Hair removal methods to suit your budget, lifestyle and mood.
By Adila Jallal
A practise that dates back all the way to Ancient Egypt, hair removal has filtered down through the ages to become much more than a sign of the times. It is now a way of life. Despite a return to a more natural state of being in the past few years, getting rid of stray and unsightly hair is still very much in vogue. There is no shortage of products and treatments on the market to make grooming not only quick and easy, but more importantly, pain-free and inexpensive.
With so many lotions and potions out there, one is quite spoiled for choice. To go about deciding on the best option, you’ll need to consider how much time you have available, which parts of your body require a clean up, and how much you’re willing to spend. There’s also the issue of genetics and hormones that affect hair growth to keep in mind.
Whether you’ve been plucking away at pesky hairs for years or are a novice looking to tidy up your bikini area, here are some tried and tested methods to help you get rid of unwanted hair:
ALL GAIN AND NO PAIN
Hair removal cream
Simply apply an even layer to the skin and wait a few minutes while a mixture of chemicals break down and dissolve hair which is then easily wiped away. Various formulations target different areas of the body so be sure to choose the right one for your particular needs or you may end up with irritated and inflamed skin and in severe cases, chemical burns. That being said, they’re widely available and easy to use in the comfort of your own home. Bear in mind, hair is removed from just below surface level so that silky smooth feeling will only last a few days.
TRY
- HairGo Hair Removal Cream for men and women
- Top Ten Hair Removal Cream with shea butter
FOR LONGER LASTING RESULTS…
Electrolysis
Much like laser hair removal, except a tiny probe is inserted into each hair follicle and uses an electrical current to destroy it. This makes it one of the only hair removal solutions that yields truly permanent results. Safe to use on practically any part of the face and body, it also works on everyone, no matter your hair and skin colour. It’s ideal if you have tattoos as it will not disrupt the ink or blur any lines. Because each hair follicle is destroyed individually, you will need several sessions to achieve the desired results, but once the hair is gone, it is gone for good.
Threading
Originating in India, women the world over now make use of this method to target smaller areas such as the eyebrows and upper lip. A piece of thread is doubled and then twisted around the hair, removing multiple strands at a time for a clean and defined finish.
Sugaring
Similar to waxing but with greater benefits as it is all natural. A heated combination of water, sugar and lemon juice forms a paste that is cooled to room temperature and applied to the desired area in the opposite direction of hair growth, and then flicked off in the direction of the hair growth (in contrast to waxing which works the other way round) to pluck hair out at the root.
Laser hair removal
Highly recommended if you have dark hair and fair skin as a beam of light is used to target the pigment in the hair follicle which then stunts hair growth. Results last between four to six weeks but it’s unsuitable for use round the eyes and it won’t work on white or grey hair. You also need to be mindful of when you undergo treatments as it is only effective while hair is in its growing phase, so your timing of appointments is key.
Waxing
Despite the pain, it remains a popular choice that will keep you fuzz-free for up to four weeks. Hair is ripped from the follicle using a thin layer of wax and a strip of fabric. This method is perfect for those hard to reach places most susceptible to ingrown hairs, such as the pubic area. Hair should be at least 3mm long so the wax can get a good grip the first time around.
THE QUICK FIX
Shaving
Grabbing a razor blade requires very little effort when you need smooth skin in a hurry. Easily done in the shower, hair is removed at surface level, so you will soon feel prickly all over again. However, the upside is that it works on just about every part of the body and, let’s face it, it’s pretty convenient when you’re in a bind. Regular exfoliation is a must no matter which method of depilation you prefer, but especially when shaving as it will help prevent ingrown hairs (more on that later). Be sure to apply a shaving gel and replace your blade regularly to prevent bumps and burns.
- Top Ten Shaving Cream for normal skin
WHAT ABOUT INGROWN HAIRS?
Something just about everyone has encountered at one point or another in their quest to remove unwanted hair. Ingrown hair affects those with coarse, curly hair most often, and occurs mainly in the pubic region, although it can happen anywhere you regularly remove hair. The method of hair removal also plays a role, as a blunt cut, such as the result of shaving or breakage caused by waxing, will enable hair to grow back into the skin. Ingrown hair can also result from dead skin cells getting trapped in the follicles, which can cause hair to grow in the wrong direction. You will be able to recognise an ingrown hair by the appearance of tiny bumps sometimes filled with pus, or simply an angry patch of inflamed, itchy skin.
TRY
- HairGo Ingrown Hair Serum to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps
Eliminate the unpleasantness of ingrown hairs altogether with the Epilfree hair removal treatment now available at selected Dis-Chem salons – a comprehensive treatment that works in combination with waxing as part of a three-step process. A unique blend of natural and synthetic ingredients is applied to the skin after hair is removed to target the follicles and render them useless. Hair growth is reduced by 90% with eight to 10 treatments with intervals of four weeks between each session.
Visit www.dischem.co.za/our-salons to find out more.
