Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Unwanted hair, whether on the body or the face, is a burden for many people. Excessive hair growth is known as hirsutism. It is especially bothersome for women who suffer from PCOS and other hormonal fluctuations, while some men struggle with hairy chests and backs. Various sportspeople prefer to be hair-free for multiple purposes. Whatever your reason for wanting to eliminate superfluous hair, nowadays depilatory options are legion. So, how do you choose the right one for you? Read on for more information on different hair removal methods, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Method: Tweezing is mainly used for shaping the eyebrows and cleaning up stray hairs after waxing. To reduce the chances of breaking off the hair, grip it as close to the base as possible and pull in the direction of hair growth. Use good tweezers that are properly aligned. Pull skin taut to avoid pinching it, and be careful not to overpluck brows. Never tweeze hair from a mole: Instead, cut it off at the surface.
Pros: As it removes hair from the root, the results last about 4 to 6 weeks.
Cons: Because hair is removed one by one, it is only suitable for small areas. Tweezers must be disinfected between uses.
Method: A twisted loop of cotton thread is used to pull hair out from the root. Threading can pick up fine hairs missed by waxing or plucking and is very effective and popular for shaping eyebrows. It takes some skill, though! This one is best left to the professionals.
Pros: The precision that can be achieved with threading is hard to beat. It is quick, cost-effective, and the results are long-lasting.
Cons: It is a strange sensation and can be quite painful. Also more suitable for small areas, such as the face and eyebrows.
Method: Dermaplaning is mainly performed for skin resurfacing purposes, but it removes fine hair in the process. The therapist uses a dermatome, containing a small blade, to scrape across the skin’s surface. Usually done on the face, it shaves off the top skin layers and those fine hairs known as ‘peach fuzz’.
Pros: It is relatively quick and leaves skin ultra-smooth.
Cons: Like shaving, the dermatome cuts hair off at skin level. This means it will grow back quickly. It only removes fine hair and can irritate sensitive skin.
Method: Shaving cuts hair off at the skin level, by using a razor with shaving cream or an electric shaver. Always shave in the direction of hair growth to minimise irritation. Using a soothing, moisturising product afterwards will keep skin happy.
Pros: It is quick and easy, and relatively inexpensive. Most people just shave at home.
Cons: To avoid annoying stubble, you have to repeat it every 1 to 3 days. Dull razor blades are more likely to cause rashes and ingrown hairs, so they need to be replaced often. Nicks and cuts are also always a possibility.
Method: Hair Removal Creams fall somewhere in between shaving and waxing. Chemicals break down keratin structure to dissolve hair just below skin level. Applied in an even layer, it is wiped or scraped off after the recommended developing time. Products vary, so follow the instructions exactly. For the face or intimate areas, make sure that the specific product is suitable.
Pros: Results last longer than shaving, and regrowth is softer.
Cons: Some formulas can irritate sensitive skin. Perform a patch test 24 hours before use. The smell can be challenging, but it is a natural side-effect of hair being broken down.
Method: A device with a rotating head containing small mechanical tweezers pulls out hair from the root. The best time to use an epilator is after a bath or shower when pores are open. Apply a small amount of baby powder to help the head glide over skin. If irritation persists afterwards, use aloe vera or unscented lotion to soothe the area.
Pros: Epilators are designed for at-home application/treatment, and you can use them pretty much anywhere on the body.
Cons: It is a time-consuming exercise and can be excruciatingly painful. Especially the first few times!
Method: A therapist applies wax to the area and removes it with a quick motion, pulling out hair from the roots in the process. Hot, Film or Strip Waxes have different application and removal methods. It is always best to go to a professional therapist, but waxing can be done at home. However, it takes some practice.
Pros: Waxing produces long-lasting results and only requires repeating every 4 to 6 weeks. It is a quick service and cost-effective.
Cons: Waxing can be uncomfortable, and hair needs to be long enough for wax to grip onto properly. Ingrown hairs can be a bother, but with good skincare, they are avoidable.
Method: Sugaring pulls hair out from the root using a concoction of sugar, lemon juice and water. Its application and removal methods are quite similar to waxing.
Pros: Very gentle on the skin, as the paste is made from all-natural ingredients.
Cons: Sugaring is not as effective as waxing on coarser, stronger hair.
Method: There are some differences between Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), but they are similar enough for the purpose of this article. Melanin(pigment) in the hair absorbs light energy and converts it to heat, destroying the hair follicle. This works best on light skin with dark hair and is best done by a qualified technician. Home treatment devices are available, but the jury’s still out on how effective they really are.
Pros: Laser and IPL treatments are the closest to permanent hair removal over multiple sessions. Usually, annual maintenance is necessary.
Cons: This method of hair removal is the most expensive. It is not effective on very light hair or dark skin and can be painful.
Method: A highly skilled therapist inserts a thin probe into a hair follicle. An electrical current sent through it then kills the root.
Pros: It can be permanent after multiple sessions.
Cons: Individually treating each follicle is very time-consuming. It is painful, and there is the possibility of scarring.
