Bare it all
As the chill hits in the winter months, we all tend to hibernate a bit and develop a ‘what’s the point’ attitude when it comes to leg hair removal, often choosing to conceal our limbs under jeans or leggings. With spring on the horizon, why not learn the
SHAVING
Pros: Shaving is inexpensive, quick, painless and uncomplicated. You don’t need an appointment and the result is smooth, hairless skin.
Cons: Razor burns, ingrown hairs and cuts. Only lasts one to three days.
DEPILATORIES
A depilatory is a cream that removes hair from the skin’s surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away.
Pros: Depilatories work quickly, are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Cons: Applying depilatories can be messy and many people dislike the odour. If you have sensitive skin, you might have an allergic reaction.
WAXING
Wax is spread on the area of skin where the unwanted hair is growing. The wax is then pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. Waxing is a longer lasting option. To improve your waxing experience, beauticians recommend exfoliating and moisturising regularly.
Pros: Waxing leaves the area smooth and is long lasting. Hair regrowth often looks lighter and less noticeable than it is after other methods of hair removal, such as shaving. Lasts three to six weeks.
Cons: Pain, plus redness, inflammation and bumps after waxing.
BODY SUGARING
Body sugaring works by using a room temperature ball of sugar, honey, lemon and water, which is spread across the hair follicles. The beautician then flicks off the sugar in the direction of the hair growth and the hair slides out, rather than it being ripped against the growth as is the process with waxing.
Pros: Each treatment refines the hair and will eventually result in a depletion of hair follicles. It is a natural alternative that does not contain any foreign chemicals.
Cons: Less painful than waxing, but still painful. In some cases, can result in skin irritation or inflammation.
PULSED LIGHT/LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal uses a single wavelength of light (laser) to target, heat and damage hair follicles. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Variable Pulsed Light (VPL) work on the same principle of heating and damaging the hair follicle, but instead of using a single wavelength, a flash lamp emits hundreds of wavelengths in each burst of light. Laser treatment works best on people with dark hairs as the melanin in dark hair absorbs more of the laser energy. It can take up to six sessions and results can be permanent. The sensation has been likened to the feeling of an elastic band snapping against the skin.
Pros: This type of hair removal is long lasting and large areas of skin can be treated at the same time.
Cons: Needs multiple treatments and can be expensive.