Hair removal methods can be categorised under the headings of surface or root. Surface removal methods cut the hair at the point closest to the skin, where as root removal methods remove the hair at the root. The questions are, which method is fastest, which lasts the longest and which could be affected by your changing hormones?

Root removal methods include epilating, waxing, threading and laser hair removal.

Surface removal methods include wet shaving, electric shaving and depilatory creams.

A brief description of these hair removal techniques follows but please remember, if you are in any doubt, before deciding on a treatment, procedure or product use, please consult your family doctor or a dermatologist, or anyone who is an authority in the medical field, since you will be best protected by their sound advice.

Epilating works by using a hand held device that has a head of rotating tweezers which you run along the skin's surface, removing hairs as it goes. It works for all body parts - legs, underarms, arms, bikini area and face.

Epilating has many advantages over other hair removal methods, it provides ultra-smooth results, lasting up to four weeks. It is mess free and new models also come with an extra attachment for removing unwanted hair from specific areas such as the face. However there is a potential disadvantage, it may be uncomfortable on more sensitive areas.

Epilators can remove hairs as short as 0.5mm, unlike wax which needs lengths of 2mm hair for optimum results, so there's no need to wait for unsightly regrowth.

Hot or cold wax is applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth, then once it solidifies, fabric strips are smoothed on and quickly stripped off against the direction of the growth, pulling the hair out with it. As an alternative you can use pre-made wax strips. Waxing works best for legs, bikini area, eyebrows, underarms and upper lip.

The advantage of waxing is that it can keep your legs hair free for weeks, so you don't have to think about hair removal for weeks on end. The disadvantages are that it can be painful. Also, you have to wait until hairs are long enough before you can wax them again, which can be a problem if you want to bare your legs or hate the feeling of regrowing hairs. If you do it yourself, it can be messy, and if you go to a salon, it can be expensive. Finally, wax can miss very short hairs.

Threading works by fine pieces of cotton being twined round each individual hair then pulled quickly apart, removing the hair along with it. It is best for small, delicate areas like eyebrows and the upper lip.

If you undertake laser hair removal, a narrow beam of light is focused on small sections of your skin. The light destroys hair follicles, thus preventing hair from growing back. The paler your skin and the darker your hair, the better the treatment will work. Laser treatment is best for the bikini area, under arm and the upper lip.

The advantages are that laser treatment is much faster and less painful than it used to be, because larger sections of skin can now be treated in one go. In many cases, hair is discouraged from ever growing back, or if it does, the hair tends to be very fine and thin.

There are disadvantages, laser treatment requires multiple treatments that can get very expensive. You also have to be careful about going out in the sun for up to six weeks either side of your treatment as changes to the pigment in your skin can increase the risk of sunburn. Hormonal changes like pregnancy or the menopause can also cause hair to start growing back again.

Laser hair removal treatment is great for areas that cause you real distress, like the upper lip, but quite extreme as an ordinary hair removal option.

Razor blades gliding over moistened skin cut hair at the surface. Wet Shaving is best for legs, underarms and the bikini area.

The advantages are probably familiar, it is fast, effective, painless and also gently exfoliates dry, flaky skin on legs to keep them looking extra smooth. However, whilst shaving does reveal beautifully smooth skin, you have to keep on doing it frequently in order to maintain the smooth results.

Electric shaving works by passing a small electric machine with a fine screen at one end across the skin's surface, trapping hair. Blades move laterally and cut the hairs against the edge of the screen. Electric Shaving is best for legs, the bikini area and underarms.

The advantages are that electric shaving is quick, safe and because you do it "dry", it is easy to do on the go. It is also a good option for those with very sensitive skin.

Unfortunately, the "hairless" effect does not last quite as long as wet shaving. The razor also needs looking after properly, which means regular cleaning and changing the blades annually.

Depilatory creams work by chemically dissolving the hair at the surface of the skin. Once applied, the cream is left on the skin for up to 10 minutes then removed by gently rubbing away at the hair. They are best for the upper lip, the bikini area and underarms.

Depilatory creams are pain free and inexpensive. However they can sometimes be messy and difficult to apply. Traditionally, products have an unpleasant smell, though some are better than others. Skin irritation can be a problem too, so it is best to do a patch test 24 hours before you want to apply the cream.