From cultural to aesthetic to medical, there are many reasons why people remove their body hair. Just like it’s natural to let it grow, it’s common to want to get rid of some bikini hair or unwanted facial fuzz.

Hair removal, also called depilation, comes in many forms. It’s important to know the pros and cons of each before booking a salon appointment.

Depilation Definition: What’s That?

What is depilation? The depilation definition is simply a more scientific term for hair removal. Although it was a sign of cleanliness and a higher class during the ancient eras, having a well-groomed bod is increasingly common in modern society.

The definition of depilation refers specifically to the removal of the hair above the skin, but it is often used as a general term. The term “epilation” describes when hair is completely taken out of the follicle through a number of different methods.

Beyond just knowing the depilation meaning, it’s important to explore the many existing methods of depilation hair removal. From wax depilation to laser depilation, each treatment has varying effects.

Depilation with Wax

While shaving is probably the most common form of grooming across all genders, women mostly prefer wax depilation especially when it comes to bikini depilation.

Waxing involves pressing hot or warm wax to a hairy area. The wax is then pulled quickly in the opposite direction of the hair to remove it from the follicles.

Wax depilation comes in many forms, from hard wax to strip wax to wax beads. While it’s common for young adults to use strip waxes at home, the most effective treatments are done at salons with hard wax.

Choosing hair removal wax is choosing a widely trusted treatment that has minimal side effects, aside from some possible post-wax redness.

Wax Depilation Benefits

Whether you’re looking to groom your brows, upper lip, chest, or back, waxing can be performed on pretty much any part of the body. As full body grooming becomes more popular, including pubic hair depilation, the fact that almost all parts of the body can be waxed is one of the treatment’s best benefits.

This is especially so in comparison to shaving, which can cause trauma or abrasions to the skin in sensitive areas. It’s ideal to trust the hair removal process to a salon expert and make sure to follow up the treatment with the appropriate exfoliants and depilatory creams.

Wax depilation also leaves an area hairless for longer than shaving does. While shaving only cuts the hair above the skin, waxing pulls the hair from the root. Not only does this give the hair more time to grow, but it also reduces the appearance of stubble.

Laser depilation

Laser hair removal garners a ton of attention as a somewhat futuristic depilation treatment. The process involves exposing hair to pulses of a laser light that destroys the hair follicle.

Like waxing, laser depilation can safely be done anywhere on the body, and it tends to hurt less than waxing. However, unlike wax depilation, laser treatments can be costly, and they require multiple lengthy sessions before you see any real results.

The real pull of laser treatments is how they can drastically reduce hair removal. While laser doesn’t permanently stop follicular activity, you can essentially stop shaving after you’ve done enough sessions.

Depilation Cream

For a quick and easy alternative, try depilation cream. This is a product that relies on chemicals to remove hair instead of more physical tactics.

Using a depilation cream is as simple as applying the product, waiting no longer than 15 minutes total, and washing it off. This removes the hair above the skin, so your follicles won’t get irritated from the treatment.

It’s a low effort process, and it’s relatively inexpensive. You can pick up a depilation cream at your local drugstore or salon to take home. There’s no expertise required.

This method is relatively painless - the most you’ll feel is a tingling sensation. That is unless you’re allergic to certain chemicals in the cream. It’s important to do a quick skin test before applying it to an entire area.

Each method has its own benefits, so consider both your body and your budget. Of course, your health always comes first, so stick to what makes you feel most safe and comfortable.