Hair today, gone tomorrow: eight steps to a fuzz-free life

Men's Fitness, August, 2004 by Brian Good

But if you're looking for a more permanent option, you may consider something called ab sculpting. The procedure is a form of laser hair removal. Instead of getting rid of all the hair on your chest, however, only a portion is removed. The rest of your chest hairs are thinned and shaped, helping further define your existing six-pack. (Imagine a topiary bush above your abs.)

"The technique relies on a type of optical illusion," says Dana Elise, director of Laser Solutions, a Beverly Hills-based skin-care center. "To create the appearance of abs, we use the laser to leave more hair in the center of the abdomen, and then feather the hair outward, creating the appearance of toned muscle," she says.

But even the appearance of abs doesn't come cheaply. Each ab-sculpting session costs around $350 to $400, and you'll need five to six treatments to achieve that ab-fab look.

AREA TO TRIM: LEGS

Best way to tame 'em: Wax. The hot sticky stuff isn't just for women, says Jacqui Stafford, director of style for Shape, MF's sister magazine. Whether you have an injury that needs to be taped or are looking to shave a couple of hairs off your breast-stroke time, waxing may be the best way to do it.

First--as is the case in a job interview or first date--don't pour it on too thick. "A thick layer of wax isn't as effective for pulling hair as a thinner layer," says Stafford. "Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Then apply the wax in the same direction your hair grows, press on the cloth strip, and rip it off in the opposite direction." You can use home waxing kits that you heat up in the microwave or in boiling water. Stafford also recommends what's called a "sugaring" kit. "They work just like wax but stick only to hair, not skin," she says. (Look for her favorite at moom.com.)

To keep the waxing from becoming too painful, take two aspirin beforehand to reduce inflammation, and wash with an antibacterial soap afterward to reduce the risk of folli-culitis--tiny razor-burn-like bumps.

AREAS TO TRIM: KNUCKLES, TOES, SHOULDERS & ANKLES

Best way to tame 'em: Depilatory cream, such as Nair for Men. The gunk is easy to use and is more effective than shaving, because you're breaking down and dissolving the strand of hair, rather than just slicing it off at skin level. Plus, it's ideal for small areas, where it would be easy to nick or cut yourself, or where razor stubble might seem a bit too, uh, weird. Take a warm shower before slathering on the cream and avoid rubbing it into your skin or roughly scrubbing off the cream after use--both actions can increase your risk of painful ingrown hairs.

Additional reporting by Sara Cohen