There is no such thing as the best kind of hair removal, as it is a matter of preference.
There are women who prefer the swift and easy, albeit more painful method of waxing, while others may prefer shaving every other day just to avoid any sort of discomfort.
Not everyone can afford laser hair removal and other professional treatments, so here is a lowdown on your DIY options when it’s time to get rid of unwanted hair.
SHAVING IS THE EASIEST METHOD, definitely the cheapest and also the most convenient. Razors can be found in any department store, drugstore, supermarket, and even in most neighborhood stores.
If you need a quick removal job, like if you are at the beach and realize in horror that your underarms are hairy, shaving is the way to go. Beware though, because if you are careless you could cause nicks and razor burn on your legs or underarms.
Use a shaving gel or cream, or at the very least, soap, to lubricate yourself before shaving.
Also, remember that you will need to shave every other day at least, lest you end up with equally unsightly stubble.
One downside to shaving, especially in more intimate areas such as your bikini line, is that it gets itchy when the hair grows out so think before shaving your nether regions!
WAXING IS QUICK AND EASY BUT PAINFUL. Be forewarned: waxing is not for the faint of heart because it does hurt quite a bit, especially if you have really sensitive skin or a low tolerance for pain.
But if your tolerance is pretty high and you want a quick, no fuss hair removal method, this route is for you. It provides a few weeks of not worrying about unwanted hair.
Waxing rips hair out from its roots, leaving soft, smooth skin and superfine hair re-growth. Remember to get this done a few days before you hit the beach because it can cause redness, but it will settle down after an hour.
Make sure you get waxed by someone that’s highly recommended. Wax should never be burning hot as it could seriously hurt you!
SUGARING IS SIMILAR TO WAXING, except that you use a solution of sugar and lemon instead.
The solution is then placed on the area to be waxed and topped with a piece of cloth.
After waiting a few minutes, it’s ripped off in one quick movement, leaving you with hairless, smooth skin.
DEPILATORY CREAMS ARE FAST, RAZOR-LESS AND OUCH-LESS. This will be appreciated by overly-afraid women.
All you need to do is simply spread the cream on preferred areas, and wait 5-10 minutes before washing off with water. Along with the cream goes your hair.
It’s quick and easy, but those with sensitive skin may react to the cream. Consult your dermatologist, if you have one, before using.
Have a fashion or beauty question for Erica? Drop her a line at ericaparedes1@yahoo.com
Erica Paredes has been working in the publishing industry for almost a decade as a fashion and beauty editor, newspaper columnist, stylist and make-up artist. Nowadays she juggles her time between food and fashion, beauty and travel plus mommy duties to her 8 year old daughter.
