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With warmer weather come skirts, dresses and short sleeves – and, for many of us, hair removal.
Here’s how to keep your skin smooth all spring.
WAXING
It can be uncomfortable, but many people are willing to put up with it for beautifully smooth results. Waxing leaves the skin smoother for longer than shaving or using hair-removal cream. Over time, waxing lessens hair growth as it pulls the hair from the root, damaging the root bulb. The result is that hair grows back thinner and less dense.
You can have waxing done at a salon or try products available for home use. The wax – either heated or on a wax strip – is applied to the skin, then quickly ripped off, taking the hair with it.
Pros
- The results are silky smooth and longer-lasting.
- It can be used on any body part.
- Regular waxing causes the hair to grow back softer and thinner over time.
Cons
- It’s pretty painful.
- It can cause ingrown hairs, especially if you have curly hair.
SHAVING
This is probably the most common hair-removal method as it’s easy and painless. Unfortunately, the results aren’t as smooth as you get with waxing. And as you just cut off the hair at the skin’s surface instead of removing the roots as well, the hair grows back quickly. Whether you shave with a manual or electric razor, move it in the direction of the hair growth as this minimises ingrown hairs and bumps.
Pros
- It’s quick and easy.
- It’s the most affordable hairremoval option
Cons
- Aggressive shaving or low-quality razors might cause skin to discolour – constant chafing can trigger a reaction, which causes the skin to darken.
- It might cause ingrown hairs, depending on your hair type.
- You could cut or nick yourself.
- The results aren’t the smoothest, especially if you use an electric razor.
HAIR-REMOVAL CREAM
This is another quick and easy hair-removal method, but cream might not be suitable for sensitive skin as the chemicals could cause irritation. After application, the cream is left on the skin for a set time. It dissolves the hair on the skin’s surface so it can be wiped off. These products don’t penetrate the skin deep enough to get rid of the roots, so the effects aren’t as long-lasting as those of waxing.
Pros
- It’s easy to use and painless.
- Most of the products are affordable.
- You get several uses out of each container so it’s cost-effective.
Cons
- It might irritate sensitive skin or cause irritation if left on for longer than prescribed.
- If not removed properly, it might cause a reaction.
LASER-HAIR REMOVAL
Another option is to go to a salon for laser hair-removal. The treatment involves shining a laser light onto the area. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle (the hair-producing sacs in the skin), preventing hair from growing again. You must go for a few sessions to have all the hair removed and, depending on the technology, it can be almost or completely painless but might cause a little swelling or redness.
Even though laser hair-removal techniques claim to be a permanent solution, this isn’t always the case. Some people experience regrowth – although the hairs are usually much fewer and softer – and have to have touch-ups every now and then.
EXTRA CARE
For the best results, it’s important to treat your skin before and after hair removal.
Before the removal
- Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This reduces your chances of developing ingrown hairs.
- After exfoliating, soften the hair with a wet, warm towel. This helps hair removal when shaving.
Afterwards
- To soothe the skin after waxing or shaving, use an icepack to relieve redness or to soothe the burning sensation.
- After shaving, moisturise the skin with a hydrating balm or oil to soothe it.
- Exfoliating the area every 3-4 days also helps prevent ingrown hairs. If you’re waxing, don’t exfoliate immediately afterwards as your skin will be sensitive and red.
- Avoid using harsh or strongly fragranced products on your skin after hair removal as it might cause irritation.
Follow the instructions on waxing products.
If you’re new to waxing, start with wax strips as they’re easier. Once you have the hang of it, you can move on to hot wax.
Always clean and dry your razor after use.
Don’t keep your razor in the shower because the humidity causes it to rust, which will irritate your skin.
Regularly replace the batteries in your electric razor so it functions optimally and you don’t have to go over one area more than necessary.
Throw out expired hair-removal cream.
Don’t leave hair-removal cream in direct sunlight.
