Everyone wants soft, smooth skin, that's pretty much a fact. But because we're all anatomically designed to be hairy and well, human, we've found other means to achieve the smooth, silky skin look. Here are some of the most common hair removal techniques and what to expect along with it.
Shave
Shaving gets a lot of flak from everyone and for a good reason, too. With shaving, hair tends to grow back coarser and thicker, making it a counterproductive method to get rid of hair. Plus, it's not exactly a permanent solution as it only gets hair on the surface of your skin and not at its roots. It can cause ingrown hairs, irritation, red spots, and even dark spots, too.
A lot of people shave, though and that's probably because it's the most convenient solution to hair removal: it's cheap, all you really need is a razor. It's quick, too and can cut off the hair in a large surface of your body quickly. Most importantly, it's painless.
Lotion
Hair removal lotion or depilatory cream is a great quick fix when you're in a hurry. Lotion generally doesn't let hair grow back coarser, like shaving does, but it doesn't remove hair at its root either so don't expect this to be a long-lasting solution. Don't forget that if you choose to remove hair with this method to not let the lotion sit on your skin for more than the recommended time, which is about ten minutes. Lotions like these can be harsh and cause your skin to burn if left on for too long. Yikes!
Pluck
Plucking is cheap and it gets the hair off from its root—if you have a good pair of tweezers. It's not a very effective way to get rid of hair however, as you can only pluck a few at a time while your skin has hundreds of thousands of follicles. Only use plucking as a complement to other hair removal techniques or if you're just naturally not a hairy person.
Wax
Waxing can be quite painful, it's literally pouring hot wax on your skin and then grabbing hair and taking it off by the root. If you're unaccustomed to waxing, it would be a good idea to take a mild pain reliever a few hours before your session. Also, never wax when you're on your period or near your period as menstruation will only make you more susceptible to pain.
Waxing is effective, however as it removes all the hair quickly and from its root, too. The only inconvenience to waxing is that aside from being painful, you have to get it done regularly, too. And depending on where you go to get it done, it may be expensive. You can opt to go to a salon or a spa to do this, but pharmacies nowadays sell ready-made wax so you can do it to yourself in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Don't forget that after waxing, pores remain open on your skin so it's best to put oil on the area you just treated and don't shower for about four to six hours afterwards.
Epilate
Epilating is probably the most convenient out of all the methods because it requires you to have your own equipment. This allows you to remove body hair whenever and wherever you want, in the privacy of your own house. Although it's a little hard to find good quality epilators in the Philippines, there are a few brands that have gotten good reviews online such as Philips and Panasonic in stores.
Epilators can be expensive too, but don't forget that getting one is an investment, as it will last you a long time. Lastly, epilating may be painful so prepare to feel a few ant bites here and there. Just like in waxing, pores remain open on your skin after epilating so don’t shower for about four to six hours afterwards.
Laser
Laser is undoubtedly the most effective way of removing unwanted body hair. It's semi-permanent and there's less risk of hyperpigmentation. And while it's not completely pain-free, the level of discomfort is tolerable (kind of like an ant bite every now and then). The only drawback? The price. It's the most expensive out of all the hair removal techniques, but definitely worth it. Many salons nowadays offer laser packages that promise to be affordable, but for a procedure like this, it's best to go to a trusted dermatologist, even if it means spending a little more.
Laser also requires you to pattern your routine after your sessions sometimes. For example, not getting spray tans or avoiding long exposure to sun before a session. Your dermatologist will prep you on what you need to (or not do) before and after a session, so don’t worry!
How about you? How do you remove your hair?
From The Candy Bulletin Community
