Hair Be Gone

I had to tackle the topic of hair removal and waxing next because, well, it’s a sticky scenario (no pun intended) for both men and, particularly, women. Most ladies don’t want a whiskery mouth or chin and more guys are opting to wax or shave their shoulders, chest and back as well as doing a little pruning below, just like the ladies. We’re all a bit hairy, it just depends to what degree and if you decide to do away with your body hair, what type of hair removal process will you use? There is Nair, shaving, waxing, threading, plucking and a myriad of infomercial products and electric razors out there. At a loss still? I’ll walk you through each process a bit below, so you can make the best, informed decision for yourself.

Shaving is perhaps the most inexpensive, least painful and most common option which makes it a good, first step in the war against body hair. Then again, some people want results that last longer and don’t want to have shave their hairy bits everyday. Also, it might not be appropriate for certain body areas, such as your face or arms (if you’re a woman) because it can cause hair to grow back thicker and more noticeable and it’s not exactly a feminine thing to do. Also, your bikini line or eyebrows, since it doesn’t help to leave an already sensitive area subject to rashes, chafing and infection. Shaving is for you if you want quick, cheap results delivered in a user friendly way. Just stick to only your legs if you’re a woman and maybe your bikini line (if you’re careful).

Depillatories, like Nair, are also popular for good reason. They are virtually painless, also somewhat inexpensive, easy to use and immediate. You simply apply the cream, wait a few minutes and wash it away along with the unwanted hair. I recommend using depillatories on your ’stache or chin if you’re a lady and maybe your arms. Stay away from  using it on your eyebrows or bikini line because, again, you can get irritated very easily from these products, especially if you have sensitive skin. It just generally might be a good idea to keep chemical laden substances away from those parts. Also make sure you get a formula that doesn’t smell rancid, is for sensitive skin and be sure to test it on a patch of skin first before smothering your body to make sure you won’t have an allergic reaction.

The third choice for hair removal purposes is perhaps my favorite to use on ladies. Threading, the old Middle Eastern art of removing small hairs by sharply rolling a single strand of strong thread over the hair, thereby cutting it, is great. It doesn’t usually leave irritation, is generally less painful than waxing and the results last a while. Try to scout out a threader with affordable rates because doing this a few times a month can get pricey. Also, make sure you go to a well-trained threader. You can do this on any part of your face, but it is probably best left for eyebrows.

Lastly, you can wax, which is another salon favorite. Waxing can be costly and painful, but it lasts a while and can be done at almost any salon. I suggest waxing for your bikini line, lip/chin and eyebrows or chest and back, if you’re a guy. Again, go to a reputable, clean and professional place and be prepared to feel the pain. If you’re body is very sensitive, you might want to apply witch hazel to the area that is getting waxed beforehand or take some Tylenol or Advil to ward off pain.

Then, there is always plucking but, who wants to patiently pluck out each and every hair and deal with all that self-inflicted pain? And you can always do laser hair removal, but only if you want a more pricey option. It’s a personal choice and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just don’t get into any hair situations (pun intended) and think through your choice beforehand.