few minutes after application. I've tried the latter option, and while it burned off my hair, it made my legs sting. On top of that, it did no better to keep hair away than shaving (time-wise). That might just be my experience. Be sure to follow each product's directions.
Waxing can be done at home or the salon. Home waxing is obviously going to be cheaper, but a salon will save you from potentially burning yourself with the wax. It'll also probably be quicker, and you won't be the one inflicting the pain. There are several varieties of wax to try, including all-natural, and you'll find a recipe for making your own in the sidebar. Whichever you choose, follow the directions to avoid all kinds of damage to yourself. Reactions to waxing will differ (extreme pain or none; splotchy, red skin or none).
Laser hair removal can get expensive, but it's a fairly permanent method. This treatment for unwanted hair can take several sessions (3–8), but hair will be way less of a problem. A dermatologist will use a laser to blast away at your hair follicles, eventually damaging them enough to slow hair growth. This is fairly painless, but you will need to be very careful with your skin for a time afterwards. There are also possible side effects. These are generally only minor. However, there could possibly be blistering or color changes in your skin (especially if your skin is darker).
Electrolysis is a permanent, painful, and expensive way to get rid of leg hair. A needle is inserted into a hair follicle and either a chemical or intense heat is added to destroy them. Multiple sessions may be necessary to completely eradicate hair, and sessions will be longer for larger areas. Your legs have a lot of surface area, so you might be in for quite the process (and possibly a quite painful one). But after all is said and done, your legs will be hair-free—permanently.
Choosing a Method for Leg Hair Removal
With so many available options, you might be wondering where to start. The bad news is that I can't make that choice for you. The good news is that unless you jump straight to electrolysis or lasers, there's nothing stopping you from trying out each of them until you find out what works for you. If you decide to try the more permanent options, please take care in choosing where you get this service. There are many places clamoring to rid you of that furry sweater on your legs, but check them out in advance and only trust a trained professional to come at you with lasers and/or chemicals. If after taking time, money, pain, and the results into account, you still find these options unacceptable, or are fed up with them altogether, you have one last alternative: Stop caring about what your legs look like and leave them to their natural state. Maybe smooth them out for special occasions, but otherwise embrace your furriness. You'll stay warmer in the winter and save yourself time and money. And it could be a conversation starter at summer parties. Whichever route you choose, just be sure to love your legs, your body, and yourself.
