Learn all about hair removal: types and benefits for your skin
Learn all about hair removal: types and benefits for your skin. The season has arrived where, thanks to the weather, visits to swimming pools, beaches, and outdoor activities become very common. And that leads to taking out our swimsuits and exposing our skin.
If you prefer hair-free skin, keep reading. Because today we will talk about the different hair removal methods and their advantages and disadvantages. All so that you can choose the best one for your skin type.
Types of hair removal
Threading
This technique has its origins in India and ancient Persia.
And is currently very popular for cleaning the eyebrows and face in general, extracting hair from the root. It is an ideal method for sensitive or allergic skin to an ingredient used for hair removal.
Advantages
In this type of hair removal, no waxes or papers are necessary, nor is any force exerted on the skin to remove the hair. So, the skin does not suffer and burns, and you avoid possible sagging over time.
Disadvantages
Due to this practice’s high precision, it is advisable to go to a professional or salon specializing in this technique.
Waxing
It is one of the best-known and most popular methods today.
It is still highly demanded and requested since it extracts the hair from the follicle. Thus delaying its exit and leaving the skin softer and with a clean appearance and very defined eyebrows.
Advantages
Its effect lasts longer than other methods. It is an affordable and accessible practice, weakening hair growth over time.
Disadvantages
It is not painless, and its level will depend on your resistance. If you have sensitive skin, this type of hair removal is not recommended since it usually causes redness. It is not so fast, and it can take a lot of time depending on the area. And if the wax is applied hot and not carefully, it can cause burns, especially in the area of the eyebrows, which is more sensitive.
Types of Wax
Hot
It is the most common for hair removal with wax, and its effectiveness depends on heat. It has to be heated to a temperature of 40 °C using bain-marie or specialized devices for this purpose.
- Advantages: the heat of the wax opens the pores. And in this way, the hair comes out from the root more easily, making it less painful. Also, it is preferably applied in areas of thicker and stronger hair.
- Disadvantages: Because of its high temperature, you may cause a burn injury if you are not careful. And it is also contraindicated in people with varicose veins or other circulatory problems. Another disadvantage is that when it cools, it is tough to remove, which can cause damage to the skin.
Warm
In this type of wax, a mixture of materials happens, including resins that do not require heating. So, its use is recommended on sensitive skin.
- Advantages: it does not produce burns and is hygienic since it is not reused.
- Disadvantages: for not having a high degree of heating, taking it off is cumbersome. So, if you have thick hair, its use is not recommended.
Cold
This type of wax is usually presented in the form of bands, which are very practical, comfortable, and effective. It is suitable for sensitive skin.
- Advantages: It is ideal for sensitive skin and occasions when you need to quickly get rid of the hair.
- Disadvantages: due to the absence of heat, the pores do not dilate or open, thus making extraction difficult. And, therefore, requires more effort. This would make the technique painful, and in case you have thick hairs, not all may be removed.
Electric Epilation
We have already entered the most laborious methods.
Electric Epilation is an excellent option for those looking for a long-lasting result. Something that removes hair from the root and wants to avoid the hassle of waxing.
There are many options on the market that you can purchase to apply this type of hair removal in the comfort of your home.
Advantages
The effect can last up to 3 weeks, depending on your hair type. Its prolonged use weakens the hair, being less painful in the next applications. And it is possible to transport it quickly, so you can take your devices wherever you want.
Disadvantages
It can cause ingrown hair. So, it is important to exfoliate frequently, especially before epilating.
Laser Hair Removal
It is a long-term technique. The laser weakens and inhibits hair growth in each application session as it attacks the follicle through light.
Several sessions are needed for its effectiveness and to see the results. And it will also depend on the specific area and the thickness of the hair.
Advantages
Results are long-term. It is suitable for all areas of the body, except the eyebrows. And it is one of the least painful methods to remove hair.
Disadvantages
The laser does not work on all types of hair. That is, on light-colored hair such as blonde, gray, white, or red, it is not effective. And you must first make sure which one is indicated if you have this color.
You cannot apply it at home but in a specialized place with qualified personnel, and it is usually expensive.
Hair removal by intense pulsed light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light hair removal, better known by its acronym IPL is a hair removal method with long-term results.
It differs from lasers because it uses broad-spectrum light with particles moving in different directions and wavelengths.
IPL is painless and is responsible for stopping hair growth and appearance for up to 6 months after approximately 12 sessions, depending on your hair type. It is effective on various types of phototypes.
Advantages
The result is long-term, it is a painless method, and it involves lightening the areas where it is applied. So, it is ideal if you have dark spots. It is more accessible than the laser.
Disadvantages
Although less expensive than the laser, it is not very effective on skin with very fine hair or tanned skin, tattoos, or varicose veins.
Other methods
Shaver or razor
It is a very old, effective, and fast option to remove hair.
It is the most common since it allows you to resolve a last-minute need. Currently, there are many machine options. From disposable to those that only require a blade change while preserving the razor’s body.
Some brands have created a version for men and women according to the needs of each skin.
It is the home method par excellence, and due to its practicality, it is portable and easy to take wherever you need it. We recommend buying one with several blades that stay sharp for longer, thus avoiding skin irritations. Remember, do not share it with other people.
Advantages
It’s a quick, easy-to-use, and painless method.
Disadvantages
It does not offer long-term results, so in 2-3 days, you will start to notice hair growth again. It is prone to irritation, rashes, or pimples after use. Even the rubbing of the blade can increase the spots on the skin.
The Tweezers
Tweezers are an element used to extract the hair from the root manually. So they can also slightly delay the growth of the hair again.
They are ideal for giving the final touch after waxing and are usually used in the areas of the eyebrows, mustache, and armpits, even.
Advantages
It is precise, so the finish with this instrument will be the desired one, helping to clean the area better. That way, eliminating what the wax did not drag in its path. It is applied in not extensive areas.
Disadvantages
It is painful and is usually slow because it is a manual method. Remember that each skin is different, some stronger than others, and the hair too. So, choosing the technique should depend on what works best for your skin.
