There are hundreds of hair removal products on the market, all of them promising long-lasting results and no side effects. Store shelves are lined with shaving creams, gels, foams, chemical depilatories, waxes, and even electrolysis devices. But how do you know what to choose? Here are some tips.

The first thing you should do when you are in the market for a new hair removal product is to look for a well-known brand. A company that has been around for many years is likely to have a good hair removal product that is not only effective, but also safe.

Before buying a hair removal product, read the ingredients and the directions for use. It is extremely important that you follow the directions, especially for depilatories. For example, you should never use depilatories for eyebrows, areas around the eyes, other sensitive areas, and on inflamed skin. Never apply them more often than recommended.

How do you know if a product suits you? Be sure to do a preliminary skin test (which some department stores are ready to give you at their counters) both for an allergic reaction and sensitivity. Get a free sample first and see if it irritates your skin. Failure to do so can possibly cause skin irritations and possibly even chemical burns, not to mention waste your hard-earned money.

If you find that a product causes second- or third-degree burns and scarring, report it to the Food and Drug Administration immediately, and save others from going through the same ordeal. The formula of the product may be too strong, or one of its inactive ingredients may be heightening the burning effect. The product's calcium thioglycolate concentration should just be right. That is, it should gentle enough not to cause skin irritation, yet strong enough to actually remove hair.