Summer time is here and did you know that during this time of year hair grows back faster? (How convenient given it’s bikini and short season…) If you’re trying to decide which route to take to get rid of unwanted hair, read below to find out the pros and cons of your options.
Shaving
What is it? Using a razor blade to remove hair at the surface of the skin.
Pros
- Fast
- Inexpensive (in comparison to waxing, laser, electrolysis and threading)
Cons
- Hair grows back fast and becomes coarse
- Ingrown hairs can form
- Skin rash and razor burn on the skin can result
Tweezing
What is it? Using tweezers to remove unwanted hair.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Good precision on the hairs you want to remove
Cons
- Not effective for larger areas of hair (i.e. legs)
- Time consuming
- Painful to some
Waxing
What is it? Wax is applied and removed in the opposite direction of hair gowth, pulling the hairs from the root.
Pros
- Fast
- Inexpensive (In comparison to electrolysis and laser hair removal)
- Lasts for several weeks (3-6 weeks depending on hair type)
- Effective at targeting large areas of the body
Cons
- Painful to some
- Skin sensitivity/reaction can result (If you’ve experience this with waxing, see where you can locate a salon/spa you that uses our SeaSmooth Artisan Seaweed Wax – specifically designed for those with sensitive/reactive skin!)
- Ingrown hairs can form if skin is not exfoliated (Tip: Use an exfoliator and dry brush on your legs daily)
Chemical Depilatories
What is it? This method uses chemicals as calcium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide and sodium thioglycolate to dissolve the hair. Can be in the form of creams, lotions, or sprays.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Hair grows back softer in comparison to shaving
Cons
- The product used may have a foul odor
- Hair regrowth is quick
- Skin sensitivity and reaction can result
Threading
What is it? This method involves removing hair with a looped and twisted cotton thread maneuvered by an estheticians fingers.
Pros
- Faster than tweezing
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not effective on large areas of the body
- Painful to some
- May cause folliculitis
Electrolysis
What is it? The use of direct electric current to destroy hair.
Pros
- Currently the only proven method of permanent hair removal
- Can be performed on all areas of the body
Cons
- Expensive
- A long process (Varies depending on person, size of area being treated and hair type, but can take multiple years for some)
- Painful to some
- Can cause erythema and swelling
Laser Hair Removal
What is it? This method utilizes a laser beam at a specific wavelength to destroy the target hair while allowing the skin around it to remain untouched.
Pros
- Long-lasting method of hair removal
- Faster than electrolysis – more efficient for larger areas of the body
- Regrowth of hair is finer and lighter
Cons
- Not effective on light or non-pigmented hair
- Expensive
- Requires multiple sessions – a minimum of 7 is common and are spread out between 4-6 weeks
- (Note: Hair grows in several phases and a laser only targets active growing hair follicles, specifically in the anagen phase.)
- Ineffective on dark or tanned skin.
- Skin burning, discoloration, swelling, and infection can result.
What method of hair removal will you be using/ have you seen the best results with? Tell us in the comments below.
