The Most Effective Hair Removal Methods For A Smooth And Silky Skin

Having a lot of hair is great, depending on where it's growing. Managing excess unwanted hair- facial hair, armpit hair, leg hair- can be a pesky problem. For one thing, hair always grows back, so it's a seemingly never-ending vicious cycle. 

Here are the most effective methods for getting rid of unwanted hair for smooth and silky skin. 

Laser Hair Removal 

Laser hair removal is the way to go for long-lasting results. It's the use of light and heat from the laser to remove unwanted hair by damaging hair follicles, preventing future growth. This hair removal treatment is done multiple times over an extended period so that the hair follicles are really damaged and don't grow back. It works on a simple principle; the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, is what absorbs the light, the result being that the laser damages only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Because of this principle, hair color and skin type influence its effectiveness so that a contrast between hair and skin color -dark hair and light skin- gives the most desired results.  

Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well(gray, red, blond, and white) and darker skin tones. Treatment options are still in the development process to bridge this gap, making this fact less accurate every day.  

If you elect to have laser hair removal, avoid the following in anticipation: 

● Avoid exposure to the harsh rays of the sun by applying sunscreen every time you go out. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen. This instruction is applicable both before and after treatment 

● Avoid other hair removal methods at least four weeks before as they will disturb the hair follicles. Removal methods include plucking, waxing, and electrolysis.

● Avoid blood-thinning medications. To be extra safe, inquire about what medicines, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, are prohibited before the procedure.

● It's recommended that you trim and shave the desired area the day before laser treatment. Trimming and shaving remove hair above the skin, resulting in surface skin damage from burnt hairs while leaving the hair shaft intact below the surface.

Waxing

Admittedly, the idea of hair being forcibly stripped from its roots isn't pleasant, but for silky smooth skin, waxing is well worth the discomfort. 

There are two methods of waxing. For soft wax/ warm waxing, the wax (made with rosin, oils, and other additives) is applied directly to the skin using a spatula. Then, strips of fabric are smoothed over the wax and then removed quickly, against the direction of growth, taking the wax and hair from the skin along with it.  

For hard waxes, the hair is removed without strips. Instead, hot wax (made from beeswax, resin, and oils) is applied directly to the skin, left to cool and harden. The corner of the wax is then lifted, and the wax is pulled straight off the skin.

The advantages of waxing over methods like shaving include:

● It lasts up to one month 

● There's a finer regrowth, which means no rough stubble 

● Waxing is like exfoliation, getting rid of the build-up of dead skin cells and grime on your skin 

● Shaving rash is inflammation of the skin caused by irritation, and one of the best things about hot wax is that you'll never be itchy again

Sugaring 

Also known as sugar waxing and Persian waxing, this hair removal method has been in use since 1900 BC. Sugaring hair removal utilizes a natural paste made of sugar, lemon, and water to form a sticky, gel-like paste to remove hair from the roots.  

Apart from the lack of chemical additives, a significant plus is that you can do this yourself at home. 

Here's how: 

● Scoop the wax with the tips of your fingers and thumb.

● Spread the wax in the direction your hairs are growing.

● Pull your skin tight with the other hand and pull off the wax in a fast movement in the opposite direction.  

● Never rip off the wax in an upward motion.

Threading 

Like sugaring, threading is an ancient hair removal method. Unlike sugaring, it's not a method you should do yourself, as it requires careful technique.  

Threading is most popularly used to control excess eyebrow hair, but it can also be performed on small areas like the upper lip and sides of the face. The most decided advantages of threading are that it's a rapid process - 10 to 15 minutes- and it can be done on very short hair. 

With methods like laser hair removal, waxing, threading, and sugaring, getting the smooth, silky skin you desire doesn't have to be a hassle.