Hair removal is part of grooming, and thus a task that most women, and an increasing number of men have to deal with. As hair removal options are many, most people are puzzled as to which is best. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, the right question to ask would be, 'which method is best for me'. Comfort, skin sensitivity and cost are some aspects that will help you decide between waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, epilators, lasers and shaving. Another factor that comes into play is gender; as men have coarser thicker hair than women, the ideal hair removal options for men differ from those for women.
Different Hair Removal Options
Shaving: Shaving is probably the most popular temporary hair removal method, which involves cutting of the hair very close to the skin. One can pick between an electric or straight razor, both of which usually come with lubricating strips. Though cheap and quick, the effects of shaving are temporary, and usually last anywhere between a day to a few days. This hair removal option is suitable for both men and women. Shaving can cause ingrowth, which is what happens when the cut hair curl back into the skin instead of growing out. This usually results in unsightly bumps, and at times can get infected. However, contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or coarser. Read about shaving tips for women.
Waxing: This method has been around for centuries, but is more popular among women than men. A sticky substance is applied to the skin and covered with a cloth strip. After a few seconds, the cloth is ripped off, and the hair comes with it. As the hair is pulled out from its roots, it take a longer time before it becomes visible again. The effects usually last for a few weeks. However, the process is painful, and expensive if done at a spa or salon. Alternately, one can use home kits. Waxing leaves the hair follicle open, so hygiene is important and it must be followed by the application of an antibacterial lotion. Read about home waxing tips.
Laser: One of the more popular permanent hair removal options for women and men is with the use of a laser, that sends a pulse of light through the hair shaft, which destroys the root of the hair. Over time, the exposed strands of hair weaken and fall out. This treatment works well on men and women with dark hair and light skin. It usually requires multiple sessions, with a touch-up about once a year thereafter. The treatment is a good option for men who want to thin out hair, but not lose it entirely. However, the treatment is considered expensive by most. Here is plenty of information about laser hair removal.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis is only method that can be called "permanent," and uses a thin needle inserted into the hair follicle to destroy the cells responsible that cause the hair to grow. While electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body, the process can cause some amount of discomfort. Local anesthetic creams are usually used during the procedure. As hair is removed one strand at a time, it requires several sessions. The procedure can cause tiny scars from the needle, and is not recommended for the dark skin type.
Other temporary hair removal options include depilatories, which are creams and lotions, that contain a chemical compound that dissolves the hair, tweezing and threading. The latter two both pluck out the hair from the roots, though one uses a tweezer while the other uses a thread. A semi permanent hair removal option is the topical cream Vaniqa, which is only available on prescription. It blocks an enzyme that stimulates hair growth, which causes retardation of hair growth.
Different Hair Removal Options
Shaving: Shaving is probably the most popular temporary hair removal method, which involves cutting of the hair very close to the skin. One can pick between an electric or straight razor, both of which usually come with lubricating strips. Though cheap and quick, the effects of shaving are temporary, and usually last anywhere between a day to a few days. This hair removal option is suitable for both men and women. Shaving can cause ingrowth, which is what happens when the cut hair curl back into the skin instead of growing out. This usually results in unsightly bumps, and at times can get infected. However, contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or coarser. Read about shaving tips for women.
Waxing: This method has been around for centuries, but is more popular among women than men. A sticky substance is applied to the skin and covered with a cloth strip. After a few seconds, the cloth is ripped off, and the hair comes with it. As the hair is pulled out from its roots, it take a longer time before it becomes visible again. The effects usually last for a few weeks. However, the process is painful, and expensive if done at a spa or salon. Alternately, one can use home kits. Waxing leaves the hair follicle open, so hygiene is important and it must be followed by the application of an antibacterial lotion. Read about home waxing tips.
Laser: One of the more popular permanent hair removal options for women and men is with the use of a laser, that sends a pulse of light through the hair shaft, which destroys the root of the hair. Over time, the exposed strands of hair weaken and fall out. This treatment works well on men and women with dark hair and light skin. It usually requires multiple sessions, with a touch-up about once a year thereafter. The treatment is a good option for men who want to thin out hair, but not lose it entirely. However, the treatment is considered expensive by most. Here is plenty of information about laser hair removal.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis is only method that can be called "permanent," and uses a thin needle inserted into the hair follicle to destroy the cells responsible that cause the hair to grow. While electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body, the process can cause some amount of discomfort. Local anesthetic creams are usually used during the procedure. As hair is removed one strand at a time, it requires several sessions. The procedure can cause tiny scars from the needle, and is not recommended for the dark skin type.
Other temporary hair removal options include depilatories, which are creams and lotions, that contain a chemical compound that dissolves the hair, tweezing and threading. The latter two both pluck out the hair from the roots, though one uses a tweezer while the other uses a thread. A semi permanent hair removal option is the topical cream Vaniqa, which is only available on prescription. It blocks an enzyme that stimulates hair growth, which causes retardation of hair growth.
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