With so many different methods of hair removal readily available in the market, it’s understandable that a lot of us are still confused with how one differs from the other.
There are so many different types of hair removal, most of which are time-consuming, can be expensive, and painful. And yet, we choose to do it anyway. How do you know which one will work best for you, anyway? If you’re clueless, here’s a crash course on all the kinds of hair removal. From the most basic type – shaving – to the most advanced – lasers – find out which technique you should try yourself.
SHAVING
How It Works: Shaving works by cutting off the hair at skin-level.
Best Area: Legs, underarms, and those with lighter, finer hair.
Pros: Inexpensive, quick, and easy, and is painless as long as you are careful to not cut or nick yourself. By making sure to use a proper shaving cream or oil and sharp blades, you can decrease the chance of having razor burn or any other post-shave irritation.
Cons: Regrowth happens quickly, and since hair is cut off at the surface, regrown hair is blunt, not tapered, so it can appear thicker. Razor burn, nicks, and cuts are possibilities, and those who shave regularly can also become prone to ingrown hairs.
Average Cost: Razors and shaving cream can be inexpensively purchased at any grocery or minimarket. Price below RM40.00
How long does it last? Because hair is only removed at skin-level, it usually grows back in one to three days.
DEPILATORY CREAMS
How It Works: Hair removal creams use chemicals to weaken the hair follicle so you can effectively wipe it away.
Best Area: Depilatories are most popular for facial hair, bikini lines, and underarms.
Pros: Can be done at home, and removes hair just below the surface of the skin, ensuring slower and less coarse regrowth than shaving.
Cons: Chemicals in these products can irritate sensitive skin, particularly in more delicate areas. However, they are not always the most effective when it comes to coarser hair and can also lead to ingrown hairs. And the chemicals can have a somewhat offensive odour.
Average cost: Depilatory creams can be purchased at most pharmacies. Price below RM50.00
How long does it last? Because the hair is removed, at best, slightly under skin-level, it will usually start to grow back in one to three days.
PROFESSIONAL WAXING
How It Works: Hot wax is applied to the skin, which sticks to hairs. The wax is then quickly ripped off (sometimes with a cloth strip, sometimes without), in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling hairs out from the root. You can also opt for home waxing but you rather trust a professional.
Best For: Legs, underarms, and bikini areas, and great for those with coarse, darker hair that tends to be stubborn.
Pros: Temporarily removes hair at the root for an average of three weeks of smooth skin, which can range from two to six weeks depending on your hair type and thickness.
Cons: Waxing is one of the more painful options, but because it involves removing hair from the root, it also lasts longer. Waxing requires some regrowth in order to be effective, as the wax needs at least a quarter inch of stubble to adhere to.
Average Cost: Salon waxing can be slightly expensive, depending on areas waxed and your salon of choice. Above RM100.00
How long does it last? After waxing, it usually takes about three to six weeks for hair to grow back.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
How It Works: Laser penetrates the skin to target the hair shaft and inhibit hair growth. It essentially destroys the follicle, meaning it can achieve permanent removal. Typically, the hair in treated areas falls out within 2-3 weeks.
Best For: People with hair darker than their skin. The laser needs to be able to lock on to the dark pigment in order to differentiate the dark hair from the skin.
Pros: Great for long-term hair removal in all areas. It causes no damage to the dermis, so even the most sensitive skin can be treated.
Cons: Laser hair removal can be painful, with most people describing it as a “snapping” sensation against the skin, as well as a sensation of heat from the laser. Also, it requires numerous visits to a dermatologist for best results.
Average Cost: To have it professionally done, laser hair removal costs, on average, from RM200 to above RM1,000 depending on the size of the area being treated. While it may seem expensive, in the long run, many consider laser removal to be an investment that can pay off.
How long does it last? If the optimal number of initial sessions are completed, you might want to have touchups every six to 12 months.
ELECTROLYSIS
How It Works: Electrolysis uses a fine, needle-shaped electrode to apply an electrical current to the hair follicle.
Best For: Small areas such as the eyebrows, upper lip, and underarms, as it treats each hair and follicle individually, which is time-consuming and can get expensive.
Pros: Can permanently remove hair and is suitable for very fine and light-coloured hair, unlike laser, which works best on darker hair.
Cons: When improperly done, electrolysis can lead to scarring or skin discolouration. Treatments can be uncomfortable and cause a “stinging” or “pricking” sensation, and as with laser hair removal, permanent results require multiple sessions. However, because this type of removal deals with only one hair at a time, it can take much longer to complete (15 to 30 sessions). You will see results faster with smaller areas like the face or bikini line than with larger areas like arms or legs. There is a stinging sensation for each follicle that may or may not be painful, again depending on your threshold.
Average Cost: Around RM200 to above thousands for a 30-minute session.
How long does it last? If you follow through with all of the sessions required, results can be permanent. However, it is not always 100 percent permanent for everyone.
SUGARING
How It Works: Sugaring is similar to waxing. As the name implies, it involves a sugar-containing paste or gel to remove hair.
Pros: It works by applying the paste or gel and, depending on the type, either removing it with or against hair growth to pull the hair out by the root. And because the medium is all-natural, you can even make it at home.
Cons: Like waxing, the hair is still being pulled out, so there will be some pain. However, because the paste doesn’t stick as much to the skin itself, it is reportedly less painful than waxing.
Average Cost: To have it professionally done, sugaring can cost anywhere from RM40 to RM200 depending on the area. Sugaring kits can be purchased for at-home ranging from RM35 to RM50, but you can also make your own at home for just a few ringgit.
How long does it last? Just like waxing, it usually takes three to six weeks for hair to grow back.
References:
www.bustle.com
stylecaster.com
www.instyle.com
