Any ‘clean’ lady that likes to feel good with herself knows that there are some areas of the body that should not habour hairs, but it is best to go with the hair removal methods that works for you. Blessing Ukemena writes.
These days, there are many options to hair removal. It's not just about the razor anymore. Different hair removal methods work better on different areas and skin tones. Find out when, and what, to shave, wax, laser, tweeze and zap.
Shaving
Shaving is the simplest, fastest and cheapest way to remove hair. Shaving first became popular during World War II when nylon stockings were in short supply and bare legs became a trend that has yet to cease. Many ladies in the African continent prefer this because of its low pain factor and price. And any careful grown-up lady can do it herself.
The pain factor
Shaving is usually pain-free, but it can be painful if you nick yourself. Always using a sharp blade and shaving cream, lotion or oil. One down side is that if you have sensitive skin, then you are likely to end up with bumps in places like the armpits and pubic area. A friend of mine tried shaving without first getting both areas wet. She was not sweating either, and after dry shaving, the bumps never came out. It may work for you.
Parts to shave
Shaving works best on legs and underarms. While some women still shave the bikini area, it is highly recommend to wax the bikini line. Never shave your chin, upper lip or brows. Because shaving cuts the hair off at the skin's surface, stubble develops quickly, usually in one to three days.
Waxing
Waxing is the application of a sticky substance to skin. The resin binds hair to a strip of cloth, which is yanked off (usually in the opposite direction of hair growth). Some thick waxes are applied and then peeled off (best for bikini waxing). In either case, hair is removed from the roots and will eventually grow back. Waxing works on all body areas, from the legs, to the bikini, to the face.
Sugaring, an alternative to wax, is made up of a mixture of lemon juice, sugar and water. The advantage of sugaring versus traditional waxing is the clean up. The mixture comes off with water.
The pain factor
The pain factor with waxing and sugaring is high. But the first time hurts the most. Hair grows in thinner. So after a couple times, it hurts a bit less.
Results
Since hair is pulled from the root, waxing or sugaring lasts about three to six weeks, and can be a little expansive.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal isn't for everyone. Lasers work best on dark hair, light skin, because the laser targets melanin which is found in dark hair. There are some lasers that now successfully remove blonde hairs, but from what I've read, they've not yet perfected them.
The pain factor
lasers aren't as painful as waxing, but are more painful than depilatory creams or tweezing. A pulsed light from the laser can feel like a rubber band snapping your skin.
How much time, how much money?
The good news is a laser session on the upper lip and chin is fast compared to the legs and bikini. Each session will take about 10 minutes. You'll need five to six treatments, spaced four weeks apart. The bad news is laser hair removal is not affordable for everyone, leave this for the fat purse girls if you cannot afford it.
Are results guaranteed?
Results, unfortunately, are never guaranteed with laser hair removal. You can expect an 80 per cent reduction in hair growth, but some people see more, some less.
Find a reputable beautician
Beware of cheap places that offer discounts. You want to make sure you are going to a credible, licensed aesthetician who is most likely using the best, most up-to-date machines available.
Tweezing
Tweezing works best on the eyebrows. The hair has to be long enough to be grasped by the tweezers. I suggest investing in good tweezers, because the cheap ones hardly work at all. Consider getting your brows professionally waxed or threaded, then follow the “map” set by the technician by tweezing your brows between sessions.
Other hair removal methods include electrolysis and threading,? both popular in the western world than in Africa. First, work with what is best for you from any of the methods.