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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
by Skincare-news.com team
Whether you’ve got peach fuzz on your underarms or thick, stubbly re-growth on your legs, it can be removed. But what’s the best way? Here, we compare different hair removal methods and at-home systems based on where and how they work, how much pain is involved and how long you’ll stay hair-free.
At-home hair removal methods
You have many choices to get rid of unwanted hair. But when considering your options, know what’s most important to you. For example, do you want a method that’s quick, easy, painless or long-lasting? As Andrea Jones notes on Hairfacts, methods with longer-lasting results may cause more pain. On the other hand, with less painful methods, hair may grow back quicker.
- Laser hair removal
Where does it work? Any area, but isn’t appropriate for facial hair.
What’s involved? Lasers give off light energy. The “light is absorbed into dark hairs, which heats and kills the follicle,” explains the Hair Removal Forum Web site. Light energy targets melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair color), so laser hair removal works best on dark-haired people with fair skin.
How does it feel? Laser hair removal is typically uncomfortable but can be painful for some. Some people might experience temporary side effects, such as stinging, burning or redness. Scarring is also possible.
How long does it last? The goal of laser hair removal is to permanently reduce hair over time. Some women have reported a reduction of 70 percent after several weeks. But the number of treatments depends on the at-home device.
- Waxing
Where does it work? Almost any spot, including the face, arms, belly, legs and bikini area.
What’s involved? Wax is spread over the desired area, sticking to skin and hair. Strips of fabric or adhesive are then applied and quickly pulled off, taking hair along with them.
How does it feel? Unfortunately, waxing isn’t pain-free. It’s especially painful “the week before, and during, your period,” or if you have sensitive skin, writes Didi Gluck in Marie Claire. Try applying powder to absorb oil prior to waxing, which will make the process easier and possibly less painful, she suggests. Also, cold wax, rather than hot wax, reduces the risk of irritation.
How long does it last? Waxing results can last for weeks. In fact, you must usually wait several weeks between waxing sessions, because hair needs time to grow back to a certain length, so the wax and strips can grab it.
- Epilation
Where does it work? Body areas, like arms, underarms and bikini zone, as well as the face.
What’s involved? An epilator is a small tool that resembles an electric razor. But, instead of blades that cut hair, an epilator employs tiny tweezers to remove hair from the root.
How does it feel? Many women find the process uncomfortable. Though some women say the pain goes away with use, others still continue to experience it. As with other methods, it depends on your pain threshold.
How long does it last? Because hair is pulled out by the root rather than merely cut off at the surface, epilation results last longer than shaving.
- Shaving
Where does it work? Legs and underarms.
What’s involved? A razor (either manual or electric) simply cuts off hair at the surface level. It must be sharp in order to get the closest shave, so manual razors should be replaced often. Electric razors are better for short hair and for people who are prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs. If you shave in the shower, wait a few minutes after stepping in. The heat from the shower softens hair and opens pores, making hair easier to remove. Use a moisturizing shave gel to protect against nicks and cuts. Many experts suggest shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth.
How does it feel? Unless you nick or cut yourself, there’s really no pain involved. However, razor burn and irritation can occur, especially if you have sensitive skin or skip the shaving cream.
How long does it last? Not long at all. You’ll get stubbly re-growth within a couple days at most.
Product picks
Once you’ve selected an at-home hair removal method, it’s time to pick some products! Fortunately, effective options are available for every method.
Silk’n SensEpil
What are the advantages?
- Easy and quick
- Long-lasting results
- Safety sensor prevents use on skin that’s too dark
How much does it cost? $499.00. Refill cartridges are $50.00.
MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit
What are the advantages?
- Long-lasting results
- No ingrown hairs
- No pain
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Can be used on the whole body
How much does it cost? $17.00 for a starter kit. Hair remover refill is $18.00. Replacement fabric strips are $10.00.
Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit
What are the advantages?
Pre-wax lotion stops wax from grabbing skin, preventing irritation
Removes hair from root
Safe for sensitive skin on face and body
Colored wax shows up against skin so you know exactly where you’ve applied it
How much does it cost? $45.00
Emoji Emagine Epilator
What are the advantages?
- Contains 72 mini tweezers to remove hair in one pass, so you don’t need to go over the same area multiple times
- Uses Silver Ion Technology to defend against infection-causing bacteria
- Leaves skin hair-free and smoothe for several weeks
- Ideal for legs, face, bikini zone and underarms
How much does it cost? $120.00
Emoji Divine
What are the advantages?
Contains 36 tweezers for rapid removal
Has special massaging parts to keep skin taut, lessening pain
Uses attachable parts to exfoliate face and body for super-smooth skin
Can be used on very short hair
Ideal for face and body
Long-lasting results
Cordless
How much does it cost? $80.00
See also:
The Basics of Body Wraps
Jan Marini Review
Fixing Dry, Flaky Feet
An Inside Look at Beauty Product Allergies
How Vitamins Can Help Acne
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Emjoi Emagine Epilator
"The Emagine from Emjoi is a groundbreaking hair remover with 72 tweezer heads that removes hair quickly and comfortably by reducing the number of passes required to achieve the benefits of epilation - smooth and silky skin almost anywhere on the body."
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MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit
"MOOM is a revolutionary product that offers the benefits of long term depilation, diminishes the pain and eliminates the discomfort of waxing and other methods. MOOM does not damage the skin, thus no need for after treatment lotions to repair the skin. In fact, MOOM leaves your skin softer, healthier and younger looking naturally."
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Silk'n SensEpil
"Silk'n SensEpil brings the proven clinical success, user satisfaction and clinical results of the market leading Silk'n home-use laser hair removal device to consumers in a safe and affordable, FDA cleared device. Silk'n is the only over-the-counter device with FDA cleared indications for removal of unwanted hair."
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A: Look for a gentle, fragrance-free cream to protect skin from irritation. Check out Glytone Lipid Recovery Cream, which restores skin’s natural barrier and protects against daily irritants. |
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A: Dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., tells ABC News that a single treatment can cost between $100 and $150. Keep in mind that you’ll need multiple sessions to obtain and maintain the best results. According to Didi Gluck in Marie Claire, it takes at least three sessions to experience up to 80 percent hair reduction. So buying an at-home laser hair removal device can save a lot of money in the long run.
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A: Shaving is the most popular method of hair removal, according to Hairfacts.
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