Spring has finally arrived which means we should get ready to welcome the warm weather with open arms. Besides putting aside the fuzzy sweaters and boots for the next several months, we also need to pay attention to our health and beauty in order to embrace this time of the year by feeling and looking good.
One of the things that women usually dread the most when this seasonal transition happens is the process of hair removal. During wintertime, most of them pay less attention to this so when the sunny days arrive they intend to get rid of it.
However, removing body hair is not as easy as it may sound because oftentimes it is tricky and even painful. And one way of coping with this is to find the epilation method that best suits your preferences and needs to remove your unwanted hair.
So, this guide elaborates on the six different de-fuzzing techniques you can rely on to achieve that highly desired smooth look.
Electrolysis
If you are looking to permanently remove your body hair, then electrolysis is one way to go. It involves using a device with a needle or probe that is inserted directly into the skin so it can destroy the growth center of the hair. It basically damages the hair follicles with heat energy which disrupts all hair growth.
Its biggest benefit is that it has proven to be the most effective one as opposed to other methods when it comes to permanent hair removal. It can also be used anywhere on the body, even your eyebrows.
As far as pain is concerned, there is a momentary stinging or pricking sensation. However, this all depends on the individual as well as the body area that is being treated.
Laser hair removal
An epilation method that is similar to electrolysis is laser hair removal which also involves targeting the hair follicles in order to prevent future hair growth.
The biggest difference between the two methods is that the laser hair removal option isn’t suited for all skin types. The laser targets darkness, so dark-haired people are the best candidates for this de-fuzzing technique. Plus, the process can also belong as it takes multiple sessions to see actual results.
In any case, the epilation can be done anywhere on the body as the laser is able to cover all places including your legs, underarms, bikini line and even your face. When it comes to pain, technicians usually apply ice before and after the treatment to help numb the area.
Waxing
Another very popular method is waxing which can be done either at home or in a professional salon. It involves applying hot, melted wax to the desired area and removing the hair from its root in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
The advantage of this epilation technique is that it temporarily removes the hair for about three weeks which in most cases depends on your hair type and its thickness. It isn’t as expensive as the other hair removal options and it is best suited for small areas such as the upper lips, eyebrows and biking area.
The things you should be concerned about with this method is the pain you may be experiencing and the ingrown hairs which can be prevented by exfoliating your skin before waxing.
Photo by The Creative Exchange from Unsplash
Sugaring
An alternative to the waxing hair removal method is sugaring which has gained a lot of popularity recently. It is completely safe as it involves the use of sugar, lemon juice and water which are mixed together to create a paste. This is then spread over the skin and removed in the direction of the hair growth.
Its major advantages are that it is less painful than waxing and it can lead to a reduction in hair growth if it is done frequently. The results last for about four weeks which means you will have to let the hair grow for a quarter-inch before you do the process again.
It can be done anywhere on the body including your legs, bikini area and your face.
Depilatory creams
If you are looking for a quick, easy and relatively painless method to remove body hair, then you should use depilatory creams. Such products include chemicals that weaken the hair follicle when applied to the desired area which you can just either wipe or rinse off your skin after leaving it on for a few minutes. It is a rather cost-effective technique that is most commonly used at home for facial hair and underarms.
Its biggest downside is that the creams may have unpleasant odors due to the chemicals that are used. In addition, they can cause some irritation and redness especially if you have sensitive skin. In this case, remember to not leave the product on longer than necessary in order to avoid such discomfort.
Shaving
Probably the most popular epilation method among women is shaving. This is because it is very cheap and the most easily accessible which you can do anywhere. It takes only a couple of minutes and it involves gliding a razor over moistened skin against the direction of hair growth.
As opposed to popular belief, shaving doesn’t make the hair grow faster, thicker and darker. In fact, it causes the hair to grow with a rather blunt tip instead of a natural one which makes the regrown hair more noticeable.
Because this de-fuzzing technique may lead to unintentional cuts, it is recommended that you apply a shaving cream or a body wash to the desired area first in order to help the razor glide smoothly over the skin.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Final thoughts
Although hair removal may not be an easy task for some women, fortunately, there are many de-fuzzing techniques you can rely on to achieve smooth skin. From convenient methods such as shaving to the permanent option of electrolysis, you have the opportunity to choose the one that best suits your preferences as well as your personal needs.
In case you need help with this, make sure you refer back to this post and use it as a guide to decide which epilation practice works best for you.