Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body.
The hair on the face and body is completely normal. But many think hair is unsightly and go to extreme measures to remove hair. Because of the prevalence of hair removal, there are many hair removal methods out there.
These hair removal methods have different prices, different degrees of pain, different levels of complexity, and these all impact how fast the hair will grow back. Most importantly, they each have their pros and cons.
What is the best hair removal method? Here are the most common options.
Shaving
85% of women shave their legs. Shaving is one of the most common hair removal methods.
The legs and the underarms are the most common body parts that are ideal for shaving, as well as removing facial hair for men. But you can shave any body part, even the bikini line and pubic area.
Shaving is also one of the cheapest and easiest hair removal methods. It’s also quick, usually only taking a minute or two. You don’t need to shave every day — most only shave once every couple of days.
Shaving is also relatively safe. You may cut yourself occasionally, but most people can shave with no problems.
The biggest concern is sensitivity and allergies — some people have allergies to metal, causing them to break out when they shave.
There are also specific techniques that will result in better hair removal and smoother skin. For example, shave in the direction your hair grows.
If longevity is what you desire, choose another hair removal method. Shaving only cuts the top of the hair. The hair grows back quickly and you have to constantly shave in order to achieve smooth skin.
Waxing
Waxing dates back to ancient Egypt, where women removed their hair with beeswax and sugar waxes.
Waxing is what it sounds like — hot wax is applied to the hair, pressed down by a cloth strip and then the hair is removed by pulling on the strip.
Waxing removes the entirety of the hair follicle. The skin is extremely smooth and the hair takes a couple of weeks to grow back.
Like shaving, waxing can be performed on any part of the body. But waxing is mainly done on smaller areas of the body and face, such as the eyebrows and lip.
The Brazilian Wax is also a famous waxing option, which is when the hair is removed from the bikini line, pubic, and rectal regions.
There are a few safety concerns when waxing. Waxing isn’t ideal for those who are on Retin-A products. Retin-A sheds the layers of the skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation.
If you get waxed at a salon, ensure the technician doesn’t double-dip the wax stick and/or use the stick on every client. This can cause a bacterial infection.
While waxing is a popular and long-lasting option, you have to wait several weeks to get waxed again.
The hair must be a quarter of an inch long so the wax can grasp the hair. Many clients don’t want to let their hair grow before they can get waxed again.
For women who want a Brazilian Wax, it’s recommended you don’t get this wax done when you’re on your period.
Depilatory Cream
Depilatory cream contains chemicals that break down the hair follicle. This weakens the hair, causing the follicles to fall off.
There are a couple of downsides of depilatory cream — mainly with the chemicals.
The chemicals have a harsh smell, which can bother many people. It’s also common to have a reaction to depilatory cream. You should also use a gentler cream for the face.
Depilatory cream lasts longer than shaving but not as long as waxing. Expect your hair to grow back in a few days.
Threading
Threading is a technique derived from the Middle East. The threads the hair and removed it from the root. Threading is popular with eyebrow hair removal and shaping and for other small areas such as the lip.
Threading is safer than other methods such as waxing. However, it can cause irritation because the threads work in the same areas. Like waxing, the results are long-lasting.
Expect the hair to take several weeks — as many as six weeks — to grow back.
Sugaring
Sugaring consists of a simple paste. The ingredients are sugar, water, and lemon juice.
You spread the paste over the skin, let it harden, and then remove the paste. This method is similar to waxing, except many clients state the process is less painful.
Sugaring can be done on any part of the body, including the bikini and pubic regions. It’s also safer than many hair removal methods; the paste only contains simple ingredients, reducing the risk of a skin infection.
The hair also takes about four weeks to grow back — the same as waxing. Unfortunately, you need to let the hair grow back a quarter of an inch to remove it again.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the more modern hair loss methods. A laser destroys the hair follicle, not only removing the hair but preventing the hair growth in the future.
There are many myths behind this hair removal method. However, the laser only targets the hair actively growing. It’s normal to experience fine hairs growing in after some time, which is why several treatments are usually required.
Laser hair removal is the longest and most effective option. However, it’s the most expensive option. Even though laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body, most clients use this method on smaller areas such as the armpits.
Laser hair removal is safe, as long as you go to a reputable clinic.
Use the Best Hair Removal Method
No one likes extra body hair. Fortunately, there are many hair removal methods. Which is the best hair removal method? Use this guide to decide which method to use.
For more style and beauty advice, continue reading our blog!
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