Eyebrow hair naturally grows more slowly than other body hair. New growth is also slower, as most brow hairs are in the telogen – or resting – growth phase. That means plucked hair can take weeks to grow back – so tweeze with care.

Plucking is the cheapest DIY hair removal method. Waxing also removes the hair follicle but, as with plucking, there is a risk of scarring or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle). If you are afraid of being left browless, the ancient Indian technique of threading is more precise than waxing. For permanent hair removal, electrolysis works by destroying the hair follicles . However, this can cause scarring or changes in skin colour and the NHS advises using an accredited electrologist. Another option is laser treatments, which last several months and use powerful beams to destroy the hair.

This technique has become increasingly popular in the UK and is usually used on facial hair, as it works best on even surfaces. Therapists use a twisted thread and loop it around hairs, pulling them out by the root. The technique is fast and relatively painless and can remove hair from the browline, upper lip or other parts of the face.

Shaving does not actually change the quality of the regrowing hair. The reason hair may appear to be thicker or darker as it grows back is because shaving leaves a blunted tip on the end of the hair.

Hair becomes ingrown when it grows back into the skin's surface or grows back into the hair follicle without even penetrating the skin's surface.This can result in an irritating bump or rash. It most often happens after shaving an area of skin. The best way to combat the problem is to let hairs grow without shaving them. Always wet the hair before shaving and work in the same direction as hair growth.

During the waxing process, melted wax is applied to areas with unwanted hair. When the wax cools and hardens, it is pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth, removing hair at the same time. However, scarring, inflammation or infection can be caused by this process and some experts suggest it’s best to stay away from sensitive areas, such as the nose, ears, eyelashes or genital areas.

The entire human body is coated with hair – with the exception of lips, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and eyelids. Vellus hair – that fine, soft, fuzz of light hair, covers most of your body and helps maintain a healthy body temperature. Terminal hair is usually darker, coarser hair and grows on the head, under arms and the genital area.

Hair removal products, or depilatories, come in gel, lotion, cream or roll-on form and are a cheap way to remove unwanted hair. They work by dissolving hair into a jelly-like form that can be wiped from the surface of your skin. However, applying them can be messy, smelly and challenging. Your skin can also be burned if you leave them on too long - and they don't work as well on thicker, coarser hair. Never use them on the brow area near your eyes or on broken or irritated skin.

Electrolysis can be painful. The NHS says it's important to use a professional electrologist, accredited by the British Insitute & Association of Electrolysis. A small needle is inserted into the hair follicle and an electrical current is used to kill the follicle. It's usually not used on large areas of the body as the process has to be done one hair at a time.

As electrolysis actually kills the hair follicle using an electrical current, it is usually permanent. Hair regrowth does happen sometimes, so bear in mind, follow-ups may be necessary.

The risks include infection from unsterile needles or scarring if the electrologist is not properly trained or is incompetent.

Powerful beams of light are used to destroy hairs and damage the hair follicle to slow future hair growth. The light is absorbed by the pigment, melanin, which is responsible for the colour of skin and hair. For that reason, laser treatments work best on people with light skin and dark hair and doesn’t work well for light hair. Multiple visits are necessary for treatment and the risks include blistering, discolouration, swelling, redness and scarring. However, laser treatment is effective for large areas of unwanted hair and discomfort is usually minimal. 

Because of the risk of burns or changes in skin colour, people with dark skin should only use this treatment as a last resort and always with an experienced professional.  

Laser hair removal works best on areas of the body with thinner skin, such as the underarm and bikini area rather than the back or legs. A cream may be applied to numb pain during the procedure.

Laser hair removal works best on areas of the body with thinner skin, such as the underarm and bikini area rather than the back or legs. A cream may be applied to numb pain during the procedure.

Laser hair removal should always be carried out by a trained and experienced practitioner, but currently this doesn't have to be a doctor. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) says its members often see patients with burns and scarring, mainly due to laser hair removal. However, the British Association of Beauty Therapy (Babtac) says problems can also occur in medical clinics as well as salons offering laser hair treatment.

Hirsutism occurs when a woman’s body produces abnormally high levels of male hormones. It is associated with certain conditions including hormone disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can also be caused by certain drugs, such as steroids. Treatment for women with PCOS includes some types of contraceptive pills, certain medication, and other treatments such as topical creams, that can reduce the growth of unwanted hair.