Guide to Hair Removal: Stay Fuzz-Free and Look and Feel Silky-Smooth
Considering that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the leading factors for soft and smooth skin, investing in the right beauty care is the next important step. Same as with the skincare routine with suitable natural face products, a hair removal routine is something you’ll want to tailor to your specific needs.
Many women are used to relying on a specific type of hair removal product, even though it mightn’t suit their skin type or lifestyle. However, armed with some basic knowledge about how each type works, you can find the best solution for you.
Waxing
Waxing is among the favorite hair removal methods, especially for legs and arms, though it can also be of help with the face and bikini line. There are several types of wax, but they all work on the same principle: sticking to hairs and pulling them out at the root, thus providing longer-lasting results. The most popular strip waxes are hot waxes that need to be applied warm. These include soft waxes and hard waxes.
Hard wax is for use on smaller areas of the body such as the upper lip, underarms, and bikini line. Even though it’s more difficult to apply than soft wax, it adheres less to the skin thus it’s easier to remove. On the other hand, it may not be that suitable for larger areas, such as the legs and arms, since most often it requires more than one application.
In this case, you can turn to the help of soft wax. It’s less sticky than hard wax and comes in a roll-on applicator. Besides being more practical for the arms and legs, if you have sensitive skin, you might also find it easier to apply because it’s less likely to cause irritation.
Both hard and soft types of strip wax are available in two forms: bars and sheets. The method of using each type of wax depends on which form you buy. Bars are usually applied using a wooden spatula, but sheets can be applied directly onto the skin with a hand-held roller device called a ‘stripper’. If you want something even more user-friendly than these two, you have the pre-made strips that adhere to hairs when pressed on.
Regardless of your choice, remember it’s important to do some prep beforehand. If you have particularly long hairs, do a bit of trimming, then use a sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells. This makes it easier for the wax to grab onto the hairs. Make sure you’re not using any products with alcohol because they tend to dry out the skin and lead to unwanted and rather painful tears.
Shaving
Shaving is among the oldest and most common methods of removing unwanted body hair. Unlike waxing with strip waxes it involves using a sharp, bladed instrument to cut the hair at the surface of the skin. Now, even though it’s so common, it goes without saying it comes with a number of disadvantages. For example, it’s time-consuming, especially if you’re shaving your legs.
There’s also the fact it promotes the growth of ingrown hairs, which is why many people experience bumps afterward, in addition to unpleasant razor burns, redness, and irritation. To avoid such issues, it’s wise to use essential oils like lavender for aftershave massage.
Moreover, since it doesn’t remove hair at the root, it’s a short-term option when compared to the longer-lasting results of the handy strip waxes. Usually, the hair grows back again within 2-3 days. But not everything is bad – especially not when we consider the price of razors. They’re reusable, and inexpensive, which places them among the most cost-efficient hair removal options.
With the proper prep before shaving, such as exfoliating and moisturizing, shaving shouldn’t cause problems. However, people who are prone to ingrown hairs or infections should avoid shaving their faces, or other sensitive areas, because nicks or cuts can allow bacteria access to the skin’s surface.
Depilatory cream
Similar to shaving because it only removes the hair that’s on the surface, it’s still different in the sense it doesn’t end up in accidental nicks and cuts. The application of this type of cream is simple: use a spatula, or your hand, to apply it to the area where you need the removal.
Such creams are cost-effective and usually available in tubes, pots, or aerosols, though some even come in cartridges. They work by dissolving the protein bonds between the hairs and follicles, causing them to loosen and facilitate removal by ordinary rubbing.
They’re also popular because they’re simple to use at home since there’s no need for supervision. Although they may not be ideal for people with sensitive skin who need the proper care with certain Sebamed skincare products. Despite the lower risk of allergic reactions, it’s advisable to first test them on a small area.
Epilators (Electrical Hair Removal)
Epilators, available as both corded and cordless, is a good way to reduce hair growth, though they aren’t a permanent beauty salon treatment solution like laser and light therapy. They can be used on the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line. For underarms and bikini lines you can use them dry or wet. If you go with wet use, make sure the skin is clean and apply the shaving cream or gel to make the epilator glide smoothly.
The best thing about epilators is they cause less pain and leave the skin smooth longer so you can expect to be without unsightly hairs for up to four weeks. It’s because of their sharp little tweezers that pull out the hair from the root as opposed to the surface-based razors.
To Sum it Up
The decision to remove unwanted hair is largely personal because it depends on reasons like convenience, personal hygiene, and aesthetics. With different solutions, such as efficient strips of wax, shaving, depilatory creams, and epilators, remember to consider various aspects when choosing the ideal one.
Starting from the area where hair is to be removed, the cost of the treatment, the desired results, the length of effect, and the frequency of treatments are among the most important considerations. Not excluding the level of pain or discomfort caused, skin type, and tone.
Keep yourself well-informed about the different methods, as well as the related products’ pros and cons. This way, when you shop, you’d be comfortable with your choice and confident you made the right decision for your needs.