For decades now, women have been removing unwanted body hair, using different techniques. Not only does it add to the woman's beauty but it is better for her personal hygiene as well. Even in ancient times, women used hot honey and tree saps to remove hair from the jaw line, upper lip, eyebrows and chin. The practice of hair removal for women became a trend after a famous fashion magazine published for the first time in the history of print media, a picture of a model wearing a sleeveless evening gown, showing off her bare shoulders and underarms. It came as a shock at first but eventually became a trend when women came to realize that underarm hair was unhygienic and unfeminine.
Today men and women alike are spending increasing amounts of money to take out unwanted body hair. Read ahead to know about different techniques available for you.
Shaving
Shaving is an easy to do, inexpensive body hair removal method. For men and women, hair removal with shaving lasts approximately four to five days. Areas commonly shaved are the face for men and the legs, underarms, and bikini or pubic areas for women. You should shave along the direction of the hair growth, not against it. Dr. Rishi Kumar Parashar, consultant dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital reveals, “Shaving does not make the hair of your skin shaft thicker or darker. It should be done after applying some type of moisturizer to the skin to help the razor glide over your skin”
Threading
This quick and cheap body hair removal technique involves the use of a cotton thread. The procedure is painful and results in skin reddening. Facial areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, sideburns, and cheeks are normally treated with this method. These areas can remain free of significant amounts of hair for at least two to four weeks.
Laser
This summer, you can experiment with laser therapy to get relief from the unwanted hair. Dr Dhruv Gupta, consultant dermatologist, Paras Hospital suggests, “Laser permanently damages the hair follicles. There may be a little redness after the procedure which goes away in a day or two.” He adds, “Before going for laser treatments enquire about the machine and the cooling methods used. Ask for the treatment to be done by the doctor himself and not the technician. Laser helps you reduce hair up to 80-85%.” “The cost of laser hair reduction for underarms (both) is approximately Rs. 2500-3500 per sitting,” he concludes.
Waxing
Though this method is a little painful, it is good to remove hair from the arms, legs and bikini line. Hair re-growth after waxing is slow and may take as much as two months. It is best to do a patch test for waxing as well. For best results one should continue waxing on a regular basis. Dr Parashar suggests, “Wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off. Caution must be used when heating wax so as not to burn the skin.”
Dr Gupta also shares some tips -
• See that the person doing the treatment is qualified and using a good wax.
• Avoid sun exposure immediately after waxing and apply a good sunscreen (SPF >20).
• Use a good antibacterial soap or body wash to prevent infection.
Hair remover creams
Dr. Parashar again expresses, “A depilatory (hair remover cream) is applied to the area with unwanted hair and left on for 3 to 15 minutes. The chemical should be tested first on a small skin area at least 48 hours before applying it to a large area.” He again adds, “Applying a hydrocortisone cream after hair removal may help decrease skin irritation.”
DIY tips
• Apply a mixture of besan and haldi with a little water to face. When it dries, gently rub off. It will remove excessive facial hair.
• Lemon is natural bleach. Apply it with an equal amount of honey and leave on for ten to fifteen minutes. Do this everyday.
• Apply a mask of a paste made of sugar, lemon and water in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Apply twice a week.
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