How many of us can put our hands up and say we have unwanted hair growth and are unsure about the best way to remove it? Here are just a few hair removal options you may want to consider.
Waxing
Waxing is one of the most popular ways to remove hair. It can be used on most areas of the body and can be done at home by yourself or in a beauty salon by a trained beauty therapist.
Waxing removes the unwanted hair from the root, meaning the hairs are unlikely to grow back as quickly. In addition, they will most likely grow back finer, which means no more stubble or dark shadows.
After waxing, some people may notice they don’t need to wax for up to six weeks. But it’s important to remember this won’t be the case for everyone.
Other benefits of waxing are that ingrown hairs are less likely, and you will not be left with any shaving cuts. You may find you’ll still have a rash after waxing, but this often disappears within a few hours.
There are different types of wax available, including:
Warm Wax – This is applied directly to the skin using a spatula and then removed with fabric or paper waxing strips.
Hot Wax – This is applied directly to the skin using a spatula and then left to cool and harden. A corner is then lifted up and the wax is removed quickly. This wax is most suited to more sensitive skin and smaller areas.
Sugaring – This is not as popular as hot or warm wax but is still used from time to time. A mixture of sugar, lemon and water is applied as a paste onto the skin and then removed with a strip, or in a similar way to hot wax.
You can also purchase pre-waxed strips and roller wax tools.
Shaving
Shaving is the most affordable, pain free and fastest method. It removes the hair that has grown out through the surface of the skin and does not remove the root. This is why the hair grows back with a sharp blunt tip.
Shaving is best for areas such as the legs and underarms. It is not recommended for the face.
You’ll probably need to shave every two to three days. But everybody’s hair grows at different rates, so, just as with waxing, some people may need to shave every day while others may find they only need to shave once a week.
Disposable razors are the most common tool to use, but electric razors and hair removal creams also work in the same way.
Many people find that they suffer with ingrown hairs and razor burn/rash after shaving. Here are a few tips on how to get the best results from shaving:
• Use a good quality shaving cream/Gel
• Never dry shave
• Use a clean razor and replace regularly
• Exfoliate beforehand
• Apply unscented/ alcohol free moisturiser after shaving
• Pay attention to direction of hair growth
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal works best on pale skin and dark hair. It uses a light source and heat that targets pigment in an individual hair. This then gradually travels down to the follicle and eventually destroys the hair follicle.
It is effective on the legs, bikini line, underarms, lip and chin. It can be used on most areas but should be avoided around the eyes and on areas where there are tattoos.
Laser hair removal is one of the most long-term ways to remove unwanted hair. It usually lasts for at least two years, but for some people the hair may grow back sooner. After you’ve completed all sessions of laser hair removal you may still find you’ll need a few extra sessions afterwards to help keep unwanted hair away.
Hair may grow back after laser hair removal, but this depends on a few factors, including the person’s hair growth cycle. In the beginning you’ll need regular sessions for the treatment to be as successful as possible. How many sessions you will need and the cost of the treatment are different for everybody.
After the treatment, the area is often red and raised. However, this usually only lasts for a few hours to a couple of days. You will also need to take extra precautions when out in the sun, as the skin will be more sensitive than usual.
This method of hair removal is not suitable for pregnant women and certain skin types. If you go ahead with laser hair removal, always make sure you use an experienced and qualified person.
Threading
Originating from eastern cultures, threading is an ancient method of removing unwanted hair, mainly on the face. The therapist uses a piece of thin cotton, doubles it then twists it, and may then use their mouth, hands or neck to carry out the removal of hair.
This method of hair removal is difficult to do and is not something you can carry out at home on yourself. Threading removes hair from the follicle, so long-lasting results are likely. Also, unlike plucking, more hair can also be removed at one time.
It is also a popular option for eyebrows. But is not recommended for areas such as the arms, legs and bikini line, due to hair often being coarser in these areas. Threading is a good option as the hairs do not need to be as long as they do for waxing and is a better option for people with very sensitive skin.
Words by Nicole of Boome Hair & Beauty
