Hair removal methods（partⅠ）

With these methods you remove your body hair by the root. It takes weeks for hair to grow back, and when it does, it is usually softer and thinner than before. The great thing is that root hair removal lets you enjoy smooth skin for a very long time – up to 4 weeks.

Read on to learn about the different root hair removal methods and their individual pros and cons.

Epilating

Using a hand-held device that has a head of rotating tweezers which you run along the skin’s surface, removing hairs as it goes.

Best for:

All body parts - legs, underarms, arms, bikini area and face

Advantages:

Ultra-smooth results, lasting up to four weeks. It is mess free and new models also come with an extra attachment for removing unwanted hair from specific areas such as the face.

Disadvantages:

It may be uncomfortable in more sensitive areas.

Beauty rating:

Epilators can remove hairs as short as 0.5mm, unlike wax which needs lengths of 2mm hair growth for optimal results – so there’s no need to wait for unsightly regrowth.

Dermatologist’s note:

“Because with epilation the hair is removed at the root, when it does grow back the tip tends to be tapered which results in it having a finer appearance. In addition, regular epilation can reduce the number of in-growing hairs.”

Waxing

Applying hot or cold wax to the skin in the direction of hair growth. Then, once it solidifies, fabric strips are smoothed on and quickly stripped off against the direction of the growth, pulling the hair out with it. An alternative option are pre-made wax strips.

Best for:

Legs, bikini, eyebrows, underarms and upper lip

Advantages:

Wax can keep skin hair free for weeks, so you don’t have to think about hair removal for some time.

Disadvantages:

Can be painful. Plus you have to wait until hairs are long enough before you can wax them again, which can be a problem if you want to bare your legs or hate the feeling of regrowing hairs. If you do it yourself, it can be messy, and if you go to a salon, it can be expensive. Finally, wax can miss very short hairs.

Beauty rating:

Great if you find daily hair removal a ‘hassle’ – and if you’re prepared to pay for a professional treatment.

Dermatologist’s note:

When you wax, skin can be left dry afterwards. Follow with a soothing lotion, ideally one containing aloe vera.

Threading

Taking fine pieces of cotton thread and twining the thread round each individual hair then pulling the thread quickly apart, removing the hair along with it.

Best for:

Small, delicate areas like eyebrows and upper lip.

Advantages:

Hairs are removed from the root, so regrowth is slow, and hairs don’t grow back prickly.

Disadvantages:

Fairly slow process, since hairs need to be pulled out one by one. It’s also quite a specialized procedure, so you need to go to a well-trained professional.

Beauty rating:

Great for eyebrows – once they’ve tried it, most women are converts.

Dermatologist’s note:

“Threading is not very traumatic for the skin, so is good to use on particularly sensitive areas like the upper lip or eyebrow.”

With these methods you remove the parts of body hair that have grown above the skin surface. Generally it is quite easily done, but on the other hand you need to do it pretty often.

Read on to learn about the various root hair removal methods and understand what the differences are.

Electric Shaving

Passing a small electric machine with a fine screen at one end across the skin’s surface, trapping hair. Blades move laterally and cut the hairs against the edge of the screen.

Best for:

Legs, bikini area, underarms

Advantages:

Quick, safe and because you do it ‘dry’, it’s easy to do on the go. Also a good option for those with very sensitive skin.

Disadvantages:

The ‘hairless’ effect doesn’t last as quite as long as wet shaving. The razor also needs looking after properly, which means regular cleaning and changing the blade annually.

Beauty rating:

Great as a gentle and quick hair removal method.

Dermatologist’s note:

“This is a convenient hair removal option that’s gentle enough to be suitable for most people. Don’t use it if your skin is already irritated by cuts or rashes, though.”