There are so many different types of hair removal methods out there that it’s hard to follow up on the rules for all of them! Luckily, we’ve rounded up all of the most important rules to remember for all of the most commonly used home hair removal methods so you have a quick reference to follow every time you start your beauty routine!
Types of Hair Removal & Rules to Live By:
Depilatories: These are usually formula’s that come in lotion or cream form that break down the structure of the hair strand and cause it to dissolve and wipe away. The most important things to remember when using these OTC products, such as Nair and Veet, is to read the directions and follow them carefully! These products should always be used with caution on any sensitive areas like the face and the number one rule to remember with these? ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS do a patch test for an allergic reaction and let it sit for at least 24 hours before using the product. I know, it’s tempting to pop the new bottle open and try it as soon as you buy it, but with these it’s best to wait it out. Also, never use these types of products on any cuts or cracks in the skin. They are NOT for use on an open wound.
Waxing, Sugaring,Threading: These methods of hair removal are unique in that they remove the hair from the follicle, which yields longer lasting smoothness. But… At what price? These methods typically cause more pain during removal, and also leave the follicle open for a longer period of time, increasing the risk for folliculitis, or a local infection or the hair follicle. These methods also increase the risk for those pesky ingrown hair bumps. The number one thing to remember? The same rules apply as depilatories where if waxing or sugaring, a skin test should be preformed and wax should never be applied over an open cut or crack in skin. Be careful when using wax over moles, and never apply wax to anything that resembles a wart. Warts are often the result of a virus and this virus can be spread via your wax pot to other exposed open hair follicles, so it is best to avoid it. Also, be cautious in checking the temperature of your wax, it should not exceed ten degrees warmer than our body temperature. So, around 110 and below is a safe zone.
Shaving: Well, there’s not much to say about shaving other than the obvious. It’s the most go-to method for hair removal, but it also requires the most frequent follow up and, in some instances, daily maintenance. This is why shaving has some of the most important rules to follow to prevent one of the most dreaded results of all hair removal: razor burn! The number one thing to remember about shaving is ONLY shave wet skin, don’t even think about starting to shave dry skin — shaving cream or not — this will just lead to nicks and burns that are totally preventable. Another important maintenance note is to keep your razor sharp — dull blades will only make things more difficult and lead to more microscopic abrasions increasing the risk for razor burn. Lastly, for those who have extremely sensitive skin, it’s best to shave in the direction in which the hair lies. Shaving “against the grain” will absolutely give you a closer shave, but it will also guarantee a more uncomfortable one.
Hope this helped things go smoothly for you!
