The desire to have a smooth, hairless skin is no more restricted to the fairer sex, with both men and women hopping on to the hair removal bandwagon. While extra hair removal is considered part of one’s hygiene regimen, it has graduated from just being that into a beauty and fashion statement. This write up discusses the various methods available for removal of extra hair from different body parts and the factors to consider before opting for one.
1. Plucking with Tweezers
This is one of the basic and simplest methods of hair removal, often used for eyebrow re-shaping and removing stray facial hair. Those who are naturally blessed with least amount of extra facial hair opt for this method. Care needs to be taken in that the instrument is used with finesse and the hair be plucked in the direction of hair growth in order to avoid skin trauma. Apart from the manual tweezers, there are also the electric ones available. However, before buying one, be sure to use it on yourself, especially if you have sensitive skin. Re-growth usually occurs between 4 to 7 weeks.
2. Bleaching
This is not a true hair removal method but is used as a substitute by many. Bleaching lightens the dark color of facial, arm and leg hair to golden or blonde. It is a low cost method with no documented side effects. However, bleaching creams usually contain chemicals which may alter skin pigmentation or the hair texture in the long run. Yet it is a preferred method due to speedy results at a low cost.
3. Shaving
Although one of the most common methods of getting rid of extra hair, shaving has its downsides especially on women’s soft skin. For one, shaving is known to produce coarser, stiffer hair in subsequent re-growths. Second, it is not recommended for sensitive areas like face, under arms etc. where it can easily damage the skin. Third, use of men’s razors must be avoided by women due to the basic difference in the two genders’ skin textures. While shaving with special feminine razors or electric shavers meant for this purpose is a quick solution for hair removal, it’s not a permanent solution.
4. Waxing
Waxing is a popular method of hair removal from face, arms, legs and bikini line in women and from chest and back in men. While it is one of the largely used methods, it is not painless. When hot wax is applied to the body part from where the hair are removed using a strip, forcing the hair out causes ample discomfort at the very least. It may even cause soreness in skin for a while or some damage in more sensitive areas. Yet this method is popular because of the smooth skin it produces and the delayed re-growth afterwards. It is also relatively less expensive than certain other methods.
5. Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method whereby each hair is treated individually, by passing current through the skin using a needle. One can opt for performing it at home through the DIY home electrolysis devices OR opt for professional assistance.
While home electrolysis works well for many, it requires skill, time and patience. It is not completely easy to perform the procedure on yourself and it will take lots of time everytime you use it on a certain area. Another drawback of doing it yourself is that you can’t work properly on body parts that you are unable to see properly and thus apply the electrolysis device. Also, many report that these home devices are not a true ‘permanent hair removal’ solution. Instead the hair does not come back for a longer time as the growth slows down. However, they are mostly inexpensive and great for those not having access to a beauty salon or an expert.
Professional electrolysis, on the other hand, is a much better option. Not only is it safer to have an epilogist perform the procedure on you but also guarantees thorough hair removal. The only problem some may see is the higher cost.
6. Depilatories
Depilatories are commonly used for a longer lasting hair removal and on more sensitive body parts. Since depilatories dissolve the hair from a deeper root below the skin, it takes longer for the hair to grow back. This is a painless method for removing unwanted body hair and is frequently used on face, arms and legs, under arms, bikini line and other body parts. While it is not as inexpensive as certain other methods, it is preferred due to its convenience, delayed hair growth and provision of smoother skin.
7. Epilators
Epilators are electronic devices used to mechanically remove extra hair. In some ways they work like waxing. However, these devices are largely painless. While it involves certain investment when buying epilators, they remain useful for a long time and are safe to use on sensitive body parts as well.
8. Laser Technology
Laser hair removal is a rather modern method of hair removal and claims permanent removal. Although it is quite expensive to get it done, people go for it as it is completely painless and guarantees smooth skin. However, there can be certain side effects like itching and scaring of the skin. It is a still evolving method and hence some people also report re-growth even after going through a number of laser hair removal sessions yet other have found it a permanent solution.
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