Shaving
Shaving is easily the most popular type of hair removal around, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best. Shaving your hair is relatively cheap, painless and quick. You can do it at home and the shaving creams used will help keep your skin soft and moisturised. However, many people avoid shaving as regrowth occurs much quicker and appears thicker, as well as being more prone to ingrown hairs.
Waxing
Having a professional wax is an option many people choose if they want to be hair-free for longer. When a beauty therapist applies the wax and strips it off, it pulls your hair from the root – giving you 2 to 6 weeks of smooth, hair-free skin. While this technique lasts a lot longer than shaving, it’s more painful and costs more – not to mention your leg hairs need to grow out beforehand.
Creams
Depilatory creams or lotions are chemical-based solutions that you apply to your skin. They work to break down the hair just below the skin, so you can effectively just wipe it away. While this option is relatively quick, pain-free and can be done from home, it’s been known to irritate sensitive skin and is notorious for its nasty odour.
Permanent Hair Removal
Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
Best for those with dark hair and light skin, an IPL technician will use a machine to destroy the root of your hair follicle using strong beams of light. This is often seen as one of the most effective forms of long-term hair removal, but could take anywhere from 6 to 12 sessions which can burn a hole in your back pocket. However, you may also notice some swelling and redness following the procedure.
Electrolysis
Similar to IPL, a trained technician inserts a tiny needle into each hair follicle and destroys it with an electric current. This process takes longer than IPL, so it’s more effective on smaller areas like the upper lip and chin. It’s also a better option if you have lighter skin with lighter hair. There’s a lot of debate comparing electrolysis and IPL, and as yet there’s no clear winner.
What’s your favourite method of hair removal? Let us know in the comments below!