The hair on a woman’s body is completely natural, but fashion and cultural practices mean that it is usually removed. There are a number of ways of removing hair for smooth, soft skin and it is simply a matter of finding the method that suits you best. In this article, BEBE AFRIKANA presents to you the main hair removal methods for women. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and these have been outlined here:
SHAVING
Using a razor blade, shaving works by cutting the hair at the skin surface. Shaving is the most effective for legs and underarms.
Pros: Cheap, quick and painless
Cons: Regrowth (stubble) appears very quickly, usually within a couple of days
Shaving Tips
- Use with a moisturising shave foam or gel for a close shave.
- Moisturise afterwards to soothe your skin.
- A closer shave means you will have to shave your legs less frequently.
- Let the shaving cream get to work and soften the hair for a few moments before using your razor.
TWEEZING
This rather time-consuming method involves plucking out hairs one at a time so it is most effective for small areas such as eyebrows, or for removing the odd stray hair missed by waxing.
Pro: Good control for shaping.
Cons: Can be painful and make the skin slightly reddened for a while afterwards. You also need to remember to check the areas regularly in a mirror to see that you don’t need to re-tweeze.
Tweezer Tip
- Before, you begin, hold a warm facecloth over the area of skin you are going to work on.
- This will dampen and soften the skin, and open the pores, making tweezer easier.
- Or you could try pressing an ice cube over the area to numb the skin first if you find it really painful.
READ ALSO HOW TO EXFOLIATE YOUR BODY
WAXING
This method uproots the hair from below the skin’s surface. Either wax is smoothed on to the skin and removed with strips, or prepared wax strips are used. This is a form of hair removal that can be safely used on any part of the body.
Pros: The results last for 2-6 weeks
Cons: This method can be extremely painful and there is also a risk of sore, red and blotchy legs and of ingrowing hairs. Also, hair has to be left to grow until it is long enough to wax effectively, so you have to put up with regrowth to give the hairs time to grow back sufficiently. If the hair is too short, it won’t come out, or it will be removed patchily.
Waxing Tips
- After waxing the bikini area, apply an antibacterial cream to prevent infection or a rash.
- Wear loose clothing after waxing.
- Never wax a sore area.
DEPILATORY CREAMS
The cream contains chemicals that weaken the hair at the skin’s surface, so hair can be wiped away. Simply apply, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse away (check the packaging for exact instructions).
You can use a depilatory cream anywhere, especially as some companies produce different formulations for specific areas. Do a patch test 24 hours before use to make sure it won’t cause irritation or an allergy.
Pros: It is cheap, and results last a bit longer than a razor-up to a week.
Cons: Can be messy and takes time. The smell of some products can be off-putting although formulations have improved.
BLEACHING
This is not technically hair removal, but it’s a good way to make hair less noticeable. A hydrogen peroxide solution is used to lighten the hair. Bleaching is best for arms, upper lip and face.
Pros: Results last between 2 and 6 weeks and there is no regrowth.
Cons: Not suitable for coarse hair.
Bleaching Tip
It is a good idea to carry out a patch test on your skin first to ensure you don’t react to the product’s bleaching agents.
SUGARING
This works in a similar way to waxing but uses a paste made from sugar, lemon and water. It is well known in the Middle East and is growing in popularity elsewhere.
Pros: Has the same benefits as waxing and can be used anywhere on the body.
Cons: Can be fairly painful and there is a risk of ingrowing hairs.
ELECTROLYSIS
A needle-like probe conducts an electric current into the hair follicle, inactivating it. This method is best used for small areas such as breasts and face. Go to a qualified practitioner (and ask to see proof of their qualification).
Pros: A permanent solution.
Cons: Expensive and more painful for some people than others, depending upon the pain threshold. You may find that is more sensitive to the pain just before or during your period.