Hair Removal Methods - An Overview
How do you decide on which hair removal method to use?
The best hair removal method depends on your preferences and your type of skin. It is always best to consult with a specialist, but this web site is aimed at providing you an overview and comparison of the methods available. Clicking on the ratings in the matrix below or on the links in the navigation bar above gives you loads of additional information.
Introduction to Hair Removal
Many people, both men and women, want to get rid of body-hair. This wish has been around for thousands of years and just grows stronger in today's beauty- and fashion oriented society.
Men commonly want hair removed from between the eyebrows, around the outside of the ears, and the shoulders. Women commonly want to remove facial hair on the lip, chin, eyebrows, neck, bikini line, abdomen, breasts, forearms, and underarms.
On this web site we have summarized the different methods that are available. The cost of hair removal range from 5 Euro for do-it-yourself shaving and waxing kits to several thousand Euro for laser treatments. Permanent hair removal takes time and often requires repeated treatments.
1. Shaving
- Shaving is the most common hair removal method
- The cut hair off at the skin's surface
- The sharp metal blade or electric razor cuts the hair off at the surface of the skin, causing the hair to grow back, sometimes as soon as a day or two later.
- While the razor has always had its drawbacks, like the risk for cuts, it is convenient and portable.
- Body shaving is more difficult than facial shaving because the skin is more tender in certain areas of the body, such as the bikini area or the legs. Generally, shaving is done against the direction of hair growth. For sensitive areas, shaving in the direction of hair growth often works better and gives fewer skin cuts, but can be slower. It also helps to lather up and soak the body areas for a while prior to shaving.
Bodyparts: Legs, Face, Bikini area
Shaving arm hair is not recommended for several reasons: new hair growth will be thicker and coarser, results do not last very long and there is a lot of potential for irritation and ingrown hair.
Pros
- Shaving is cheap, quick and has minimal side effects
- The new triple bladed razors cut the hair closer to the skin and add about one day to traditional shaving effect.
Cons
- Effects are not long-lasting
- Irritates the skin, and can cause infections
- Healing time might be necessary for the skin after shaving
Cost: 2-20 Euro for a set including creme
Shaving has been in existence since ancient times. Shaving for women was not popular until the beginning of the 20th century. Leg shaving for women became popular with the introduction of sheer nylon stockings during the 40's.
2. Hair Removal Pads
Inexpensive but effective method large areas with fine hair like legs or arms with mittens. A rough surface is used to buff away hair at the skin surface. Use small circular movements and gentle pressure to smooth the surface of your skin. Also called Friction Mitts or Sleeves.
During the last years the hair removal pads have been developed a lot, and work much better than before. Try to avoid the cheapest brands, since they tend to give poor results and irritate the skin.
Bodyparts: Legs and arms
Pros:
- Inexpensive, fast, painless, can be done at home or on travel
- Available widely
- Exfoliates and smooth skin
Cons
- Rubbing too hard may cause skin irritation
- Do not use on irritated or damaged skin
- Many types can be used wet or dry
- Use gently on face, underarm or bikini area
- Some use it between shaving and waxing sessions
- Skin should be clean and dry before using the hair removal pad. Select an area of skin surface of the size of the pad. Use circular movements and pressure to smooth the surface of your skin. Without lifting the pad, change the direction of the circular movement until the hair is gone. Do not stroke up and down or press too much. If you rub too intensely, the skin gets irritated. Follow up with a mild lotion.
- You can wash the mitt in water to maintain its effectiveness.
- Never use a hair removal pad on damaged skin. If an irritation occurs, discontinue use.
3. Waxing
Waxing uproots the hair from its follicles for the longest-lasting, smoothest result. Waxing has been around for a long time and is one of the few temporary methods still commonly performed professionally. Hot wax is applied to the skin, and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away, taking hairs with it. Rip quickly and in the opposite direction of the hair growth to avoid unnecassary pain.The procedure can be performed at home and is fast and inexpensive. There are many kinds of waxes around: Hot, Warm and Cold Wax as well as Wax Strips.
Bodyparts:
Legs, arms, underarms, face, special ones on the entire female pubic area. Warm waxing is recommended to remove hair from the arms.
Pros
- Simple method: just apply to the skin and pull the wax strip off
- Hair regrowth is usually less and hair is finer
Cons
- It is messy, can irritate the skin and it is not pain free
- Should never be applied to the nipples, on areas of skin affected by wart or moles.
- A similar way to remove hair is called sugaring
- To avoid inflamed skin, check the waxing product on a small patch of skin, even if you have used the product before. This should be done in the beauty salon as well.
- Before waxing the hair should be at least 1 cm long
- You should never wax when you have a sunburn and avoid expose the waxed areas to sun for at least two days after waxing. Baby oil is the best moisturizer after waxing. After-sun creme or ice takes away the burning sensation after waxing. Aspirin can also remove the pain.
- Do not apply moisturizer or drink a lot of caffeine the day of waxing.
Eyebrow hairs are the slowest-growing hairs on the human body, so be careful when waxing them. If removing too much, they will come back, but it takes around two months. Avoid to remove hair if you are under medication or having the period, since it could make your skin more sensitive.
4. Sugaring
Sugaring is very similar to waxing. A stickypaste is applied to the skin and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. This strip is then quickly pulled away, taking a hair with it. It can be used on most of body hair: legs, arms, underarms, pubic area, except male beard hair.
Pros:
- Is all natural and cleans up with water
- It is safe and not usually painful
- Sugar paste doesn’t need to be heated
- Does not stick to the skin
- Can be performed at home
- Fast and inexpensive
Cons
- Messy
- It can be irritate the skin
- It is not pain free
5. Cream & Lotion Depilatories
It is dissolve the hair in 10-20 minutes. They are available in cream, gel, lotion, aerosol and roll-on forms for men and women. It can be used on most body areas: legs, arms, underarms, pubic area
Pros
- Now it is available in extra-strength formulas for men and women
- Leave the skin surface smooth
- Hairs are dissolved not cut
- Painless, easy and fairly long-lasting
Cons
- Allergic and/or irritated reactions
- Chemicals are harsh, messy and often smelly
Always try before using it. There are different types of lotions for different body-parts and types of skin.
The hair is dissolved at the surface of the skin.
6. Electric Tweezers
A rotary head with rows of tweezers pull hairs out by the roots. It can be used on most of body hair: legs, arms, underarms, pubic area
Pros
- The effect can be last from several days to several weeks
- Hairs pull out by the roots, the regrowth hair is finer
Cons
- It is difficult to use on fine hairs
- It is usually painful hair removal with electric tweezers is not permanent
- Epilators should not be used on very sensitive skin such as the face, genitals, or armpits.
Eyebrow hairs are the slowest-growing hairs on the human body, so be careful when you remove the hair since regrowth can take a long, long time. Electric epilators destroys the hair follicle and is considered a permanent hair removal method
7. Manual Tweezers
Tweezer or metal forceps are used to manually to pull hairs out by the root, one or a few at a time. It can be mildly painful and the effects are slightly more long lived than shaving because the hair is removed from below the skin. Method is good for shaping eyebrows or removing stray hairs. The results last two to eight weeks.
Eyebrow hairs are those most often tweezed or plucked. Tweezing is also useful for facial and other stray body hairs.
Pros: Economical and precise
Cons: Is time consuming and can cause stinging
8. Threading
Cotton thread is entwined with the hairs of the face (upper lip and eyebrow particurarly) by rolling it along the skin and then pulling out the follicle.
Bodyparts: Upper lips, eyebrow, chin, sideburns, cheeks
Pros: Inexpensive and fast
Cons:
- Skin reddening or puffiness and changes in skin pigment
- It can be painful and cause itching afterwards
9. Bleaching
Bleaching lightens the colour of the hair, so that blends with the natural, but makes the hair more difficult to see. The procedure is quick and easy.
Bodyparts: Upper lip, legs, arms, neck, bikini areas
Pros:
- Easy to use, and makes the hair much less noticeable
- Result lasts for several weeks
Cons
- Bleaching can temporarily discolor the skin by removing a surface layer of pigmentation.
- Reported side effects of bleaching in clinical trials include temporary skin redness, stinging, burning, tingling, rash and ache. Some customers who have used this hair removal method have complained that the product made their face look old. This is a possibility since the chemicals that stop hair growth can also stop skin repair and regeneration. A skin repair cream may help reduce some of these secondary skin problems.
- The chemical substances can cause allergic reactions, always check on a small skin area first, even if you use known products, since the skin can develop new allergies over time.
10. Inhibitor Serum
Hair growth inhibitors are a new development in hair removal. The process is slowing down hair growth it start after 2-3 days, it’s depending on the type of the hair and skin. The serum is substantially retards the growth of the hair and it works effectively after wax. After hair has been removed by the roots, the serum can the penetrate the open follicle interacting with the proteins as it form a new root cell.
Bodyparts: It can be used on all types of body hair: facial, legs, arms, underarms, pubic area
Pros: Makes the results of hair removal last longer
Cons:
- Success depends on the type of hair and skin
- Useful only with wax
- Chemical and could cause allergic reactions
11. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a costly procedure in which a laser beam is used to disable hair follicles. Laser can be used on all types of body hair: facial, legs, arms, underarms, pubic area. Excellent results are reported for the face, neck, and underarms with between 70% hair removal after three treatments.
Pros:
- The newest hair removal technique
- It provides an extremely fast treatment with very little discomfort, and
- Less painful than electrolysis
- It is considered safe if performed properly. Hair regrowth, if there is any, is light in colour and fine in texture.
Cons:
- Follow up treatments are often necessary
- The treatment must be performed by a licensed dermatologist or professional and makes laser hair removal more expensive than other methods.
- The method include some pain but you normally feel ok after about 10 hours.
Some users have experienced permanent hair reduction, but there is limited data on how long hair reduction usually lasts, how much hair reduction is typical, and how often permanent hair reduction occurs. When the hair grows back, it tends to be finer and sparser. The average patient needs a repeat treatment every six to 12 months. People with light skin and dark hair have the best results.
Cost:
- A series of treatments to remove facial hair, for example, costs about 1,000 USD.
- Hair removal for legs or men's backs is more expensive and costs about 3,000 USD.
12. Hair Electrolysis
Permanent hair removal. A hair-thin metal probe is slid into a hair follicle though which electricity is delivered to the follicle. The procedure is expensive, painful and if done improperly can cause skin damage!
Bodyparts: It can be used on all types of body hair: facial, legs, arms, underarms, pubic area
Pros:
- The only way to permanently remove all of the hair.
- The results can be permanent and very satisfactory
Cons:
- Improper can use burns and skin discoloration.
- Expensive
- Painful
- Timeconsuming
- Results depend on the skill of the electrologist
- Patience needed: It takes about a year to achieve permanent results.
The only way to permanently remove 100% of hair. The hair shaft is destroyed with small needles. Some techniques require 3-5 minutes per hair and are done with multiple-needle machines. Electrolysis is therefore time-consuming but normaly less expensive than laser hair removal.
Hormonal changes may stimulate new hair growth. Needle electrolysis requires a series of treatments over time. For example, clearing the hair from a forearm takes a series of half hours appointments once a week, for about one year. In the first two months, a series of eight treatments will clear both forearms, but after that, hair on a different cycle of growth must be removed. lso, it can be painful. Success depends on the skill of the electrologist.
Cost: Needle electrolysis costs about 80 USD an hour, and may cost a few thousand USD per year.
Women of Beauty Information Packetwww.thewomenofbeauty.com
For all women who are over-worked, stressed, and just plain tired, do you need some time just for yourself to be pampered, to relax and just unwind? If so, then the Women of Beauty Seminar may just be the trip you deserve. This seminar allows women to bond with one another, shop til’ you drop, and enjoy the spa experience.
This year’s trip will be held in the Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg , TN.
Seminar Dates: Ladies will join together at a central location in Cincinnati , Oh and will be chartered to Gatlinburg , TN August 14, 2008 . Ladies will be scheduled to depart from Gatlinburg , TN on August 18, 2008 and return back to Cincinnati
Room Information: Brookside Resort, Gatlinburg , TN
www.Brooksideresorts.com
Ladies are encouraged to bring a roommate because rooms will occupy two women.
Rooms include cable television, phone, refrigerator, and maid service.
The hotel offers:
*Two heated pools, a spa tub, and a waterfall
*A conference room will be available for the Women of Beauty
*Volleyball, Ping-Pong, Walking Trail, and Sundeck
Spa Information: Oakhaven Spa, Seiverville , TN
www.Oakhavenspas.com
Ladies will spend a total of 5 hours being pampered by Tennessee
Spa. All ladies will receive our very own Women of Beauty package that includes:
*The Stress Buster Massage
*The eScape Facial
*The eSSentials Pedicure
All ladies will be served champagne, wine. Chocolate covered strawberries, hors D’oeuvres
along with lunch.
A vegetarian course is available for all who prefer that option instead.
You can select this option on the reservation form.
Women who have their full payment sent in by February 14th will be entered into a raffle to win. The Almost Heaven Spa package.
This very special spa package includes:
*The Almost Heaven Body Massage
*The Almost Heaven Facial
*Ice Cream Pedicure
The lucky lady’s name will be called on the bus trip to Gatlinburg , Tennessee
Pure Romance: Monica KissellThat’s right ladies, there is no party like a Fun Party!! Monica Kissell, a consultant for Pure Romance, has agreed to come party with us. She specializes in fun toys for women and couples.
Party gifts and prizes will be given. There will also be plenty of items to purchase at the party.
Mary Kay: Tiffany Moon
Tiffanymoon@marykay.com
For all women who would like to learn beauty tips on how to apply make-up, Tiffany offers tips and demonstrations that would include picking out the perfect foundation for you as well as make-up tricks that bring out your eyes. Tiffany will have gift bags for all women who attend.
There will also be Mary Kay products to purchase.
A Healing for the Mind, Body, and Soul
Tiffanymoon@marykay.com
Tiffany Moon, the lady with Mary Kay, will also head up a seminar that promotes a woman’s health. There will be games, exercises, and materials given to help women become the best they can be. Prizes will be given away during seminar.
Outside Activities
During your leisure time, enjoy the many wonderful attractions that Gatlinburg has to offer. Ladies are invited to travel in organized groups or roam on their own. Here are just a few of the many attractions located just minutes away from the Resort;
· Reagan’s Carousel Mall
· Mountain Mall
· The Village Shopping Centre
· Gatlinburg’s Finest Outlet Mall
· CJ’s Playhouse
· The Gatlinburg Skylift
· Smoky Mountain Winery
· World of Illusion
· Dollywood
· HardRock Café
· Ripley’s Aquarium
** The charter bus will ride the ladies to central locations where most of these attractions are located. Hard Rock Café
Hardrockcafe.com
Hard Rock Cafe is a great restaurant that serves an array of foods. It is a chain restaurant that is widely known all over the United States
* All ladies will receive a gift basket to include party gifts and T-shirts. Please include the name that you wish to have printed on your basket, nicknames are also acceptable, have fun with it!!
These are the scheduled dates for payments
*The first payment is non-refundable
January 31st 2008 March 31st 2008 May 31st 2008 July 31st 2008
$99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax
“If Beauty is only skin deep, who are you on the inside?”
Please contact Shellay M. Mills @ 513-621-2227 or shellay113@thewomenofbeauty.com
if you have any questions or concerns.
Women of Beauty Registration Form
The Women of Beauty is a seminar that was created to bring women together to bond, pamper themselves, and receive valuable information on how to keep themselves looking beautiful.
This is the official registration form for the Women of Beauty Seminar to be held
Beginning Thursday, August 14th, and ending on Sunday, August 18th.A non-refundable deposit of $99.75 per person is required with form.
www.thewomenofbeauty.com
Guest are encouraged to bring a friend or family member, rooms will occupy two people.
First Lady:
| Name: | ||
| Street Address: | ||
| City: | State: | Zip: |
| Home number: | Email: | |
Second Lady:
| Name: | ||
| Street Address: | ||
| City: | State: | Zip: |
| Home number: | Email: | |
Women will be divided into groups based on the activity they choose from, please put a number by your first and second choice:
___White Water Rafting ___Ripley’s 4D Movie Theater
___Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum ___Ripley’s Davey Crockett Mini Golf Adventure
Please include your shirt size for the Women of Beauty T-Shirts
___Small ___Medium ___Large ___XL ___2XL
Lunch is to be served during spa treatments. Please choose your meal:
____Lunch Sandwiches ____Vegetarian Meal
*lunches also include salads, fruit trays, cheese and cracker trays and your choice of beverages.
Payment Schedule is as follows, and will be included in your packet information
January 31st, 2007 March 31st, 2007 May 31st, 2008 July 31st, 2008
$99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax $99.75 plus tax
Please Contact Shellay M. Mills @ 513-621-2227 if you have any questions or concerns.
