How to get rid of unwanted body hair
Body hair -- an age-old catastrophe distressing enough to cause the average Greek woman to singe herself hairless during 400B.C. and women worldwide to zap themselves with volts of electric current today to be eternally rid of them. What's the deal? No matter what its mass, consistency or location, moticeable body hair never fails to dull even the most flawless patch of skin, which is why a prickly underarm has the potential to stop anyone in mid-wave -- and that's only the half of it. While many of your 3,000 to 4,000 hair follicles per square inch of skin are barely noticeable, a fair amount stick out like a sore thumb rendering them not only unfeminine and unhygienic, but just plain unsightly! So unless you're one of the chosen few who remain virtually body hairless, read on to grasp the groundwork for everything you wanted to know about hair removal before proceeding to eliminate the enemy.
SHAVING
How it works: A hand-held balde in the form of a shaver is glided over skin cutting away hair that it comes into contact with from the surface of your skin.
Ideal for: Those with lots of hair, little time and a budget, shaving manages to clean out even the tightest of nook and crannies in a jiffy and works best for legs and armpits. The best and most precise of shaves should be done with a shaving foam, a warm, sharp blade, a steady hand and great care.
» Unless you're male, never shave the hair off your face!
Problem is: As the only method involving direct blade-skin contact, shaving is not only the most hazardous, but also leaves coarse stubble, has a reputation for causing thicker hair regrowth and -- because it only cuts hair at the skin's surface -- must be laboriously repeated almost every other day depending on the rate of your hair growth.
Pointers:
» Many shave from the ankle up where legs are concerned -- a big no-no. As far as shaving etiquette goes, ALWAYS shave in the direction of hair growth except when it comes to armpits where hair grows in all directions.
» Use shaving cream as it's designed especially to condition both skin and hair for the task at hand, unlike powder, soaps or plain water that may cause razor-burn. Using shaving cream also helps you to keep track of where you've already shaved.
» DO NOT expose skin to chemicals from harsh anti perspirants, chlorine or salt water for half a day or so after shaving, unless you're hoping for an itchy, bumpy sore after-effect.
» Despite popular sentiment, it's better not to neaten your bikini line -- the area that the bottom of your swimming costume covers -- with a blade, as the thick stubble that grows back later is likely to cause much discomfort. If you're a true blue water baby with a serious hair problem down south, it is recommended that you invest in either a boy-cut swimming costume or a more permanent method of hair removal, like waxing or epilating.
WAXING
How it works: Basically, wax is spread onto the skin and a sheet of cloth, plastic or any other non-woven material is pressed onto it so that they bond before being ripped off the skin, taking hair -- root and all -- with it. Before you think "OUCH!", bear in mind that the bain IS bearable, ONLY lasts for a couple of seconds, WILL leave you with smoother, hair-free skin lasting almost weeks longer than shaving and encourages finer hair growth.
» Warm waxes usually involve a little DIY, whereby wax is partially melted by heat -- preferably in a microwave before being smoothed onto skin and ripped off. It works to open up pores upon contact with skin, allowing for more effective hair removal.
»Cold waxes are pre-formed strips that can be purchased in a box with wax already embedded in the strips. You will find this method more convenient since it doesn't require much preparation and no heating time.
» Washabble waxes are water-soluble and are commonly referred to as "sugaring", which utilises all-natural ingredients. Plus, any residue left on the skin after waxing won't leave a sticky effect like some cold waxes do, and it can easily be washed off.
DIY SUGARING RECIPE
Mix juice of 1/2 a lemon (or lime, or other citrus fruit, or vinegar), 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of honey in a large microwave-safe container and heat the mixture till it bubbles, while stirring occasionally, before letting it cool. Use a spatula to spread mixture thinly over area of hair, smooth on a strip of fabric, pull the skin taught and let it rip!
Ideal for: The upper lip, bikini area, armpits and other sensitive areas where you'd appreciate finer and slower hair growth, and shouldn't be subjected to hair removal more than once a week.
Problem is: Wax needs hair to grip onto for effective yanking ie. you'll have to resist from waxing again till hair grows to at least an inch in length.
Pointers:
» Always wax the night before, to allow skin to settle before heading out; even the hardiest of skin tends to redden and swell slightly after a wax.
» Some diehard waxers recommend brushing cornstarch on your legs before waxing to rid skin of any excess oil that might hinder the perfect wax.
» Keep a cold washcloth handy while testing the heat of wax just in case.
» Spread wax in the direction that your hair grows and not in the opposite direction or in circular movements.
» Pull the strip off in the opposite direction that your hair grows.
» Don't wax immediately after a bath or shower.
» Work with small areas. Being too ambitious only hampers your ability to pull wax off faster.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
How it works: Hair removal is one of the latest applications of laser technology. Though methods of elimination vary from laser to laser, it involves the absorption of light energy through the skin by the hair follicle, causing it to be disabled and impairing its ability to grow. Because the areas of the body vary in sensitivity, you might experience an uncomfortable tingling sensation, which can be avoided by requesting for a desensitising cream prior to treatment. The only telltale signs of the treatment to expect is a slightly sunburnt sensation that'll last for about half a day.
Ideal for: Practically every body part and hair type, as the whole process is supposed to be relatively painless and long lasting.
Problem is: The long-term effectiveness of laser treatments for hair removal has yet to be proven and the use of highly sophisticated and expensive laser equipment comes with a price -- a big one. So, unless you're willing to spend up to a four digit sum for a bare leg along, it is suggested that you give this one a pass, whether permanent or not.
DEPILATORIES
How it works: While the earliest of depilatories spelt "danger" -- with ingredients like arsenic, quicklime and starch -- safer chemicals and plant extracts in the form of lotions, creams, roll-ons and gels are now used for the same effect: to dissolve dead protein (hair) from just below the skin's surface into a gooey mess to be washed away. This means that hair takes longer to grow back and out of the surface of skin and that depilatories also acts as exfolients, with their ability to remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. While the dissolving process varies in proportion to the coarseness of hair, it should normally take anywhere between five to 15 minutes.
Ideal for: Anyone who's tired of the nicks, almost-instant hair regrowth and mess associated with shaving.
Problem is: Chemical ingredients are prone to provoke allergic reactions that range from a minor itch to a major rash. Like shaving, hair may also grow back as stubble and because depilatories remove the outermost layer of skin, using them twice within a span of 27 days (time taken for skin to be replaced) may damage the underlying layers of skin.
Pointers:
» Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully -- especially where sensitivity skin tests are concerned -- before applying the product.
PATCH TEST
» Apply a small amount over a selected area where hair is relatively thick -- such as the forearm -- and rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the area under observation for about 24 hours. If skin shows no signs of a reaction -- namely redness, rash or stain -- then go ahead and use the product. If not, discontinue application.
» Do not use the product over broken skin or in the region of the eye area.
» Use sunscreen on exposed skin for a couple of days after depilatory cream, as this method leaves skin extra sensitive to the sun's harmful effects.
» For the best depilatory treatment, use depilatories that contain moisturisers.
TWEEZING
How it works: As the most prehistoric of hair removal methods, tweezing is quite frankly also the most tedious and painful, whereby individual hairs are pinched between the teeth of tweezers and yanked out by the root one by one.
Ideal for: Delicate, precise jobs, such as clearing up stubborn hairs following other methods, such as waxing and eyebrow shaping. It is recommended that you visit the salon for your first eyebrow shaping, just in case. But if you insist:
FIVE STEPS TO SALON-PLUCKED BROWS
» Before you begin, know that your brows should begin at your tear duct, arch slightly at the outer edge of your iris (many tend to arch eyebrows too drastically, making them look perpetually angry) and end at the outer corner of your eye. Be careful not to take off too much at the ends or you'll have bald spots.
» Prepare your skin for the big tweeze by cleaning the area with astringent or witchhazel.
» Hold a pencil in line with the outer side of your iris and take note of where the peak of your arch should naturally begin and end. From the arch to the outer corner of the eye, your brow should fall in a straight or slightly curved line, depending on the look you're trying to achieve. Think natural!
» Carefully pluck any excess hair above the top of your natural arch.
» Pluck the stray hairs below the brow line in the direction of hair growth. Plucking it the other way may break the hair in half, leaving stubble. After you've completed a particular area, always remember to take a step back to assess exactly what to do next, instead of plucking it all at one go. Brows hardly ever grow back into their natural shape after you've plucked them to death so play it safe by going slow.
Problem is: If you're planning to tweeze the hair on your arms, legs and armpits off, you're either a sucker for pain or you've got way too much free time on your hands!
Pointers:
» Do not use sharp edged tweezers, as they can easily puncture the skin.
EPILATORS
How it works: Epilating is mechanical tweezing at ten times the pace AND price. Put simply, it's an electronic device that contains a series of rotating discs that operate like tweezers to pull out even the most stubborn of hairs by the root. We know it sounds like torture -- and it may be to some -- but rest assured, the high velocity of the discs makes hair removal virtually painless and the most innovative in the market even massage skin in the process.
Ideal for: Underarms where lighter and thinner regrowth is always a blessing.
Problem is: Unless you purchase the top of the range in the market or go real slow during hair removal, chances are that you won't get the bare finish promised. This is especially so if you're relatively hairy.
Pointers:
» Don't believe epilator products that gurantee to remove hair permanently -- it doesn't.
» Give yourself at least half an hour for maximum removal. There's no point rushing these things.
» Exfoliate skin and trim hairs or wax a bit prior to epilating for faster and better results.
ELECTROLYSIS
How it works: Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal commendable enough to be medically recommended. It uses electric currents to zap hair follicles dead. While inital forms of electrolysis involved inserting a thin wire down thw shaft of the hair follicle before zapping, the lastest -- and painless -- methods allow electric currents to be passed through tweezers that grip the hair itself. If done right, hair should slide from the follicle with no resistance.
Ideal for: Practically every part of the body -- even the outer ear lobe -- and for those who can afford to spend exorbitant amounts of both time and money.
Problem is: Because hair grows in cycles, hairs that weren't in a growth phase at the time of treatment may be missed making the process very time consuming, as each hair must be targeted. This is why repeat visits to a professional may be needed for up to a year.
Pointers:
» When selecting a practitioner, be careful to find one that is a professional not only in electrolysis skill and technique, but also in proper sterilization methods.
» Always request for a professional consultation prior to your first treatment, to clear any doubt.
SIDE EFFECTS
Skin is susceptible to side effects from even the most gentle hair removal methods when done in a rush, on sensitive areas or while balancing on one leg in the shower where legs are concerned. Here's a rundown of the most common of post-hair removal traumas and how to treat them.
Rash: Cortisone cream is usually prescribed for temporary relief for minor itches and discomfort. If the problem persists, visit a skin specialist for a professional opinion.
Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs are the result of distortation of the hair follicles and require the gentlest of treatment. DO NOT attempt to dig them out with your nails or the sharp end of tweezers, or you'll only end up with unsightly rashes. If you can't tweeze deep ingrown hairs out, use the tip of a sterilized pin or needle to carefully and slowly release it. Swab with antiseptic and apply some Neosporin which is prescribed to minimise and heal the appearance of little red bumps quickly.
Nicks and cuts: Swab with antiseptic and leave to heal.
Coarser hair growth: Dabble in every practical method of hair removal to see which one works for you. Observe any changes for up to a month and a half and stick with the one that gives you the best results and thinner regrowth.
Labels: depilatories, hair growth, hair removal, hairless, laser hair removal, shaving hair growth, sugaring, unfeminine, unhygenic, unsightly, unwanted body hair, waxing
