Experts share how to remove unwanted hair safely

If you find yourself in a hairy situation this summer, experts have got your back. 

Whether you choose to go natural or remove body hair this summer is up to you, but should you decide to go hair-free, you can either shave wax or undergo laser hair removal. 

CNN spoke to Dr. Deirdre Hooper, cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans who said there are a few things to consider when 

Laser hair removal 

If you want to get rid of hair for a long period of time, laser hair removal is your best bet. You can either go to a dermatologist’s office or a medical spa.

“A laser is the most effective way to remove hair because it uses a particular wavelength of light that’s going to perfectly target your hair based on your hair color and your skin color,” Hooper said.

Dr. Suzanne Kilmer, the founder and director of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California and clinical professor at the University of California, Davis Medical Center in Davis, California, told CNN that if you have darker skin tones, you should see a dermatologist. 

“The darker your skin type, the more you really need to vet who is doing the treatments,” Kilmer said.

This is because darker skin tones need special wavelengths and designated cooling systems so that people don’t burn. 

“If you have dark skin, don’t even try going to (an inexpensive medical spa) because I get all the burns from those places,” Kilmer told CNN. 

At home devices

At home hair removal devices use intense pulsed light instead of the targeted beams that lasers use. 

It’s cheaper to remove your hair at home but you won’t get as effective results. 

“You’re going to get good results with an at home IPL – probably 60% to 75% of what you could get with an in-office laser procedure – and it’s done at your convenience at a lower cost,” she said.

There are also some safety concerns, especially if you have a tan or darker skin. 

“I have treated three of these (burns) this spring already in my office,” Hooper said.

Hooper said to ask a dermatologist about whether or not your skin is suitable for an IPL device. 

Shaving, waxing and hair creams

Shaving the skin is a tried and true hair removal method but it can sometimes irritate the skin, especially if you are shaving more frequently in the summer. 

Hooper said that shaving at the end of a bath or shower after the skin is exposed to water as well as using a razor with few blades is better, 

“Actually, some of the less snazzy razors that only have two or three blades are less irritating,” she said.

She said you could moisturize the skin afterward with a lotion but use one without a fragrance because fragrances can also irritate the skin. 

If you are waxing, Hooper said that those with coarse or curly hair should be wary that they may be more likely to get ingrown hairs.

Hair removal creams dissolve the hair which leaves you with less stubble, but they can also irritate the skin. 

If you want to permanently remove hair, laser treatment is the way to go. 

“Try to find a way to see someone who can do a laser on you who is safe and knows about the risks associated with laser – ideally a board-certified dermatologist,” Hooper said.