9 WAYS TO GET RID OF UNWANTED BODY HAIR
It is the time of year when we are exposing more skin and the hairy bits that we have been hiding away during colder weather will now get to see the light of day. There are a number of ways to remove unwanted body hair, to suit your needs and skin type. choose which one works best for you.
Most people with curly hair, especially Black women, suffer with ingrown hair. This occurs when curly hair emerges from the follicle and grows back into the epidermis causing irritation.
The hair continues to grow into the skin, forming an abscess which in turn creates an inflamed spot or rash. Glycolic acid, which is available from most chemists, encourages the hair to grow straight and therefore preventing the re-entry into the epidermis or follicular wall.
Waxing
The most popular and quickest method of removing unwanted body hair is waxing which can be done at your local beauty salon or in the privacy of your own home. It takes approximately 15 minutes to do half a leg and that will last 4 – 6 weeks.
The most popular and quickest method of removing unwanted body hair is waxing which can be done at your local beauty salon or in the privacy of your own home.
Recommendations: Try Parissa Warm Wax which is microwaveable and comes with 3 Spatulas, 20 Strips & 8ml Azulene Oil. Available on Amazon, at £12.50 (120ml). Or GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax A Non-Strip Formula for sensitive and delicate areas (396g), £8.49 on Amazon. Veet Ready To Use Wax Strip Kit for the legs and body comes with 40 strips at £22.99 on Amazon.
Sugaring
Sugaring is similar to waxing, except it is made from a paste consisting of water and sugar, allowing it to stick only to the hairs and not to the skin. It is less painful and not as messy.
This method is quite easy to use at home but should not be used for facial hair. Try Mylee Honey Soft Wax for Sensitive Skin and is good for short, coarse hair (450g), £6.99, Amazon. Or Moom Certified Organic Hair Remover with tea Tree (12 oz), £18.70, Amazon.
Depilatory Cream
Cream depilatories are very messy, time consuming and can cause reactions on the skin. Regrowth is very quick, within the week, as it only dissolves the hair to just below the surface of the skin.
Caution should be exercised if used for facial treatments, especially on the upper lip as it can cause unwanted pigmentation in the sun.
Electrolysis
This method requires a lot of patience because it is a course of treatment that is carried out over a period of approximately two years, but once it is over, it lasts for life.
It involves placing a needle at the base of the hair follicle and sending an electric current through to destroy the blood supply which nourishes the root of the hair. It can be painful, leaving slight bruising and sometimes scarring depending on your skin type. This method should be avoided on the facial area.
Transdermal Electrolysis
An American version of electrolysis, this method does not involve a needle. Instead a probe is placed into ionised gel in order to transmit and electric current into the hair follicles via the skin.
There is no swelling or bruising involved but, like normal electrolysis, this is a long-term treatment.
Epil Pro
This technique use static electricity and sound waves via electricity and sound waves via electrical tweezers while a low static element numbers the nerve endings and sends sound waves through the hair in a fraction of a second.
Sound travels through the hair shaft and disintegrates the papillary cell without damaging the surround skin tissue. The hair then slides out with minimal resistance.
Although the treatment is permanent, there might be some regrowth which will gradually diminish. Unlike the conventional electrolysis, there is no scarring.
The time interval between treatments is flexible: the guideline is 2 – 3 weeks in the initial stages, then more frequently as the treatment progresses. It is pain free and can be used on any part of the body and is good for facial hair.
Laser Treatment
This is a hospital treatment only which is known to be painful and very expensive.
Bleaching Creams
This method simply lightens the hair and therefore is best used on lighter skin tones. It is only temporary, lasting up to four weeks, depending on hair growth.
Bleaching creams are best used for facial hair but do not use around the eye area as it is bleach and can damage the eye should you have a mishap.
It is imperative that you follow the instructions that are provided and try a test patch to test for any allergic reactions before use. Try Jolen Cream Bleach, priced at £4.35, Amazon. which caters to excessively dark hair.
Shaving
Shaving is the last resort. Ensure your skin is thoroughly clean. Use a mild soap or shaving foam to assist a clean shave. After rinsing, moisturise the skin to protect it and keep it soft and supple.
Shaving is prone to ingrown hairs, so do not forget to use a glycolic cream.
