Most women prefer getting rid of excess body hair using different hair removal methods. While shaving and waxing are popular choices, there are many other ways to get rid of unwanted hair.
Shaving
Shaving works by cutting off the hair at the skin level. It’s the most commonly used method of hair removal. You can choose between electric shavers and disposable razors, depending on your budget.
Advantages: Shaving is painless as long as you are careful to not cut yourself. Make sure you use shaving cream or soap and sharp blades. That way you can decrease the chance of having razor burn or post-shave irritation. It is also the least expensive and fastest way to remove unwanted hair.
Disadvantages: Since the hair is only removed at the skin level, it tends to grow back soon.
Where does it work best: Shaving works on various body parts but many women avoid shaving their face for the fear of thick hair growth post the session. However, shaving your legs, arms, underarms and even pubic area is safe.
How to use it: Shaving in the shower especially when you are using disposable razors is the best way to get a smooth, hair-free body. Wet the area you want to shave and then lather it up with shaving gel or cream. Then, wet the razor with water and shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Hold the skin taut if needed for a smoother glide. This step is essential when using an electric shaver as there is no cream used. Once done, pat dry the skin and apply moisturiser to prevent dryness.
How long will it last: The hair tends to grow back faster with this hair removal method. Depending on your hair growth, you will notice tiny hair growing back anything between two-three days to a week’s time post shaving.
Hair removal creams
Hair removal creams, also known as depilatories, have chemicals that break down the hair structure. In this method, you apply the cream on an area, wait for 5 to 10 minutes for it to break down the hair and then use a towel or a plastic scraper to remove the cream along with the hair.
Advantages: Hair removal creams provide results that will typically last longer than shaving but less than waxing.
Disadvantages: The chemicals in hair removal creams are strong and can irritate your skin. So do a patch test first and if the skin is fine with no irritation or redness, continue to apply it on a larger area.
Where does it work best: Hair removal creams can be used on large areas like legs and arms and also on patches that are difficult to shave or wax like your upper lip or elbows.
How to use it: Simply apply the cream in the direction of the hair growth and leave it on for the required time as mentioned in the instructions. Then wash it off and pat dry your hairless, smooth skin.
How long will it last: These creams can keep your hair growth away for up to a week depending on the thickness.
Waxing
Waxing is a hair removal technique that uses wax to remove hair from the root. It is done by applying warm wax over an area and then using a strip of cloth or paper to remove the wax along with the unwanted hair.
Advantages: You have to suffer through only a few seconds of pain for at least two weeks of hairlessness. And it doesn’ grow back as stubble. It’ll have a tapered tip, making the hair growth less obvious than when you shave. Waxing also leaves your skin feeling silky, and over time re-growth of hair is likely to be finer and slower.
Disadvantages: The drawback of waxing is that you have to let the hair grow enough for the wax to pull it out.
Where does it work best: Waxing is a hair removal technique that can be done on every part of the body including the face and pubic area. It works best when the hair is fully grown so that it can be pulled out in one stroke.
How to use it: It is best to go to a salon and get waxed but you also get home waxing kits that have strips coated with wax. You need to apply these strips in the direction of the hair growth and hold the skin taut. Then, in one quick motion, pull the strip in the opposite direction to get rid of the hair. In salons, wax is applied on the skin using a spatula and the same process is followed.
How long will it last: Waxing keeps you hair-free for two-three weeks at least, and in many cases, it can be four weeks too.
Electrolysis
In this method of hair removal, a needle is used to deliver a short blast of electric current into the hair follicle. It’s said to result in permanent hair removal after just a few sessions. Unlike lasers, electrolysis works for any type of hair and skin.
Advantages: The main advantage of electrolysis is that it provides permanent results. But this procedure has to be performed only by a professional. There’s no way you can do it on your own. Electrolysis is also much less expensive than laser hair removal, and requires fewer follow-up visits.
Disadvantages: During electrolysis, the hair is removed one at a time. This makes it a much slower process than laser hair removal. There is a stinging sensation for each follicle that could be painful, again depending on your threshold.
Where does it work best: Since the process is long, it works best on smaller areas like the face, neck and underarms.