Hair Removal Methods: Which One Is Right for You?

When warmer weather arrives, heading toward the beach, pool, or just spending more time outdoors is a top priority for most women. One thing that often stands in the way is unwanted hair on certain parts of your body.

There is a wide array of hair removal options, from waxing and shaving to heading to a laser hair removal Melbourne based clinic. However, you have to ask yourself which option is right for you. The best way to make this decision is to get to know all the hair removal options available. Keep reading to explore some of the most popular methods along with some pros and cons of each.

Shaving

The majority of people are pretty familiar with this hair removal method. Shaving works by cutting off the hair at skin-level. Shaving is completely painless as long as you are careful not to nick or cut yourself. It’s important to use the proper type of shaving cream or oil, along with using sharp blades. By doing this, you can reduce the likelihood of razor burn or any other type of post-shave irritation.

The cost of shaving is pretty low compared to other options. A razor costs between $2 and $20 (on average) depending on the number of blades you prefer to use. Because shaving removes hair at skin-level, it is typically going to return in just one to three days.

Depilatory Cream

A depilatory cream works by dissolving the hair on your skin. These are usually smeared on in relatively thick layers on the area you want to have hair removed. The cream is left on for a few minutes before it has to be removed.

In most cases, depilatory creams remove the hair slightly below or at skin level. However, they aren’t always effective if you have courser hair. Also, because of the chemicals used in depilatories, they often have a bad or offensive odor.

These creams usually have a slight tingling sensation, but for the most part, they are painless. If you have experienced any pain, usually in the way of a burning sensation, stop the process and remove the cream. If there is pain, it means the skin is either too sensitive for this type of treatment or that you left the cream on too long.

Since the hair is being removed, at the most, just under skin-level, it is typically going to start to grow back in one to three days. This is another affordable skin removal method ranging in cost from $4 to $15 depending on the cream used.

Waxing

Considered one of the more painful ways to remove unwanted hair, waxing is something many women avoid. That’s because it involves removing your hair from the root. If you choose waxing for hair removal, you apply wax to your skin, which sticks to all the hairs. The wax is then ripped off in a smooth motion, which pulls all the hairs out too.

The actual procedure is somewhat quick, so even bigger parts of your body, such as legs, can be waxed in a timely manner. However, since the wax needs to actually stick to your hair, it needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long before trying this method.

The cost of this treatment is dependent on the area of the body being treated. For example, waxing the legs is going to cost more than waxing the bikini area. While this is true, the effects last much longer. It often takes three to six weeks for the hair to begin growing back again.

Laser Hair Removal

This is a longer-term option that actually destroys the hairs roots using light. This is often a permanent removal option; however, in most cases, it just reduces the amount of hair and makes it lighter and finer. Laser hair removal works best for individuals with lighter skin and darker hair.

To achieve optimal results, six to 12 sessions are usually needed. Laser hair removal isn’t completely painless, but it isn’t as painful as waxing. If you opt for having this method done professionally, you can expect to spend several hundred dollars or more, based on the size of the area you are having treated. If you have the optimal number of sessions mentioned above, then you will achieve superior levels of hair removal. 

Which Hair Removal Option Is Right for You?

As you can see, you have several options when it comes to hair removal. The one you choose is dependent on your personal preferences, and in some cases, your budget. When trying to make a decision about the right hair removal option, consider each one carefully.