Desi Diva

By Vidhya Ravi

Sleek and Smooth for the Summer

ABCDlady’s Guide to Hair Removal

It’s time to get ready for summer! Just as the season starts to change and the sun breaks through the clouds, hemlines shrink and sleeves disappear. Updating your wardrobe is not enough. As you travel from shop to shop to find the perfect bikini, a little fuzzy reminder rears its not-so-welcome head. Yes, ladies, the unwanted chore of hair removal is back.

How to make yourself sleek for summer is certainly no easy decision! There are a variety of hair-removal methods out there for you to choose from. Many women select more than one, depending on their needs. Before you wince at the thought of razor knicks, consider the pros and cons of the different hair removal options so you can pick the ones that work best for you!

Shaving
By far one of the most popular methods, shaving is a quick way to take care of unwanted body hair, particularly on the legs. Rather than opting for soap and water, be sure to use a shaving cream. One made with moisturizing elements, like Aloe, will help make sure your legs are smooth and don’t dry out. Keep your blades sharp and replace them frequently. Dull blades can lead to uneven shaves and unsightly knicks. Sometimes, the ends of shaved hair can be very sharp, and as they grow back, they may get caught under the skin and cause a painful ingrown hair. Generally, shaving is not recommended for the removal of facial hair. Since it does not remove hair at the root, re-growth is quick and some women find they need to shave as often as every other day to prevent stubble.

Pros: Quick, affordable, convenient
Cons: Fast re-growth, drying, ingrown hairs, not for the face

Waxing
Waxing is a great option for women who are looking to de-fuzz areas of the body with large amounts of hair. Warm wax made of different materials (pine wax and other synthetic waxes are common) is applied in a thin layer over the hair, and a clean piece of linen is firmly pressed over the wax and pulled away from the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth. Some waxes do not require cloth because they are thick and firm enough to be removed without it. While you can wax at home, if you are a first-timer, you may want to consider booking an appointment with an esthetician. For the more adventurous, there are many kits available at stores and pharmacies. Make sure the hair is no shorter than ¼ - ½ inches, and no longer than 2 inches. Hair longer than 2 inches can result in bruising when the hair is removed. Waxing removes hair at the root, so re-growth is much slower than with shaving, but ingrown hairs can still happen, particularly if your hair is curly, so don’t forget to exfoliate!

Pros: Quick, slow re-growth
Cons: Can be painful, rough on the outer layer of the skin, ingrown hairs

Threading
Regularly practiced in South Asian countries and the Middle East for generations, threading has taken America by storm. Threading parlors are popping up in big cities, and most department store cosmetic parlors offer brow service. During threading, the esthetician uses thread held in a special manner to isolate and pull hair from the root. This is a great method when precision is key, like with eyebrows or other facial hair removal. Because it is such a precise method and can be painful, it is not recommended for areas with large patches of hair.

Pros: Quick, affordable, precise
Cons: Not available in all markets, not good for removal of large patches of hair, can be painful

Depilatories
While not commonly cited as one of the best methods of hair removal, depilatories are an option that works for many women. Depilatories are creams, lotions or gels that disintegrate hair above the skin. The unwanted hair is then wiped away with a towel or tissue. Similar to shaving, the hair is not removed from the root, so re-growth is faster than with other methods. Sometimes, these creams cause skin allergies or discoloration on the application site. If you choose to use a depilatory, make sure to do a patch test before you begin.

Pros: Quick, affordable, generally painless
Cons: Unpleasant scent, possible allergies or discoloration

Laser Hair Removal
Very popular in recent years, this is the only method that can permanently remove hair. Each area of hair may have to undergo two to six treatments to receive the desired level of permanency. Unlike other hair-removal methods, this is one that cannot be done at home or at most salons. It is important that you receive this treatment from a certified, licensed professional at a reputable location. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal. Dark hair and light skin are the ideal combination for the most effective results.

Pros: Permanent
Cons: Costly, sometimes painful, not effective for everyone

A little jaunt into the sun is the perfect way to flaunt your newly sleek body, but to keep your skin young and fresh, protection is necessary! No matter what method you choose, make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Exfoliate, moisturize, and protect! Happy summer!

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