Getting rid of unwanted body hair is a widespread custom in modern society; While there are no magical solutions to stop their growth completely, there are many techniques you can use to reduce their growth and have smooth, hairless skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Shaving
Step 1. Shave the hair
Shaving is the easiest way to get rid of it. You can buy a razor and shaving cream at major supermarkets, pharmacies, and even the most well-stocked gas stations. This is a quick and painless technique, but it does not prevent hair regrowth.
- Unlike waxing, shaving is painless, but since the razor blade is very sharp, you can easily cut yourself.
- The effect of shaving does not last more than a week, after which the hairs become visible again; some even grow within 1-2 days.
Step 2. Dilate pores with warm water
Ensure a smoother shave by soaking the skin you need to shave in a warm bath or by taking a hot shower. If shaving is part of your usual shower routine, wait until the end (making sure to use very hot water for at least a few minutes) before starting.
Step 3. Wet the area you need to shave (legs for example)
Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel to the skin and wait a few minutes for it to stabilize. This waiting time is essential to properly lubricate the skin and to protect it from razor blades. Lather any skin you need to shave.
Step 4. Take the razor and slide the blade smoothly along an upward line
Move it slowly over the hair. After treating a 12-15cm strip of skin, rinse the blade and continue. Shave slowly (as much as you can) and after each stroke wash the blade under hot water; continue until the skin is completely smooth.
Don't apply too much pressure, but slide the razor slightly over it
Step 5. Moisturize the skin
She needs to be well hydrated to stay healthy! The razor eliminates the most superficial layer of the epidermis, thus making it more sensitive to damage, but at the same time more permeable to moisturizing products, so take advantage of the opportunity. Apply moisturizers with vitamin E or shea butter to soften the skin and keep it looking younger.
If you need extra protection from razor abrasions, use an astringent cream or oil (which usually contains a pain reliever) to prevent irritation
Method 2 of 5: Waxing
Step 1. Try waxing
The depilatory strips pull out all the hairs in one movement thanks to a strong adhesive power. Waxing is available in two formulations: the one that you can apply directly to the skin and then you have to cover it with strips of paper or the one in the form of depilatory strips on which there is already a layer of wax. This procedure is usually done by a beautician or at beauty salons, but you can also buy the kit to do it at home. This is another relatively safe technique for removing unwanted hair, although it is not recommended in sensitive areas, as it can cause injury, breakouts and discomfort. Waxing is usually done on the chest, arms, legs and armpits.
- Each time you undergo this treatment, the hair becomes thinner and thinner, so over time you may find very little on your body.
- Waxing is painful, but the discomfort is short-lived.
- It can cause sunburn, irritation and redness for a few hours after treatment. If you have sensitive skin, look for products with sugar or beeswax; many beauty salons use a self-made wax blend, but don't be afraid to ask for one in particular.
Step 2. The skin must be clean and dry
Thoroughly wash the area to be treated with soap and water and exfoliate it with bath salts or a loofah before drying, to completely eliminate all traces of moisturizer or sebum and prepare the skin for waxing.
Step 3. Buy wax
You can purchase cold wax strips or a pack of hot wax, which you can heat in the microwave and apply to the skin. Generally speaking, the strips are much easier and more comfortable to use, although they lead to less accurate results.
Consider waxing with sugar. It is very similar to ordinary wax, although it must be applied against the grain and torn along the direction of growth; this way, the tear is less painful, but can still cause some redness. Sugar treatment is done in beauty salons, but you can prepare the mixture yourself using sugar, water, salt and lemon
Step 4. Tighten the skin by pulling it with one hand
It must be tight so that the wax does not enter the wrinkles or folds of the skin, causing pain. Rub the depilatory strip in the direction of hair growth to ensure maximum adherence.
Step 5. Tear off the strip against the grain using your other hand
This is a key step in getting rid of as much unwanted hair as possible. If there are a few left, you can reapply the same strip, rubbing and pressing it as you did before, until you feel it is losing adhesion (you can understand this both because it is covered in hair and by evaluating how sticky it is; of course, if it is less sticky it means which is covered with already plucked hair and consequently there are fewer "free" spots to adhere the hair still to be removed).
Step 6. Take care of your skin before and after waxing
Unlike shaving, with this method it is extreme importance apply a post-hair removal product, such as a moisturizing or soothing lotion, but an astringent with analgesic is also fine to relieve pain; alternatively, you can use aloe vera.
- Use the soothing product or aloe vera 4 days before waxing to make hair removal easier. If desired, take ibuprofen before treatment to relieve pain and swelling.
- It is not recommended to do very demanding physical activity immediately after waxing, in order not to irritate the skin. You should also wait at least 24 hours before going swimming. Moisturize the treated area every day to soften any new hair that grows and that could become ingrown if you don't take care of it.
Method 3 of 5: Epilation
Step 1. Consider epilation
The epilator is a tool consisting of an infinite number of small tweezers that pull the hair and can on average guarantee you smooth skin for two weeks at most. It is a painful procedure and takes longer than shaving, but as it removes the entire hair follicle, the effect is longer lasting. Instead of cutting the hair, the epilator captures and tears it from the root as it flows over the skin, thanks to the grooves and small indentations on the head.
However, this tool can cause many ingrown hair problems; be sure to use a cream that reduces the amount of hair, such as PFB Vanish (available online or at well-stocked beauty salons)
Step 2. Keep the skin tight
The epilator cannot reach all areas of wrinkles or folds, but it can pinch the epidermis causing pain; use one hand to keep the skin taut during the procedure.
- You can also do an epilation in water, soaking both the tool and the skin during the treatment.
- If you prefer a "dry" procedure, make sure your skin is dry and clean.
Step 3. Move the tool across the affected area, following the opposite direction of hair growth
You can go over the same area several times and follow different directions for better results and eliminate most of the hair (not all of them grow in the same direction).
If skin irritation develops, apply an astringent / analgesic cream and continue to put on a moisturizing lotion to soften the skin and make it smoother. You may notice some redness within the first 24 hours of treatment. Plan to go through this procedure at least one day before a special event you need to attend
Step 4. Use tweezers for smaller surfaces
Removing hair with tweezers can take a long time, especially if you are treating a large part of the body, but it is very effective in reducing and stopping the development of unwanted facial hair. By tearing them individually, you make sure to take them off the root; although it is quite painful, it is still the cheapest way to shave.
Step 5. Remove the eyebrows with tweezers
You cannot shave or wax this part of the face; therefore most people use a pair of tweezers to pluck hair one by one.
Use bright light to see the area to be treated more clearly
Method 4 of 5: Hair Removal Creams
Step 1. Buy hair removal creams, such as Veet, Vichy, Lycia or similar
This is similar to shaving, as the effects are short-lived, but you don't have to use a razor or shaving cream in this case. These products are applied to the skin for a certain period and dissolve the hair which is then scraped off. The chemicals contained in them allow you to remove these imperfections in a painless way; the results last up to two weeks. You can buy the creams at all supermarkets, pharmacies and parapharmacies.
- You can proceed comfortably at home, but you need to spend a little more time on the procedure than shaving; it is a better method if you are prone to razor cutting or have difficulty shaving.
- However, there are some limitations with this type of hair removal. For example, you cannot put the cream near your face, breasts (for women) or genitals; some people also experience allergic reactions to the chemical components present, which can cause skin rashes, severe tingling sensation or general discomfort in the treated area. If any of these symptoms occur, you should see your doctor for advice.
- If you don't suffer from allergic reactions, hair removal creams are one of the safest options. To make sure, start by applying a small amount to the back of your hand, wait five minutes and see if any symptoms appear (itching, rash, redness, irritation, inflammation, etc.). If you notice these complaints, hair removal cream is not the right product for you.
Step 2. Initially, apply a small amount on the skin, for example on the upper leg area
It is recommended to shave with this technique before taking a shower. Wet the skin, spread the cream so that it forms a little foam, wait up to 10 minutes (5 is usually enough) and finally scrape it off. Most packages also contain a soft plastic spatula; don't be intimidated, you have to press the skin just enough to slide the tool. When finished, you can rinse off the residue with water, as it may leave a sticky and slimy feeling.
- Do not keep it on the skin for too long, but follow the specific directions of the product.
- Wash thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap and rinse twice, following the instructions.
Step 3. Check your skin overnight to make sure it doesn't get irritated
If you feel discomfort, you will need to find other methods in the future. If you shave too often with the cream, you can damage the layers of skin; it doesn't hurt, but the hairs and cells of the lower skin layer remain damaged and thicker hairs may grow.
Method 5 of 5: Laser hair removal
Step 1. Consider laser treatment as a last resort
This is a proven technique for completely removing hair from the body, reducing its future growth. Although the procedure leads to excellent results, it requires a lot of patience and money.
Step 2. See a specialist for advice
If you have decided on this option, go to the professional when the hairs are fully grown, so that he has a fairly clear idea of the thickness and characteristics of the hair and can decide the intensity of the laser light to use.
Step 3. Know that it will take 6-10 sessions to do a complete job
If you want to remove all body hair, you need to undergo at least 6 laser treatments. Keep in mind that not only is it a lengthy procedure, but it is also painful; however, the results will be lasting.
