ome of us have more than others, and it's far from a blessing. Hair. Hair removal is big business and for good reason. North Americans have idealized the hairless woman, to the point of adopting the tong-wearing Brazilian kind of bikini wax that our neighbours to the south exported (although, in a GQ article late last year, one writer lamented the disappearance of the "bush"). There are many ways to get rid of that pesky hair--here are the methods that actually work.
Shaving
Shaving is the easiest hair removal technique; after all, even men know how to wield a razor. The best areas to shave are legs and armpits. Razors should be changed after every five shaves to keep the cut close and don't forge to use a moisturizing shaving gel. Shave against the grain and pull skin taunt. If you're prone to ingrown hairs or razor bumps, use an electric razor. It's better for short and coarse stubble. The problem with shaving? Hair grows back faster (usually within 2-3 days) and it tends to feel thicker than before.
Tweezing
Painfully slow, and just plain painful, tweezing is good for small areas. Typically tweezing is used to rid hair from eyebrows, and it can also be used on the chin, nipples, toes and I've even seen it used on the armpits. For best results, it's recommended to remove hairs one at a time, in the direction of growth with a slant-tipped tweezer. Hair removal is supposed to last for a couple of weeks. To reduce the pain, use a hot compress to open your pores before you begin tweezing.
Waxing
For some, the long-term benefits of waxing outweigh the pain of the episode, for most, though, it doesn't. Hair takes longer to grow back when waxed and it's said to grow back thinner each time (which is highly debatable). To reduce the pain of waxing, time the event appropriately. Never wax the week before and during your period. We recommend going to a salon but, if you wax at home, make sure to lightly powder the area beforehand. This makes it easier to pull the wax up. Waxing can remove hair from anywhere on the body, like bikini lines, bellies and arms. Hair usually needs to be ¼ of an inch long, at least, before it can be pulled out by the wax.
Creams
Depilatories are often cited as being messy and smelly, and creams are guilty on both counts. However, not all good things in life come easy. Depilatories dissolve hair from the root, so hair takes longer to grow back; when it does it resembles the re-growth after waxing. If you can stand the off-putting smell, creams can be used practically everywhere on the body. Doctor consultation before using creams is important if you are on prescription medication.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique. It's best for small regions of the body and face. The technique is painful and pricey (about $25-$60 a visit). An electrologist inserts an electrically charged needle into your hair follicle. This causes the follicle to stop producing hair. Only minutely small areas can be done at a time and multiple visits are required if permanent hair removal is desired.
Laser Hair Removal
Like electrolysis, laser hair removal is permanent, can be painful and is pricey. Usually at least three treatments are needed and can range in price from $150-$500 a treatment. Lasers focus a beam of light on the area that hair removal is desired; the light is absorbed by the melanin damaging the follicle enough to slow hair growth. Depending on your skin tone different treatments are recommended. Sun exposure is to be avoided before and after treatments.
Whatever course of treatment you choose to remove your hair, remember safety is priority. With laser treatments and electrolysis, look for licensed practitioners.
Some of us have more than others, and it's far from a blessing. Hair. Hair removal is big business and for good reason. North Americans have idealized the hairless woman, to the point of adopting the tong-wearing Brazilian kind of bikini wax that our neighbours to the south exported (although, in a GQ article late last year, one writer lamented the disappearance of the "bush"). There are many ways to get rid of that pesky hair--here are the methods that actually work.
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