Unlocking smooth skin: A Comprehensive Guide to Hair Removal
One of the things puberty comes with is underarm hair, hair around the private area, and chest area. Others have to deal with hair on their face, legs, arms, and hands. We all desire smooth hair-free skin. There are different ways of removing unwanted hair and there are different advantages with each method and of course different levels to the results as well. Popular hair removal methods include;
1. Shaving the most popular method makes use of tools such as razors, shaving bics, and trimmers. This pretty much cuts the hair you see which means quick regrowth
2. Waxing is a more common method nowadays. This could be done using hot wax, cold wax, or sugar wax. It uproots the hair from its follicles meaning slower regrowth. It also makes coarse hair fine.
3. Depilatory creams are more convenient for at-home use.
4. Laser hair remover is a semi-permanent hair reduction method using intensive pulse light (IPL) through laser machines.
5. Electrolysis is another method of permanent hair removal using epilators. It uses electric current to prevent the hair follicle from growing. It is not painful
The following could be determinants of what method you use.
Downtime: Laser removal will have a longer downtime as you can’t have the treatment so often. You will need some time between treatments. However, with bics and creams, you can shave as often as you see the unwanted hair. Also with waxing, there is a downtime though not as long as laser treatment.
Availability: You can easily enter any shop to purchase a shaving cream or bic. With waxing and laser, you would have to book an appointment. More so for people of color, you need to find the right laser for your skin tone.
Cost: So bics and creams are less expensive. If you get an electric shaver you have to worry about utility bills which might not really impact that. Laser treatments are rather on the high end and people of color might need 8-9 treatments for good results.
Growth rate: Laser and Waxing slow down the growth rate as these methods uproot the hair from its follicles which means the growth rate will be slow compared to bics and creams. Electrolysis will be the only FDA permanent hair removal approved method.
Nature of the skin: People with sensitive skin might need to do patch tests for all methods to identify which one works for their skin. If you get after-shave bumbs you could consider laser treatments or waxing. If you are sensitive to UV rays then you shouldn’t go for laser. If your skin is easily irritated and you prefer waxing, the esthetician can do patch tests to find you the right wax.
Medication or allergy: It is important to let your esthetician know especially if you are on blood thinners or allergies.
It is important to take note of your pre and post-care. Pre could include: Exfoliation, cleaning, and moisturizing the area depending on the method. Post-care could include avoiding hot baths and sun exposure for at least 24 hours, applying SPF, or skipping the immediate use of your deodorant.
Like most treatments or products I always advise a patch test to determine it’s safe and that your skin won’t react. What method is new to you that you would like to try?