Methods of Hair Removal

Our hair is wonderful but tends to pop up in the most unwanted places. Unwanted hair on the hands, stomach, legs and face is a cosmetic challenge many people face. How you choose to get rid of this hair is a personal preference. Whilst there is plenty of methods to choose from, some may be costly, others can be painful and some provide longer-lasting results than others. 

Here are a few of the very best techniques out there…

Hot Waxing

The process of waxing includes applying warm, melted wax onto the area of unwanted hair in the same direction in which it grows. Followed by removing the cooled, dry wax in the opposite direction. Waxing is a one size fits all method but is best on smaller areas such as eyebrows, upper lips and bikini lines.

Just how effective is it? 

Waxing results can last for up to four weeks, as this method removes hair at the root. Before waxing again you will need to let your hair grow back to roughly half a centimetre. While waxing does not damage your skin and is completely safe, there are several things you should consider. 

• Try not to wax in the days leading up to your period, this is because within these days your skin can be sensitive. 
• Skin irritation is common for those who have sensitive skin. 
• Avoid using makeup or lotion following your appointment.
• A common side effect is ingrown hairs, especially around the bikini line, where the hair grows back under the skin. Minimise the risk by exfoliating beforehand. 

Wet Shaving

Undoubtedly the cheapest and easiest method of hair removal. Simply hop in the shower and within minutes you can remove any hair on any part of the body. This works better on larger areas of the body like your legs and underarms. 

How effective is it?

Getting that ultra-close shave is not as easy as we expect! Conditioning your skin before shaving helps to soften the hair and its follicles. Using a sharp razor designed for women, go against the direction in which your hair grows. Remember, wet shaving will only cut the hair above the skin, meaning you are more than likely going to have to shave twice a week, or more, depending on your hair growth. 

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is undoubtedly the most effective method of hair removal as it permanently removes unwanted hair and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs or skin darkening. For this, it is also the most expensive hair removal method. 

This high-powered laser treatment utilises cooling technology to get the very best permanent hair removal results. The laser works to heat the melanin and destroy hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. The hair then simply falls out of the follicle, leaving the skin smooth and hair-free. 

So, is it worth the price tag?

Yes, the process of hair removal takes up to 50 weeks in full, depending on the area of the body. Treatments are booked every 6-12 weeks this is due to the growth of the hair follicles targeted at different stages for complete removal. However, you will notice a difference after just one treatment. Find out more on laser hair removal here. 

Depilatory Cream

Depilatory creams, such as ‘Veet’, break down the proteins of the hair. This effectively thins and dissolves the base of the hairs to the point where they are weak enough to be broken off when the cream is wiped away. The process takes about five to 10 minutes to work, depending on the thickness of hair and the manufacturer’s formula – thicker hair takes a little longer to break down than finer hair. Depilatory creams can be used on any part of the body, but ensure the formula you are using is intended for where you wish to use it. 

There are a few things you should consider when using different hair removal creams.

• Regular use of depilatory creams can make the skin more sensitive. 
• Exposure to the sun after the use of depilatory creams is not recommended. 
• Some creams have been linked to darkening of the skin. 
• As with all harsh chemicals, there are potentially unknown risks to using them.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

This is a technology used by cosmetic practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including hair removal. This treatment can be performed anywhere on your body, however, may not be as effective on uneven areas. 

IPL is similar to laser treatments, but rather than focusing on just one wavelength of light at your skin, it releases different wavelengths of light – similar to a photo flash. 

Whilst IPL is a great method of hair removal, there are a few things you should consider before starting a treatment.

• Most people experience mild swelling and redness. 
• In some cases, you may experience bruising, blistering and a change in skin colour. 
• IPL does not work on dark skin or fine hairs. 

How well does it work?

With new IPL devices being released, it can be just as effective as laser treatments. This treatment works better on thicker hair, however, a few courses will be needed to achieve the desired results. 

Threading

Threading involves the use of a piece of thread to grab and remove hair from its root. This treatment is best on smaller targeted areas like eyebrows and upper lip. It is a very safe procedure but can cause some irritation as you often need to go over the same area multiple times to achieve the best results. 

Is it effective?

If done correctly threading will remove an entire line of hair at once, unlike tweezing which removes a single hair at a time, and the results can last up to six weeks. 

Epilating

Epilating is a similar method to waxing. It uses metal blades that rotate to lift and remove the hair from the root to slow regrowth. This method is great for robust areas of the body, but can be very painful in sensitive areas such as underarms and bikini lines and can cause ingrown hairs. 

The process of epilating needs to be repeated over three days to achieve a super smooth finish and will need to be redone in 4-6 weeks depending on your hair growth.

There is no best way to get rid of unwanted hair, some methods suit some people more than others. So, we recommend trying a few methods and finding the most suitable for you. 

Our favourite method is laser hair removal, not only is it permanent is it the most cost-effective. Did you know our Elysion Laser Hair Removal starts from as little as £45 per visit? YES, just £45 for permanent hair removal. If you would like to find out more or see us for a complimentary consultation please click here.