Best Method For Hair Removal

These days there are many options to hair removal. It’s not just about the razor anymore. Different hair removal methods work better on different areas and skin tones. Find out when and what  to shave, wax, laser, tweeze and zap.

Home Hair Removal with Shaving

Shaving, which involves cutting off the hairs at the skin’s surface, is one of the most popular and oldest methods of home hair removal. The reason why this method has survived for so long as a popular practice is because it is the most simple, convenient, painless and cheap method of hair removal around.

However, this method of hair removal does have its downsides, the main one being that it is the most temporary of all the hair removal methods. Shaving will therefore generally need to be repeated every few days, or even daily for some. Another problem with shaving is that it can damage the skin if not done properly, or cause shaving rash and ingrown hairs.

Waxing – At Home or in The Salon

Waxing is another extremely popular method of body hair removal. This method involves placing warm wax onto the skin, which will then cool and attach to hairs. The wax is then pulled off the skin, in the opposite direction of hair growth, pulling hairs out at the root. This method can either be done at home or in the salon under the care of a professional.

The advantages of this method are that it is quick if done correctly, and also it is relatively inexpensive, particularly if done at home. It is also one of the longest lasting of the temporary hair removal methods as, because hair is pulled out at the follicle, results will last from two weeks upwards. The main disadvantages of this method are the pain involved, and the fact that hair must be at least ¼ inch long prior to waxing, meaning that there will be periods of time where unwanted body hair must be allowed to grow.

Using Hair Removal Cream

Hair removal creams use chemicals which dissolve the hair at its root. These have become increasingly popular as they are painless, convenient and cheap methods of hair removal which offer softer re-growth than shaving and longer lasting results, which can last up to two weeks.

The main disadvantages of this type of hair removal, however, are that the creams can be very messy, they can be very ineffective and, because of the use of chemicals, it is a very unnatural and harsh method of hair removal which can cause reactions on more sensitive skin.

Removing Hair with an Epilator

Epilation involves removing the whole hair with an epilator by running the electrical device (which resembles an electric shaver in appearance) over the skin slowly. The epilator will grasp hairs and pull them out from the root.

The advantages of epilation are that it is very economical, it is very convenient (as the epilator is handy for traveling, and the skin does not need to be wet for use), and the results are just as long lasting as those of waxing. The main disadvantage of using an epilator is the pain involved from pulling the hair out at its root. It is also a slower process than that of waxing, as fewer hairs can be pulled out at once.

Sugaring as a Hair Removal Method

Sugaring is similar to waxing except for the fact that a sugar-based substance is used to pull out hairs, rather than wax. The advantages of this method are that it is usually kinder to the skin (with less risk of allergy) than waxing because the paste used is generally made from natural ingredients, and it can also be less painful than waxing. The disadvantages of this method are that it can be messy when done at home, and it can still be painful for some.

Using a Hair Removal Mitt

Hair removal mitts, such as Alida Silkymit, have a surface that resembles sandpaper, which you rotate against dry skin in a circular motion in order to smooth away hair. The advantages of using a hair removal mitt are that they are very cheap, they are convenient for traveling, and results should last up to a week with regrowth being less noticeable. The disadvantages, however, are that this method can be harsh and painful for some users, and it can also be ineffective at removing all hairs.

Removing Hair Permanently with Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves using a laser to disable the hair follicle, so that hair falls out and doesn’t grow back. This method differs from the other methods mentioned here in that the hair removal is permanent, which is the obvious advantage of this method.

The disadvantages of laser hair removal, however, are that a course of treatment is needed before the results are permanent, which can mean that this is a very expensive method for larger areas such as legs. Some women may also find that their hair is not as responsive to this treatment as others, meaning that their hair removal is not permanent, or an excessive number of sessions may be needed for it to be so. This method of hair removal can also be very painful.

Finding the Best Hair Removal Method for the Individual

Some things to consider when choosing a hair removal method are its cost, its effectiveness, its effects on the skin, its convenience, its simplicity, the pain involved and how long the results last. No hair removal product scores perfectly in every one of these categories, so it is worthwhile for individuals to consider what is most import to them in a hair removal product.