There are so many ways to deal with unwanted hair nowadays, but which to choose?
We look at several options to give you an idea of what they involve and their pros and cons.
Shaving
Shaving uses a razor with a sharp blade that is drawn across the skin surface to cut off hair at skin level.
Pros: Shaving is quick, easy and inexpensive compared to some other methods.
Cons: The hairs will be visible just a few hours following shaving, as they continue to grow and emerge from the skin. The blade can also cause skin irritation and result in ingrown hairs.
Plucking
Method: Pulling the hairs out individually by their root, usually with tweezers.
Pros: Plucking only requires initial investment of tweezers. Lasts much longer than shaving, as hairs must regrow from root level over several weeks. In certain areas such as the eyebrows, the constant trauma of plucking shallow-rooted hairs can damage the growth permanently.
Cons: Plucking each hair takes time and can irritate the skin. In certain areas such as the eyebrows, the constant trauma of plucking shallow-rooted hairs can damage the growth permanently.
However, if hairs are due to hormonal activity (chin, neck, corners of lip), a medical condition or certain types of medication, this method may stimulate growth and strengthen the root, known as Paradoxical Hypertrichosis.
Waxing
Method: Heated wax is applied to the area and then quickly removed, pulling the hairs by the root (a form of mass plucking).
Sugaring achieves the same result, but using a paste made from sugar.
Threading uses cotton thread in an intricate pattern to catch up and pull out the hairs.
An epilator is a powered device using the same principle.
Pros: Waxing can remove large areas of hair growth quickly. If done properly, the wax will remove all hairs, resulting in smooth hair-free skin for 2-3 weeks.
Cons: If waxing is not done correctly, hairs can break off at skin level instead, which can cause ingrown growth, becoming trapped beneath skin cells. This can lead to bumps and spots due to infection. Product ingredients can cause skin irritation. Not recommended for already irritated areas or active flare-ups of conditions such as psoriasis or eczema: avoid the areas or wait until skin is recovered. |
Depilatory Creams
A chemical-based cream is applied to the area, which dissolves the hairs to just below skin level. The product is rinsed away after a specified length of time (typically 15-30 minutes) Results usually last for a few days.
Pros: Depilation is a relatively quick and simple process compared to most other methods. This also temporarily removes all hair growth: skin is left smooth as for waxing. Useful for last-minute events, where the area will be visible.
Cons: The ingredients can cause skin irritation and should not be used on already irritated skin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave the product on longer than advised: the product is still active and can cause skin damage if not removed properly or within the specified time.
Laser/IPL
Method: Light is directed onto the skin in powerful bursts. Dense pigment within the hair provides a ‘pathway’ down to the root for destruction.
Pros: Laser/IPL can work well on dark hairs against a light skin tone. It can also treat large areas reasonably quickly.
Cons: Laser is a permanent hair reduction treatment, meaning that some hair growth will likely return. Shaving is required a couple of days before each treatment, as the treatment works best on shorter blunt hairs. Laser can be uncomfortable, and aftercare advice must be followed to allow skin healing.
Laser needs the pigment in the hair to be effective, so lighter hairs will not benefit from this treatment. IPL uses scattered beams of light, so it will not be effective on white, grey, blonde, red, light brown and sometimes medium brown hair. Other forms of laser may be more successful, as they use one concentrated beam, which is more powerful, but results are not guaranteed.
One of the most expensive methods of hair removal.
Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is a risk for hormonally-sensitive growth.
Electrolysis
A fine metal filament enters the hair follicle and discharges a controlled burst of heat to kill the hair at the root.
Electrolysis can permanently remove any type or colour of hair on any skin colour. As well as destroying the hair root, it damages the DNA information found within each follicle, preventing new growth. The treatment is safe for both the face and body.
Treating each hair individually can take time to achieve results in larger areas. It can be uncomfortable and requires careful aftercare following each treatment to allow full healing of the skin. Like laser, it is a more expensive hair solution. However, results are permanent.