Let’s face it; unwanted hair got that name for a very good reason. For most of us, the struggle to get rid of hair on our bodies or faces starts in adolescence and may continue throughout our lives. Whether for aesthetic or hygienic reasons, removing unwanted hair is nothing new. What is new, though, is the range of methods that you can choose from. It’s important to find the best hair removal method that suits your budget, lifestyle and skin type is important. Here are the pros and cons of five popular options if you need help deciding.
Shaving
Shaving is often the first hair removal method that most people try. It’s simple, cheap, convenient and easily fits into your daily routine. The design of traditional razors has improved in recent years but can still cause irritation, especially on more sensitive areas. To combat this and to prevent nicks, soften the skin first with warm water and a shaving gel, hair conditioner, or even body wash.
TOP TIP: A good option for a more comfortable shave is an electric shaver. They are designed to adapt to the contours of your face and body, giving a smoother, closer shave.
Pros
✔Quick and convenient.
✔Easily done at home.
Cons
X Hair regrows quickly, so stubble can reappear the next day.
X Skin can be irritated.
Epilating
Epilating has a reputation for being more uncomfortable because it plucks the hair out. As this method removes the hair from the roots, results are much longer lasting than shaving. It can be used all over the body and even on short, fine hairs, unlike waxing.
There are a range of epilators on the market, and the more recent ones don’t pull the skin as much, so they are less painful. Epilators are more expensive than some other methods. However, if you are willing to make that initial investment, it can pay off in more hair-free days over time.
TOP TIP: For the best results with an epilator, you need to exfoliate your skin first. This removes dead skin cells, which can prevent ingrown hairs.
Pros
✔Longer lasting: regrowth can take 2-4 weeks.
✔Conveniently done at home.
Cons
X Can be uncomfortable to use.
X Initial cost of buying the epilator.
Waxing
Waxing is an effective way to remove large amounts of hair at once, so it’s great for leg hair removal, for example. Wax is warmed up and spread over the skin in the direction of hair growth, and then a strip of fabric is applied to the wax. This is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking the hair with it.
Waxing can be done in your own home, although some areas can prove more difficult and painful than others. A salon wax will be more comfortable but, of course, more expensive.
TOP TIP: There are a range of warm and cold waxes, spatulas and strips on offer for home treatment, but make sure you read the instructions very carefully to avoid burns and torn skin.
Pros
✔ Longer lasting: smooth skin for around three weeks.
✔ Can be done at home quite cheaply.
Cons
X Can be painful, especially in more sensitive areas like the bikini line.
X More costly if you go to a salon.
Sugaring
Sugaring uses a similar technique to waxing and lasts around the same time. The main difference is that the wax is typically made with sugar, honey and lemon juice, making it a more natural option.
TOP TIP: Choose a product like a Sugaring Paste which is biodegradable and has no resins, meaning it’s water soluble and washes off easily with warm water.
Pros
✔ Longer lasting: smooth skin for around two weeks.
✔ Can be less painful than waxing.
Cons
X Regular treatment is needed.
X More costly if you go to a salon.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the best method for more permanent results. If you opt for the popular salon treatments, you will need several sessions (around four) to see full effect. In this technique, hair follicles are destroyed, which significantly slows down regrowth. Another more recent option is the IPL (Intense Pulse Light), a device that can be conveniently used at home. The IPL puts the hair into a resting phase and prevents it from growing back. Both of these types of laser treatments are more expensive, but if you are aiming for more permanent hair removal, you can save money and effort in the long run.
TOP TIP: For maximum effect when using the IPL device, you should start with frequent treatments (around one per fortnight) until you notice the hair is not growing back. After this, you can move to more infrequent top-up treatments to stay fuzz-free for longer. Make sure you read the instructions that come with each IPL device carefully, as timings and advice will vary.
Pros
✔ Most permanent effect over time.
✔ IPL can be conveniently done at home.
Cons
X Most expensive option.
X Doesn’t work for fair hair and some skin types.
How to Care For Your Skin After Shaving
After shaving, your skin may become irritated, especially if you have sensitive skin. You should always pat down the area instead of rubbing it, as this can cause more irritation. Then, follow up with a soothing cream, aloe vera gel or a hypoallergenic moisturiser. Along with calming down irritations, this will also keep your skin smoother for longer.
For other hair removal methods, always check the product instructions or with the salon for the best way to care for your skin after that specific treatment.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, choosing the best method to get rid of your hair depends on a few factors, so ask yourself these questions to help you decide:
Are you looking for a short or longer-term solution?
Are you looking for a cheaper option or are you happy to invest in a product that will have more permanent results over time?
Do you want the convenience of being able to do the treatment in your own home or would you prefer to go to the salon?
MedCart has an extensive range of short and longer-term products for DIY hair removal you can do in the comfort of your own home. Visit our website today to find a hair removal product that suits your needs and your budget.
