| From
depilatories to high-tech lasers, taking it all off - facial and body
hair, that is - is now easier than ever.
 Remember
the days when removing unwanted body hair meant borrowing your husband's
shaving kit? Ouch! Thankfully, we've come a long way since then. Manufacturers
and salons are tapping into the latest national obsession: achieving silky-smooth
skin. Right now, there are so many hair removal methods on the market
- promising to tweeze, wax, dissolve, zap, even light your way to smoother
skin - that it's hard to know what product will do the best job for you.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
When choosing a method, your own hair growth cycle (i.e. how long
it takes before your hair will grow back) should be your first consideration.
Hair growth is unique to every individual; having a handle on your personal
pattern makes all the difference between making the right choices and
watching your money (along with your unwanted hair) go down the drain.
Your
threshold for pain should be your next concern. (I bet some of you might
have put this one first!) Granted, just about every hair removal method
involves some kind of discomfort, whether it be a stinging sensation,
or redness that can last up to two days. But beyond this, if you
know that the idea of applying hot wax or electric current to your hair
follicles makes you a little squeamish, you should probably opt for a
less intensive form of treatment.
Time constraints should also be taken into consideration. Some
more permanent methods of hair removal, such as electrolysis, may require
several repeat visits after the initial treatment, taking as long as a
half-hour or longer, to complete the process.
And let's not forget about the cost factor: as a general rule,
the more permanent the treatment, the greater your out-of-pocket expenses
will be.
To help you navigate the hair-raising task of hair removal, we've compiled
a quick and painless guide for getting that sleek, well-groomed look you're
after.
TWEEZING
The
Process: A tweezing instrument is used to pluck away individual hair
follicles. Generally reserved for facial areas such as eyebrows and chin.
Pros: Minimal time investment on your part; a professional can
customize the brow shape to suit your facial features.
Cons: Redness, irritation and sometimes pimples can appear in and
around the area that has been plucked. (We recommend having a cortisone
cream on hand that you can apply to the sensitive area.)
Cost: Anywhere from $5 and up.
SHAVING
THE
PROCESS: The skin is drenched with water, then covered with a moisturizing
shaving cream (if one expressly made for women isn't available, a men's
version will suffice). A razor (preferably one custom-made for womanly
contours) is then used to remove the hair, followed by a moisturizer to
soothe the skin. Most often used on the underarm and leg areas.
Pros: Quick and inexpensive, easy to do at home.
Cons: Method usually doesn't last long; stubble reappears quickly;
possibility of nicks and cuts on the skin if you shave too closely, which
could lead to infection; can encourage ingrown hairs.
Cost: $3 and up.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
DEPILATORY
CREAMS
The
Process: A chemically-based over-the-counter product that dissolves
the hair on the skin's surface is applied to a specific area for a limited
amount of time, then either wiped or rinsed off. Typically used on upper
lip, bikini line and legs.
Pros: Easy to apply; inexpensive; widely available.
Cons: Risk of an allergic reaction to the chemicals; stinging sensation;
unpleasant odor; messy application. (To minimize irritation, try not to
exfoliate beforehand and be sure to follow up with a thorough rinsing
and moisture-rich cream.
Cost: $5 and up.
SUGARING
The
Process: This natural method of hair removal originated with the ancient
Egyptians. A lukewarm sugar-based paste is applied and removed by hand
using a gentle rolling motion.
Pros: The sugar sticks only to the hair and not the skin, minimizing
irritation; can last up to six weeks; good for removing hair from large
areas.
Cons: Process is time-consuming; most effective when done by a
professional, which can be costly.
Cost: Home kits usually start around $8; a professional job can
cost anywhere from $20-$70 depending on the size of the area of hair that
needs to be covered.
WAXING
The
Process: Waxes - from paraffin types to aloe vera to soy-based - are
heated, then applied directly onto the treatment area following the direction
of the hair growth. The wax and hair are removed using either a linen
or a paper strip that is applied to the area then peeled off in the opposite
direction of the hair growth. Most frequently used on legs, facial hair
and the bikini line, the results can last up to two months.
Pros: An instantly smooth appearance; long-lasting results; most
effective for use on large areas such as legs, abdomen and arms.
Cons: Stinging sensation, irritation and soreness after removal;
must wait a certain period of time (usually at least 2 weeks) before you
can wax again or risk irritation; can't use moisturizer immediately after
the process because it will clog the pores.
Cost: An average of $8 for a store-bought kit; from $25 and up
for a half leg or bikini wax at a reputable salon.
THREADING
The
Process: A trained professional takes a thread of twisted cotton and
rolls it over the hair removal area; hairs are caught in the cotton and
pulled out from the hair root.
Pros: Lasts longer because hair is being removed at the root.
Cons: Time-consuming and, because it's best done by a professional,
can be costly.
Cost: Comparable to other salon treatments such as sugaring or
waxing.
ELECTROLYSIS
The Process: Using sterilized instruments, a licensed professional
uses a thin needle to apply electric current to the hair follicle, thereby
deadening the hair. Works best on small areas like the upper lip. Desired
results can take from six months to a year.
Pros: The process is irreversible, meaning no more unwanted hair.
Cons: Most hairs require a few treatments before the follicle dies,
which increases the expense; slight risk of infection or scarring around
the treatment area. (We recommend that you do a patch test on a small,
inconspicuous area first to be sure your skin can tolerate the procedure.)
To minimize irritation, which can be intense, a topical anesthetic can
be applied prior to the procedure; you may also want to take an aspirin
or ibuprofen tablet.
Cost: From $20 for a 15-minute treatment to $55 and up for an hour,
depending on the size of the area you want treated.
LASER
The
Process: Much like electrolysis, laser (Light Amplification by the
Stimulated Emission of Radiation) treatment is applied directly to the
follicle. The type and sensitivity of your skin will determine how intense
the treatment will be. You should consult with your doctor about the risks
as well as how to prepare your skin for the procedure. (Tanning or other
methods of hair removal prior to the laser procedure could cause complications.)
Pros: With consistent treatments, hair removal lasts from two to
six months.
Cons: Because lasers cannot tell the difference between melanin
in your skin and melanin that's in your hair, there's a risk of skin damage.
There is also the risk of skin discoloration if the laser intensity is
not adjusted to suit your skin type, as well as stinging and irritation
(which can be minimized by prepping the skin with a prescription moisturizer
such as Emla Cream prior to the service). It is also a time-consuming
process.
Cost: From $275 for smaller areas to $1,500 and up for larger areas.
With all of these options at your disposal, that smooth-as-a-baby's bottom
skin is sure to be just a razor's edge, strip or smear away.
Vanessa
Bush has covered the beauty and fashion scene for a host of magazines
including Glamour and Honey, and is currently an editor at Essence. Vanessa
is a frequent contributor to BeautyWalk. She is the co-author, with supermodel
Tyra Banks, of Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out. Vanessa and her family
make their home in New Jersey.
Discuss
this article with others right now at Beauty
Tips! |
100%
Safe & Secure
