HAIR REMOVAL METHODS

We have compiled a list of the most common hair removal options for at home use.

HAIRREMOVAL CREAMS

Hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, is a pain free and effective way to remove unwanted hair. The cream is typically spread on in a thick layer over the desired area, and left on for a few minutes before being wiped off. It works by dissolving the hair shaft at or just below the skin level. The exact time needed for the cream to be effective depends on the skin and hair type. Find the right time for you, depending on the body part.

Take note, not all hair removal creams are created equal. So read the instructions carefully to apply it on the correct body part. Always
choose a high quality cream, this is one area where you do not want to save!

ELECTRICALTRIMMER

Using an electrical trimmer to cut down the hair is a popular grooming option. It will not get as close to the skin as other methods meaning the hair grows back faster (stubble can appear after a few hours). Watch out for cuts, especially on sensitive areas!

SHAVING

Shaving is probably the most common hair removal practice for men. It is a very effective way to remove facial hair and can be used on other areas as well (mainly legs and arms). The main downside is that it does not last long. It also often causes ingrown hairs and itchiness, especially in the pubic region and buttocks.  There is also a risk of cuts, which can be painful!

PLUCKING / TWEEZERS

This is the ‘precision method’ removing the hairs one by one from the root. It is a very effective way for those precision jobs where you only have a few hairs to remove. This includes eyebrows, nose and ears. Just use a high quality tweezer and pull them out, one by one.

WAXING

Results after waxing lasts the longest. It can be more painful because it involves removing hair from the root. The method works by applying the wax to the skin. The wax sticks to the hairs and is then quickly removed (sometimes with a strip, sometimes without), pulling the hairs out with the root.

So the key question: How much does it hurt? The easy answer is: it depends on the body part. For legs it tends to hurt less, some say not at all. On your groin or chest you will feel it more. Look at the tips section to learn how to minimize the pain and maximize the results. Good news: by removing the hair from the root, the hair will become thinner over time, making the waxing experience less and less painful.

The skin can look irritated after waxing since the hair is removed from the root. Normally the irritation disappears within a few hours.
Top Tip: Apply a soothing balm to minimize the irritation. There are two principal ways of waxing, warm wax or cold wax strips:

Cold Wax Strips

The easiest and most convenient waxing method. Select an appropriate wax strip for the body part you target. They typically come in pairs, two strips ‘waxed’ together. Most wax strips need to be heated by rubbing them between your hands. Once done simply separate the strips, apply them in the direction of the hair growth on the area you want to remove hair. Let it settle for a few seconds and then pull against the hair growth, close to, and parallel to the skin. The hair is gone!

Hot Wax

Commonly used in waxing studios. The wax is heated and spread on the area to be waxed. Once the wax cools, it is removed, and so is the hair. Hot wax is removed using a strip or just by pulling of the wax layer itself for certain types of wax. The downside for home-use is that it can be messy and there is a risk of burns if the wax is too hot.

SUMMARY

Check out the below table which summarises the key benefits and disadvantages with the different methods.