Different Hair Removal Methods, Pros and Cons

I know you will agree with us when we say hair removal is an unending chore and it’s not an easy feat. There are many methods and processes out there, but which one is really for you?

Hair removal has come a long way and has certainly evolved since then, but the idea basically stayed the same. Even with all the advancements and innovations of hair removal, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Although a number of products and procedures used are now more suitable to all skin types (i.e. vegan ingredients for wax), some of these methods continue to be painful, expensive, and even harmful to a few. But that won’t stop us and hair removal will continue to be sought-after to achieve that smooth and hair-free skin we all desire.

Since there are various hair removal methods available today, you Babe should at least be aware of these methods and weigh the pros and cons of each to choose the best option for you. Ultimately, we recommend a consultation prior to doing hair removal to ensure that the safest and most effective method is chosen.

Depilatories remove hair with the use of strong ingredients such as sodium thioglycolate, calcium thioglycolate, and strontium sulfide, that penetrate to and through the hair follicle, break down its protein bonds, and turn them into into a jelly-like substance that is easy to wipe off. However, they do not target the root.
Although depilatories may last longer than the effects of shaving and there’s no downtown involved, the chemicals they contain can actually harm your skin if you leave the product on for too long.

Waxing and sugaring methods can be performed on most areas of the body and are considered safe, effective and attainable. Since both remove the hair from the root, the results can last longer than other temporary methods.

Currently the most popular hair removal method, waxing involves applying heated wax (soft or hard) to the skin where there is unwanted hair and then pulling it to remove the entire hair follicle from the root. It is applied in the same direction as the hair growth and is quickly pulled against the hair growth. However, waxing can sometimes break the hair off and stop it from being completely removed. Wax can also stick to the skin and cause burns (hot wax) or graze on the skin when removed.

Sugaring is made up of natural ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, and water which is heated up to make a thick paste. Similar to waxing, it is applied directly to the skin against the hair growth and is quickly pulled from the root in the same direction of the hair growth. The benefit of sugaring is that it doubles as an exfoliator and prevents ingrown hairs. It does not require any sticks or strips, so you’re safe with cross-contamination. It is also highly effective in removing short and stubborn hairs in large areas and you will also notice that the hair begins to grow softer and finer (with no shaving or tweezing in between).

Both waxing and sugaring is time-consuming. If not performed properly, it can irritate the skin.

Another favored method by many is laser hair removal. It offers a more permanent result after undergoing several treatments than the other methods we’ve discussed. Laser hair removal uses mild radiation via high-heat lasers. A laser emits a light energy that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light energy then turns to heat which damages the hair follicle and prevents future hair growth. Although you can still experience minimal pain, lasers today utilize smarter technology that have cooling devices to protect the skin from damage, irritation, and prevent thermal injury.

While there is little to no recovery time involved, minor side effects like irritation or redness sometimes still occur but tend to go away after a few hours of the procedure. After receiving several treatments, you’ll notice that hairs grow finer and regrowth won’t look as heavy as before.

Electrolysis is another type of hair removal technique that should be done by a dermatologist. Like laser hair removal, it also disrupts hair growth. This process involves inserting a probe into the hair follicle and sending an electric current through it which prevents hair growth and causing existing hairs to fall out.

While both electrolysis and laser hair removal are effective at removing hair for long periods of time or even permanently, they still require multiple treatments that may be costly for some. People getting these procedures look at it as a good long-term investment. However, there are still a handful who would choose to just handle the pain and be patient with the other hair removal processes so it wouldn’t hurt their budget.

Now, this is something new to the game. It is a hair depilation tool that is made from crystalline nanotechnology that when rubbed gently on the skin, allows the hair to clump and break up from the surface of the skin. It is somewhat close to a deep shave. This process also helps exfoliate the skin, revealing smooth skin after use. While minor side effects such as redness may occur, it really helps prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

You can check our review here 🙂

There you have it, Babes! There is still so much more to discover and improve in this list of hair removal methods, but we think we have given you the general outline of what to expect and experience with them. Whatever you may choose, make sure to always consider what is safe and gentle on your skin even if it might cost you a little.