Wanting to remove excess or dark hair can be a concern for anyone and it usually starts after we have gone through puberty. In North American and Western European cultures, it is more common for women to remove some or all of their body hair. Societal values are the main reasons to remove hair, such as it makes them seem unattractive or unfeminine.
There are many methods to remove the hair, each resulting in similar yet different outcomes. The methods can be classified within two categories, Depilation and Epilation. Depilation is where the hair is removed above the skin such as shaving or trimming. Other examples are using chemical depilatories(Veet,Nair). The other category is Epilation, which is where the entire hair is removed, including the the part below the skin. Examples of this are waxing, sugaring, epilation devices, lasers, threading, plucking with tweezers intense pulsed light or electrology. Choosing the right method for yourself can be a confusing as there are many options and some methods can be more painful then others. I will try and make things easier as well as explain each method.
Depilation
Shaving - Who its for: Someone who wants it done fast and easy; the "girl on the go"
How it works: This is the most temporary method as it only cuts the hair off above the skin. It usually lasts about 2 days average. Razors nowadays have many blades to lift the hair up and cut the hair above the skin.
How to do it: Apply a shaving foam before shaving as this will help to prevent nicks and cuts and allow the blade to glide over the skin.
Tips for shaving: 1. Shave after a shower or near the end of your shower as the hairs will be softened by the steam and heat.
2. When shaving legs; start from the ankles up, using long strokes. When shaving the bikini area or under arms; shave in the same direction of the hair growth as this will prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. OUCH!
3. Do not shave on dry skin as you will risk getting irritation, razor burn or ingrown hairs.
TRY: Try Gillette Venus Razor Finder to find the perfect razor for you and you needs.
Chemical depilatories - Who its for: For the clumsy or accident prone
How it works: These products work by breaking down the disulfide bonds which are attached to protein chains that give hair its strength, therefore making the hair disintegrate.
How to do it: If you can't shave to save your life without cutting yourself or are prone to irritation from waxing, try this. They are used by applying a thick layer on the area of concern and leaving it on for about 5-10 minutes and washing off. The skin can become irritated and sensitive if the product is left for to long as the skin is rich in keratin. These creams are mainly used for the arms and legs as the face is more sensitive. These products can come in gels, creams, sprays or lotions.
Tips for using chemical depilatories: 1. Use in well ventilated areas as these can be very strong smelling.
2. Before using these do a patch test as you may have a reaction or irritation. Try using them on the inner thigh or inner arm.
TRY: Nair hair remover or Veet
Epilation
Waxing - Who its for: Those who want it ALL gone or the perfectionist
How it works: This is the most common way of hair removal for large areas or areas where large amounts of hair is needed to be removed. With warm wax the wax is heated, allowing it to spread easily over the skin. As the wax cools the hair is embedded in the wax and it firms up and grasps the hair. The strip of wax is then quickly pulled off. With cold wax, the wax is already attached to strips and is then peeled off.
How to do it: This is best done by a professional, however if you want to try it apply the wax on the skin in an even layer in small patches. Apply the wax in in the same direction of hair growth. With the other hand, hold the skin around the wax taut and quickly pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Tips for waxing: 1. Use wax on dry skin and do not apply anything before the wax as this can prevent a good result.
2. Apply an oil after waxing to remove any stickiness.
3. To help avoid ingrown hairs, exfoliate the day before waxing.
TRY: Parissa
Who its for: Those with sensitive skin or those who get irritation from waxing or shaving
How it works: Used in the same method as waxing how ever it does not cause irritation like waxing as it sticks to the hair and not the skin.
How to do it: Used in the same method as waxing.
TRY: Parissa
Threading -
Who its for: Those with sensitive skin or those who get irritation from waxing or shaving
How it works: A professional uses a pure, thin, twisted cotton thread by rolling over the hair. It plucks hairs out from the roots. It is a natural alternative way of hair removal.
How to do it: As this would be almost impossible to do on your own I would recommend seeing a professional.
Electrolysis -
Who its for: Those wanting longer results and who have excess hair concerns.
How it works: This is done by inserting a thin needle down the hair follicle and sending an electrical current to the follicle root. This burns the follicle root, hopefully preventing hair from from regrowing. This can be a lengthy process as many treatments may be needed as each follicle is treated individually.
How to do it: If you chose this method, make sure to go to a professional.
Warning: This method can have side effects such as pain, infection, keloid formation, hyper or hypo pigmentation.
Laser -
Who its for: Those wanting longer results and who have excess hair concerns.
How it works: This method is done with lasers that emit light at different wavelengths, energy output and pulse widths. This method is not permanent however does slow the regrowth of new hair. It also has less side effects and has to be repeated many times.
How to do it: If you chose this method, make sure to go to a professional.
