Pulling, plucking, shaving and waxing - it’s safe to say women go to great lengths to stay smooth and hair-free, Daily Mail reports.

But at a time when men everywhere are taking more of an interest in their appearance, it seems they too are worrying about how best to get rid of their unwanted hair. 

One London clinic, in fact, has reported that the number of men undergoing laser hair removal rose by 86 per cent between 2012 and 2013.

Excessive hair growth in men is often caused by excessive levels of testosterone.

But this is not always the case as genetics, age and ethnicity can also all play a part.

Louis Kearton, a 21-year-old customer services advisor, suffered with excessive hair on his arms, back, chest and shoulders from the age of 12.

He said: ‘I was bullied as a child because of the hair and life as a teenager certainly wasn’t easy.

Mr Kearton (pictured since his treatment) said: 'Now I can look in the mirror and feel proud of myself'

‘As I grew up I wasn’t able to do things other guys my age did, like swimming or going to the gym. I felt trapped in my own clothes and I absolutely hated taking my top off.

‘As much as I waxed and shaved my chest, it didn’t seem to make any difference -the hair would actually just grow back ten times worse.’

Eventually, he decided to undergo hair removal treatment.

Over time, and after a series of sessions of laser hair removal, hair growth will significantly slow or even stop altogether.