Hair removal methods

There are many different ways in which you can remove bodily hair and sometimes it can be really confusing which one to try and what they all do. I'm going to do a mini series of blog posts about the methods and reviews on some of them.

First up is a quick insight into the methods.

1. Depilatories
These are creams which when applied to hair they destroy the bonds which link the protein chains, which give hair it's strength, making the hair disintegrate.

As well as removing hair this also removes the outer most layer of the skin which leaves it feel smoother and this should be replaced in 28 days.

This method of hair removal is temporary and should last a few days and always remember to moisturise after.

2. Waxing
Waxing is one of the most popular methods of hair removal and can last for between 4 and 6 weeks meaning it's also quite inexpensive in the long run.

Waxing can be done at home or at a salon. There are many different waxing methods including roll ons, pre-waxed strips, waxing pots and precision wax pens for a more specific application.

Waxing works by removing the hair from the root by applying the wax and using a strip to pull it off. This is quite painful at first but with time you get used to it. Also the more you wax the thinner the hair regrowth and in some cases a user could experience permanent hair loss.

3. Sugaring
This is a natural hair removal method which originated in Egypt around 300 years ago. It works by removing hair by the root but is different to waxing as the sugaring compound only sticks to the hair and not the skin.

This is also quite a painful method but again the more you do it the less it hurts. This method can last for around 4-6 weeks and again in time hair growth will reduce.

4. Tweezing
Tweezing is a temporary method of hair removal which works by plucking the hairs from the skin and is mostly used on the eyebrows.

Tweezing can cause hair to grown back under the skin, known as ingrown hairs.


5. Shaving
This is where a razor is used to remove hair. It only removes hair on the surface of the skin so it's a long term hair removal method but it can cause rashes, razor burn and ingrown hairs.

This is the most popular method of hair but it only lasts for a very short time, around a day.

6. Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a salon treatment where a tiny probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a impulse of energy is directed into the hair's root. The hair is then lifted out and this is repeated until the area is hair free.

The amount of pain suffered varies from person to person and more than one treatment is needed to ensure that hair removal is permanent.

7. Threading
This is similar to tweezing except this is done with string which wraps around one hair at a time and pulls it out.

(Images all borrowed from Google Images)

8. Epilating
This is done at home with an epilator which can be bought at most health and beauty retailers. This works by pulling the hair out by the root and can last for up to a month.

It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth and in time the hair will regrow finer and sparser and in time it could never regrow resulting in permanent hair removal.


9. Electric/battery shaving
This is a battery or electric shaver which trims the hair off the top of the skin. This is quick and easy but can result in hair regrowing prickly.


For the rest for the week I'll be posting reviews on shaving, waxing, depilatories, epilating and tweezing.