Guide to Hair Removal – Part 1
These days it seems there are so many ways to remove unwanted hair that it’s hard to know where to begin! We thought we’d discuss some pro’s and cons for modern hair removal techniques over the next couple of weeks. This week we’re looking at waxing, and sugaring, ouch!
Waxing
Waxing is a method of hair removal that can be used on almost any area of the body, from eyebrows to legs. It involves a thin layer of warmed wax being spread over the skin, after this a piece of cloth or paper is pressed firmly onto the wax, which is then is pulled quickly off against the direction of hair growth. Waxing can be quite precise when required, though we would recommend that you visit a professional before you attempt to use this method yourself.
Pros
Waxing removes hair from the root so it will leave you hair free for longer than methods such as shaving or the use of creams – up to around 6 weeks!
You won’t get ‘stubble’ with waxing in the way that you do with shaving as there are no sharp cut edges left to grow back.
Re-growth appears softer and less noticeable for this reason.
Cons
It can be tricky to use this method yourself as there is a certain amount of skill involved. Also, you must avoid waxing fragile, broken or bruised skin and never wax moles or areas with varicose veins.
If you are using steroid medication you must avoid waxing as it may thin the skin.
This method of hair removal may cause bleeding or skin irritation.
Wax can be tricky to remove from the skin if any is left after use.
The biggest argument against waxing is that it hurts!
Sugaring
Sugaring as the name suggests involves the use of a sugar, honey or molasses based paste and works and is applied in a very similar way to waxing.
Pros
See waxing pros.
Sugaring may be less painful than waxing because sugaring paste may be less likely to stick to the skin than wax, therefore removing only the hair and not affecting the skin in such a dramatic way.
It is also easier to remove sugaring paste than wax – all it takes is warm water.
Cons
See waxing cons.