Body Hair Removal for Men - Reasons, Methods, and Laser Hair Removal

For a long time, men did not pay too much attention towards body hair removal. If at all there was concern for hair removal, it was concentrated on the face, the head and the adherence to a specific fashion of the times. Over time, men caught on to the whole concept of body hair removal and started removing hair from various parts of the body. Today quite a number of men remove hair from all other parts of the body, apart from the head and the face.

Reasons behind body hair removal for men

As the options for hair removal for men increased, so did their need for body hair removal. Men have always removed facial hair, but didn't consider removing hair from other parts of their body. However, the contemporary man has specific ideas about his physical appearance, the various aspects of grooming and the whole concept of beauty and hygiene.

Men are more concerned now about the way they look, than they were ever before. There was a time when hair on many levels was associated with a manly attribute. Now the whole idea of a hairy man is considered passé and trimming of hair or its complete elimination is the norm. Body hair removal for men is all about looking good and not feeling uncomfortable about their bodies. Moreover, there are some parts of the body where less hair is a good idea as far as health is concerned. Take for example the case of armpits. A hirsute armpit means an increase in body heat and more perspiration. This isn't healthy for the body. For men, trimming the hair in the genital area improves its appearance and is said to be more hygienic. As an added incentive men seek to improve their sex life, with minimal hair in the genital area.

Hair removal methods used by men

There are a number of methods that men can choose from when it comes to body hair removal. The degree of efficacy of each of these methods differs as does the pain quotient.

• Plucking

If a man wants to give shape to his eyebrows, plucking is the chosen option. It's used in small areas as plucking is quite a painful process.

• Shaving

A very common method of hair removal used by men, and a method commonly used on the face. This is not a one off process however, and needs to be used regularly. Its use, at times, also leads to formation of stubbles and ingrown hairs, which will have an irritant value.

• Waxing

Typically, used to remove hair from the chest, arms, legs, and the back, waxing is very effective but painful. This method precludes the need to remove hair regularly, as hair growth is seen only a few weeks post waxing.

• Bleaching

The bleaching of hair does not remove hair but it reduces the visibility of the hair.

• Depilatories

The use of depilatories like creams and sprays offers efficient hair removal and that too painlessly. Hair inhibitor sprays like Ultra Hair Away are commonly used by men. Usually men use these creams in cases of ingrown hair and razor bumps. Creams like Ingrow Go etc. are used to remove ingrown hair.

Laser Hair Removal for men

The use of laser hair removal is quite popular amongst men for body hair removal. In this method a laser beam is focused on the areas from which unwanted body hair needs to be removed. It kills the hair follicles and thus offers a permanent hair removal solution. A man might have to go through several sessions with respect to laser hair removal; largely dependant on the part of the body and amount of area to be covered.

The ideal parts of the body on which laser hair removal can be used, are the back, nape of the neck, and on the unibrow ( if any).