Many women want smooth skin, free from hair. There are several hair removal methods that can give them this feeling. Some of us remove hair and some of us don’t. For those who are looking for the best methods, there are many. We see tools on the market all the time, but are all these methods safe?
Safety of Hair Removal Methods
Some hair removal options have been known to cause rashes, cuts, or burns. In rare cases, these issues can be so severe, and medical treatment is necessary. But, as I said, this is rare, and most methods are fairly safe. So, that is our focus. Which removal systems are best for you personally?
The Best Hair Removal Methods
Not all people opt to shave the hair on their body every day, However, for some, this is the only option when keeping your skin silky smooth. If you want that silken texture, you have to find a consistent and safe hair removal method. Here are many ways you can remove the body or facial hair. Unless you have allergies or sensitive skin, these methods are safe.
1. Shaving
I’m going to start with the old-fashioned art of shaving. Most women have been using this method since they were young girls. It’s a fact that you are sure to get rid of hair by using this method. Men and women alike have been using razors to get rid of unwanted hairs for a century now. Although some of the first razors were crude devices, they did the job. And, for earlier times, shaving was the only way.
But the ideal for women is a razor that not only removes hair but also avoids razor bumps and does provide that smooth skin. As far as safety goes the worst problem with razors is the occasional accidental cut or irritation from razor bumps in the wintertime. So, I would say, shaving is one of the safest forms of hair removal. I will also say, it’s a daily process. So keep this in mind as well.
2. Waxing
I tried waxing, but personally, it just wasn’t for me. However, some think waxing is the best method for removing hair. If you’re not familiar with waxing it’s simple: The special hair removal wax is warmed, applied to the area of choice, allowed to harden, and then pulled off. When you pull off the wax, the hair in the area generally comes with it. It’s the heat that weakens the hair and makes it easier to remove.
You do need to understand that not all areas are good for waxing, and it is a bit painful. Most people use waxing on places like the bikini area, the upper lip, and eyebrows. Other concerns with waxing include the development of ingrown hairs, and bacterial infection when reusing applicator stick. To avoid these things, make sure you are working with sterile equipment, and do not have sensitive skin. The good news is, when waxing, hair stays gone for up to 4 weeks. You have to admit, that’s pretty convenient.
3. Epilators
Many women love epilators as they have a long-lasting effect than razors, and has closer longevity in comparison to waxing as it pulls shorter hair than waxing. They are less painful than waxing; although first-time use can be uncomfortable. You can use epilators twice or once depending upon your hair growth, or you don’t have to wait for the hair to grow again, you can epilate whenever you want.
The significant difference between a waxing and epilation is: epilation doesn’t remove the dead skin. And that’s the reason most women prefer waxing because removing dead skin gives you a live look. Epilation can be best for the women who don’t want their skin to be ‘peeled’ which is an integral part of waxing.
4. Depilatory Creams
For most people, depilatory creams work fast and are completely painless. While this sounds like the best option, some people have allergic reactions to the creams, and others have coarse hair that isn’t effectively removed over the entire area. If your hair isn’t too coarse, then you should try this method.
Remember to use the cream after a warm bath or shower, as the hairs are even softer and easier to remove. Also, make sure that you purchase the right type of depilatory cream. Some creams are for facial hair and some are for other areas. It does make a difference.
If you experience any burning, stop using the cream. The burning means chemicals are reacting negatively with your particular skin type. It’s best if you test a small area of skin before you use the cream on both legs or on your face. This helps you understand how well the cream is going to work, and how safe it’s going to be.
5. Electrolysis
In college, I tried this hair removal method, but it was a little painful. Overall, it seemed safe then, and that was over 20 years ago. The truth is, there are now two types of electrolysis processes.
Thermolytic: For this body hair removal process, heat is used to kill the follicle of the hair. There are not many injuries to the skin and it’s a faster hair removal procedure.
Galvanic: This is an older method, probably the one used in my own sessions, and it takes several visits to see results. It’s a method that uses chemicals to kill the hair follicle but does require additional sessions.
Not just anyone can perform electrolysis. It’s important that you find the best professional in this area. The more knowledge, the less risk. And there are a few risks including scarring, discoloration, or redness. It’s also suggested, when using this method for hair removal, to apply a numbing cream to reduce the pain. Overall, a safe process, but only if you undergo this type of removal understanding the risks.
6. Laser Removal
While laser hair removal is supposed to be permanent, it’s really only semi-permanent. This process is the most expensive hair removal methods mentioned, and it takes several months to see 50% hair removal. This option is best utilized on facial hair where there is a smaller area to work on at later appointments.
As I mentioned, the process is semi-permanent, but the hair that does grow back is really fine hairs. A dermatologist should be the only person who performs this hair removal process, and the only one to maintain hair removal over time. The reason why a dermatologist is the best person to conduct hair removal is that he/she is familiar with skin and knows how to properly operate the hair removal equipment.
If you choose to risk laser hair removal at the hands of an amateur, you could experience skin damage, sometimes severe as pigment changes. This is never recommended. With these doubts in mind, stick with a professional who has the basic knowledge to use a hair removal method that is both safe and successful.
7. Sugaring
A method originating from the Middle East promises hair removal with little to no pain at all. Sugaring is a method of mixing sugar, lemon juice, and water, which creates a paste. The paste is rubbed on the skin away from the hair growth. It’s allowed to dry and then peeled off in the direction of how the hair grows.
Sugaring is less painful than wax but mimics the capabilities of waxing. It’s also a mixture of natural ingredients so there are low risks for redness or irritation, that is if you’re not allergic to lemons or sugar. Sugaring, while it might not be the absolute best removal of hair, still produces good results with little worry. It’s suggested to use this process in maintaining hair removal. Over time, the hair will become much finer and even easier to remove with this method.
8. Threading
While threading, also originating from the Middle East, may not be suitable for large areas of the body, it works well with smaller areas such as the eyebrows. It’s an interesting process by which thread is used to grab unwanted hairs and remove them at the root.
Threading takes skill, as the thread has to be in the right position and wrapped around the right fingers to move the process. This hair removal method is actually intriguing to watch. You see many teenagers using this technique and even creating videos to teach others how to utilize the process.
Unlike tweezing, threading can remove a whole row of hairs at one time. It’s also a safe process and sanitary. There may be some irritation as threading requires going over the same area more than once to remove stubborn hairs. It usually only results in a bit of redness from time to time.
Keeping Facial Hair Away
While there are many ways of removing facial hair, there is one way to keep it away after removal. It’s a cream called Vaniqa. This cream is available by prescription only and includes an enzyme which does prevent the regrowth of facial hairs. It’s not recommended that you use this cream on other parts of the body. Although some users report acne or stinging after use, overall, Vaniqa is harmless.
Hair Removal Options Made Easy
With this little hair removal guide, you have several methods of operation to choose from. First, consider risks, so you take good care of your skin, then consider the effectiveness, so you understand how successful the procedure will be. You may even consider costs before effectiveness if you’re trying to remove hair on a budget. Sometimes, that is the case.
Either way, I wish you the best in hair removal and smooth skin success. Just be wise and be safe.
Also Read: Every woman wants to have a natural-looking glowing skin. Here are some tips on adding healthy fruits and food in your diet plan for glowing skin.
