Hair Removal Body Hair Removal in Shaving(90)

Body hair removal

Removing unwanted body hair can help you get smoother, more supple skin. However, there's a wide variety of products and techniques available that can help you achieve the results you're looking for, and they depend on your skin type and preferred beauty routine additions. Consider the following as you shop for hair-removal products.

Which body hair removal method is best for me?

The products in this section are concerned with removing or sculpting the hair below your scalp, which means anything from eyebrows to leg hair and everything in between. The exact technique you choose to accomplish this type of hair removal should vary based on several factors, beginning with your hair-removal goals. Some techniques are longer-lasting than others, while others are safe for use only on specific parts of your body. It’s helpful to know what body parts you want to remove hair from before browsing this product category. Additionally, skin sensitivity, manual dexterity and the time you’re willing to invest in hair removal should also play a part in how you approach your purchase decisions. Take some time to explore your options before making a final decision.

Shaving

Shaving is one of the shortest-acting hair-removal methods. In most cases, shaved hair will noticeably regrow within a few days, which means that you must shave on a regular basis. However, shaving is also relatively quick and convenient, and it’s also fairly painless and safe compared with other hair-removal methods. This makes shaving especially suitable for those with sensitive skin. There are two primary shaving tools available in this category, and each offers its own benefits.

Razors: Manual razors are simple shaving tools that provide a close, reliable shave. These razors are prone to causing irritation, though you can avoid this by opting for a model with lubricating strips, multiple blades and advanced features such as flexible blades and a pivoting head. Shaving cream can also help reduce irritation. Razor shaving usually requires a fair amount of prep as water is an essential part of the process, and razors become dull, so you'll need replace them fairly frequently. Shaving with a dull razor is both less effective and more dangerous than shaving with a fresh, sharp razor.

Electric shavers and trimmers: Electric shavers and trimmers offer a versatile, high-tech hair removal technique that you can perform wet or dry, without shaving creams and other products. This is a great hair removal option for people with very sensitive skin or dexterity issues as electric shavers cause minimal irritation and have protective guards over their blades to dramatically reduce cuts and nicks. Most electric shavers are quick and efficient to use as well, so they’re better if you don’t have a lot of time to shave. High-quality electric shavers can last a long time without needing any parts replaced, but they do require access to an electrical outlet for charging.

Shaving alternatives

Shaving is the classic hair removal option, but it’s not the only technique. If you dislike having to frequently shave as upkeep, you may prefer alternative hair removal techniques that focus more on removing hair from the root. These techniques also assist with avoiding nicks, razor burn and other issues associated with shaving, though they aren’t necessarily foolproof guards against skin irritation and pain.

Wax: Wax comes in several forms, including traditional hot wax that melts at a high temperature, and cool wax, which doesn’t require high heat to do its job. Either technique is likely to cause some pain as the practice of ripping hair out from the root does trigger some nerve sensitivity in the hair follicles. However, waxing is a long-lasting hair-removal solution, and once the initial skin irritation associated with the procedure calms down, issues such as razor burn or cuts generally aren’t present. Many people prefer to use wax in areas where stubble from shaving is particularly unsightly. Pain is the main drawback to waxing, but there are techniques, such as pulling the skin taught before removal, that can reduce this pain. Cool waxes are also less likely to cause discomfort because they don’t apply hot. This also means they’re safer for at-home use by novices.

Epilators: Epilation is another hair-removal technique that involves pulling individual hairs out by the root. Unlike tweezing, epilation works quickly over a wide area, so it’s a viable hair removal technique for the legs or underarms. It’s also an alternative to wax that doesn’t involve pulling a strip off the skin, so it ultimately results in less pain. Epilators can cause pain, especially in the first few uses, but many users report acclimating to the sensation and feeling satisfied with their decision to switch from shaving or waxing to epilation.

Depilatory creams and lotions: Hair-removal creams, also knowns as depilatory creams, offer a third alternative to shaving. These chemical treatments apply topically onto the desired area of hair for removal and work by dissolving the hair at its base. The hair that grows back is less blunt and visible than shaved hair, and results do tend to last a bit longer than shaving. However, depilatory creams can cause severe skin irritation, particularly if you don’t follow the instructions on the package.