Which Hair Removal Method Is Best For You And Your Body?
Whether you love it, leave it, remove it, or hate it, the politics surrounding methods of hair removal for women, in particular, are forever a contentious issue. Following, a guide to it all—so you can decide what s the best choice for you.
With multiple options on the market, it can be tricky to work out which method is best for you and your body—finding your favorite can be a long and winding road of momentary pain and accidental bloody knees, but once you find your solution, it’s a blissful end result.
If you don’t like the idea of getting rid of your hair, but still want to enjoy the ritual which comes with it, there are a raft of new brands that focus on doing that, too.
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Sugaring
Sugaring is seeing a resurgence thanks to its long-term effects and sustainable potential. Consisting of simply lemon juice, sugar, and water mixed into a paste, this method has been used since the Egyptians.
Where does it work best?
Much like waxing, sugaring can go here, there, and everywhere. As Tanja Westendorff from Sugaring London advises: “You can sugar from your brows to your toes and everything in between. Sugaring is suitable for all skin tones and skin types. We particularly love it when young people who have never removed any hair start with sugaring.” Not only will sugaring immediately remove hair, but it can also reduce regrowth from here on in. Refreshingly, Tanya admits that it is also “the gentlest way to remove unwanted hair.”
How do you use it?
Find your local specialist for clean, efficient, and effective hair removal. But if DIY is your thing, all you need for an at-home sugar wax recipe is 1 cup white sugar, 1/8 cup lemon juice, and 1/8 cup warm water.
How can you prep beforehand?
Let your hair grow out ahead of your first sugaring appointment. “For first-time sugaring your hair needs to be at least 3mm—the size of a grain of rice. The longer the hair the better for your first time,” shares Tanja. And, like all methods that extract hair from the root, it is important to exfoliate the skin before and in between appointments. “Dead skin can trap hair—and we don’t want that to happen.”
How long will it last?
What’s great about sugaring is that not only does it remove hair immediately, but it also stunts its regrowth over time. “We say keep your sugaring four to five weeks apart,” advises Tanja. “Regular sugaring doesn’t just get rid of all unwanted hair, it gives you amazing positively glowing skin (free of ingrown hair!) and also leads to hair-reduction.” Sugaring can be like giving your skin a facial so wait up to 24 hours after treatment to carry out strenuous exercise or stepping out in the sun.
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Bleach
If you’re keen to bleach hair, first things first, it can get a little messy. This isn’t a removal method made for those in a hurry. To get the best results you need to put some time—and your prized possessions—aside.
Where does it work best?
Hair with a small surface area. As Danielle Hudson, a Jolen expert explains: “It can be used almost anywhere but is particularly great on the face, such as sideburns and upper lip.” It can also be used to lighten arm hair (you will need quite a lot) and eyebrows but be cautious around the eye area. Bleach is best kept far away from the bikini line, broken skin, and blemishes.
How do you use it?
Each kit you buy will have a slightly differing step-by-step but activating the formula usually involves mixing a cream with a powder. With bleach, every strand of hair needs to be coated fully from root to tip to ensure that it works and hair is removed of color, so it’s best applied by brushing hair upwards. It shouldn’t be left on the skin longer than 10 minutes, so if it hasn’t worked completely, you will need to try again 24 hours later.
How can you prep beforehand?
Once you’ve done the patch test 24 hours before application, bleaching requires little pre-prep fuss. Avoid bleaching shortly after a hot bath or pores will be open and more susceptible to sensitivity. Apply to clean skin that is yet to be moisturized.
How long will it last?
As Hudson explained, you can expect effects to last for around a fortnight but this can be dependent on your own hair “growth cycle and how quickly your hair grows.”
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Depilatory Cream
Much like bleaching, depilatory creams get a little messy so are best done in the bathroom. It’s a simple, cost-effective hair removal method and is perfect for those just starting to remove body hair. Reading the label is essential.
Where does it work best?
In the world of hair removal options, depilatory creams are hands down the least painful, and, unlike shaving, there’s no risk of actual bloodshed. These creams can be used to remove hair in large areas or in trickier, hard-to-reach places and are a great starting option for those wanting to remove hair for the first time.
How do you use it?
Apply the formula to the area you wish to remove the hair from, ensuring that every strand is covered. Look to the recommended timings on the packet for how long it should be left on for. Formulas are quite thick and stay in place well so you can get on with other things while you wait. When time is up, simply take the plastic instrument and scrape hair off, or step into the shower and simply wash it away.
How can you prep beforehand?
All that is necessary is a patch test before using to ensure that you’re not allergic to the formula.
How long will it last?
Depilatory creams eradicate hair to just below the skin’s surface so you can expect regrowth in around two to three days. As all hair is removed, silky smooth skin is achieved quickly and with little expertise but the effects are not as long-lasting as other methods.
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Maintain
We’re all given body hair for a reason and while many opt to remove it, it’s also worth remembering that it often serves a purpose. Hair comes in many textures, colours and varying levels of thickness so some people will need to manage it wisely. It’s your preference and it might take some time experimenting with what feels right for you.
How do you maintain it?
As more people now opt to leave hair in its natural state, innovative brands have quickly become aware that while people might not want to remove hair, they still want to ensure that body hair is kept in optimum condition. If you prefer to keep it natural, it’s also worth noting the products that sit in your beauty bags. Those with armpit hair will find a spray deodorant more beneficial and moisturizers will work best with longer hair if kept lightweight.
How can you prep beforehand?
If you are keen to trim, you will find it easier when your hair is wet and more malleable.
What are the benefits of using?
While a full body of hair is our natural state and each little strand exists for a reason, paying a little attention to it also reaps rewards. As many of those who use oils or potions will agree, applying these products can become a luxurious self-care ritual that can help you embrace and enjoy living a fuzz-filled life.
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Epilate
Epilation comes with a bad rep for ranking high on the pain scale. But the more you use an epilator the less it hurts and the long-term effects are worth the temporary bouts of ouch.
Where does it work best?
As epilation works by plucking individual hairs from the root with mechanically-operated tweezers, it can be a little bit painful (although as re-growth happens less and less and hair becomes gradually thinner this does subside), so it’s best to look to areas that are not so sensitive. Legs are the perfect example.
How do you use it?
Epilators can be used on dry or wet skin. As Braun advised us when we reached out for some top tips, it’s recommended to start with a tool that can be used in the shower as warm water helps loosen hair follicles, which helps with the easy removal of hair. We advise that when you take the time to epilate, start in an area that you might find less painful – the calves work well. You might find the area close to the ankle is slightly more sore so best done once you’ve become used to the sensation.
How can you prep beforehand?
Exfoliation and epilating go hand in hand. As the hair becomes thinner, ingrown hairs can become more frequent so using a gentle scrub regularly will help. Before dry epilating, brush the legs with a towel to help lift hair at the root and ensure a perfect finish. Braun advises hair should at least be 0.5mm to epilate.
How long will it last?
As epilation removes hair from the root, stubble days are a thing of the past. Effects will usually last up to four weeks. It’s a perfect method for those who want a fuss-free approach.
