The Bare Truth: Hair Removal Techniques

As it starts to get warmer out, we may be showing a lot more skin. Showing this skin means making sure said flesh is smooth and silky. (What man wants to be caressing your thigh and hit stubble? Exactly.)

However, how you remove your hair is up to you! There’s many options. These include:

Shaving
It’s the old, affordable, standby. You can buy a disposable razor for under $10, and take care of business yourself in the shower. Then again, you may also get nicks and blood shed…way less attractive!

Laser on, Laser off
Many girls will try bikini waxes, do some sugaring, and ultimately decide on a more permanent solution. (No, not death.)

Laser hair removal is a growing trend in annihilating unwanted hair, especially in the bikini area, and the procedure has improved recently: There’s less chance of being scarred, and even patients with blonde hair or African Americans can have it work for them now.

When you want to take it off, there are lots of options. Our favorite spot for laser hair removal in New York City is Phoenix Rising Laser. Owner and operator Morgan has a menu of services that ranges from “Kitty Litter” to “Skoop Away.” (Think about it… you’ll figure it out.) I had my own Brazilian bikini done there, and not only was it a success — it created something of a laser-addiction!

It’s pretty high tech: Laser works via pulsed light and RF energy that petrify active hair follicles. Since hair follicles grow and regrow in a cycle and only growing follicles are affected by treatment, even the most sophisticated laser hair removal treatments require multiple sessions to ensure full effectiveness. Usually you go about once a month for 6-8 sessions, but it varies from case to case.

Wax It Off!

Laser isn’t for everyone though, and many have found happiness with waxing.

We all know though that some degree of pain will be a part of the game. “Many new improved waxing techniques have been introduced that reduce client discomfort and prolong results,” says skin expert Annet King. Look for a skin therapist that has been trained in a technique called “Original Speed Waxing.” Speed Waxing involves a unique application and removal method that saves time and minimizes discomfort by using specially cut strips of cotton pellon for faster depilation with less hair breakage.

No matter where you wax, be sure your skin is prepared.

Waxing Legs

“If choosing the waxing option, try not to shave in between sessions, it is very difficult to wax stubble caused by shaving and hair needs to grow to a certain length to wax all hair evenly. Exfoliating with loofah or body scrub in circular motion going upward away from hair growth helps prevent ingrown hair and leaves skin smooth — exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week

Try Some Sugar
Perhaps you want a little…sugar. Sugaring is an ancient method of hair removal, dating back to the Greeks and the Egyptians. It is similar to waxing, but is considered gentler and less painful, and provides instantaneous results.

It used to only be available in Europe, but now you will find it in many salons! It, like waxing, lasts about 3 weeks.

Image: Sxc.hu