Depilatories are creams that are applied to the skin to dissolve hair. They can work on most areas of the skin, from the legs, to the underarms, and even on the bikini line, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free longer. Some depilatories even include conditioning ingredients, which leave your skin smooth and moisturized. Before using a depilatory, apply a test strip to your skin and wait 24 hours. If your skin looks clear, apply cream to other areas.

While a more painful option, waxing has longer-lasting effects than shaving and using depilatories as it removes hair from below the skin surface. For this method, a special heated wax is applied to the skin. Then, a waxing strip is placed on top of the wax and ripped off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking the hair with it. Waxing treatments can be done at home or in a salon by an aesthetician. Waxing can cause infection if done improperly. If you wax at home, read all the instructions on your packaging. If you still don't feel comfortable, get a salon treatment instead. All parts of your body can be waxed; however, it's best to leave bikini waxes to the professionals.

Tweezing removes one hair at a time, while the ancient art of threading removes a few hairs at a time. Because these methods are more time consuming, they're recommended for use on the face. Like waxing, tweezing and threading remove hair at the root, so you'll stay hair-free longer. Tweezing and threading are better options for those with sensitive skin who might be negatively affected by wax and depilatories.

If you're looking for a permanent removal method, laser hair removal or electrolysis is the way to go. Both treatments can be done in a doctor's office, or at home with self-use devices. For either option, you will need several sessions before seeing permanent results. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can be done on any part of the body, but are less effective on people with darker skin tones, so check with your doctor before starting treatment.