Some of us want hair in certain places but not in others, while many people inherit a whole lot more than they want. Comb through the following facts, and pluck out the info you need to be happy about all things hirsute.

Hair on

Men tend to fret about how much hair they sport on their face, chest and legs. Although some blokes believe that body hair is a measure of their manliness, many women actually prefer their men to be smooth. So there are no outright winners.

Hair off

Even though it's perfectly natural, many women feel embarrassed about body hair. In particular, their concern centres around the face, legs, armpits and nipples. The fact is other cultures celebrate the hair we hide away. In France, a tufty armpit is considered the height of feminine chic! It's all question of personal taste. 

Hair cares!

Whatever you think about body hair, try not to let it grow into a problem. If you're not bothered by it then don't bother it. If it makes you miserable, however, and you want to whip it off, here are the options available:

• Shaving - works on legs and underarms, but not advisable for female facial use, as it blunts the hair tips and makes regrowth appear thicker.
• Bleaching - facial and upper lip hair can be lightened by using special kits available from chemists, or by getting professional treatment from a salons.
• Electrolysis - a process available in some salons where a mild electric current is used to destroy the hair root. It's permanent, but costly and very time consuming.
• Plucking - single hairs are pulled out from the root. It's painful, and only to be used on the eyebrows.
• Waxing - involves using DIY kits from a chemist, or more elaborate hot wax treatments in salons. It's a process in which wax congeals around the hairs so they can be pulled out in batches. Painful but very effective, although six weeks on you'll feel the need to repeat the process.
• Depilatory creams - these are specially formulated to dissolve hair. It's only temporary though, and can be expensive too. Also be aware that some people can have bad reactions to the chemicals.

Hair facts

• Hair is completely natural. It grows on the body as a means of protection and insulation.
• There is no medical or hygienic reason to remove body hair.
• Even so, 66% of women feel the need to deal with their body hair.
• There is no link between bald men and virility. It's a hair myth.
• Hair removal is big business. Women are estimated to spend up to 20 million pounds a year on depilatory creams.

Updated: 19/10/2008