Hair Removal

Hair removal is an important part of a beauty routine. There are many different products, services and methods for hair removal. Which works best and which hair removal product, method or service suits your needs?


Gone are the days when all we had for hair removal was the good old razor or tweezers.  Here is a brief description of hair removal methods for you to consider.


Shaving - Shaving removes the tip of the hair only. It's cheap and you can do it yourself. Downside is razor burn, bump, nicks and ingrown hairs. It only lasts up to three days. Shaving in the bath or shower will result in a closer shave and shaving in the direction that the hair grows will help to avoid ingrown hairs.


Plucking - Plucking can last up to three weeks because you are removing the hair from the root. It is cheap and you can do it yourself. It can be time consuming and painful. Epilators can remove multiple hairs at once, but do not use an epilator for your eyebrows.


Creams - Using depilatory creams is a cheap, quick method of hair removal which you can do yourself. It lasts several days, but can get messy and smelly. If you have sensitive skin avoid using depilatory creams.


Waxing - Waxing can be done at home or at a salon. It last three to six weeks because the hair is removed from the root. It is painful and most people will experience redness and swelling after waxing. Regrowth is softer and less noticeable.


Electrolysis - Electrolysis is said to be permanent hair removal, but that is not always the case. It involves inserting a needle into the follicle which then sends electric currents to the hair root, killing it. It is expensive, takes lots of visits and is painful.


Laser Hair Removal - Laser hair removal can be permanent but most people need to go back every six months for maintenance. So, it is long lasting and a large area can be treated at the same time. It is expensive and you may experience redness and swelling.  Avoid direct sunlight after treatments.


Threading - Threading involves removing hair with cotton thread. Lasts for two to four weeks and is best for those with extremely sensitive skin.


IPL - Intensed pulsed light works similar to laser hair removal. Permanent results but takes several visits and is expensive. Skin will feel like it is sunburned so it is important to avoid direct sunlight after treatments.


What works best where


Face - plucking, waxing, laser, electrolysis, IPL


Arms/Legs - waxing, epilating, shaving, depilatory creams


Bikini - waxing, epilating, shaving, laser, electrolysis, IPL


Basically it comes down to the choice of expensive, permanent options or temporary, inexpensive options.  Hair removal is a personal choice, so do what's right for you.


Hair Removal Products