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Hair Removal 101: The Best Methods For Your Fuzz-Free Needs

When to shave, when to wax and when to consider laser.

Whether you choose to shave, wax or go au natural this summer, it’s all-good in our books.

However, if you prefer fuzz-less skin this summer, we have a few choice tips for making the right hair removal decisions.

Not all hair removal techniques are created equal. Some are better for certain parts of the body than others and depending on the texture of your hair, you may have entirely different preferences and experiences. Other factors like time commitment and cost also play in.

If you’re not quite sure what your options are, here’s the low down on the most popular hair removal techniques available.

Waxing may be a salon service but it’s far from a relaxing experience. In fact, it can be borderline sadistic but for many women, it’s a necessary evil.

If you have thick, coarse hair, waxing is your best bet. You can choose between cold or hot wax but the latter is generally more effective because melted wax molds itself around each hair and offers a stronger grip. Do your research if you’re planning a DIY wax, as not all waxing kits will prove effective.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for sugaring. The contents of sugaring paste are all natural and less likely to cause a skin freak-out.

Your basic sugaring paste is made up of sugar, hot water and lemon so you can whip up your own batch right at home. Although, you might be better off just buying it at the store, as the recipe can be finicky. You have two options with sugaring as well: hard or soft wax methods.

The general consensus is that the procedure hurts marginally less than waxing but everyone’s experience is different so the debate rages on.

Those who thread become almost cult-like in their love for the hair removal technique.

It’s the absolute best method for removing facial hair as the knots created by the thread are able to catch very fine hairs like those on your upper lip.

Threading is also a fan favourite for those who want a defined eyebrow shape. One of the advantages of threading is that the method offers a high level of precision so you can get your eyebrow shape just right.

If you’re in a pinch and time is of the essence, grab a razor and go. Shaving will only last a day or two at the most but it’s the easiest method and the least time consuming.

Shaving is great for leg and underarm hair but you may want to think twice about shaving your nether regions. Aside from the itchiness factor when it starts growing back an hour later, there are some pretty sound health reasons for not removing it all down there.

Laser hair removal is effective on most areas of the body but it does come with a few more risks than your easy-going razor does.

Laser therapy kills the follicles beneath the skin, which prevents hair growth and the results are long-term. The downside is, laser treatment is selective in who it works well for. The best candidates are those who have dark hair and lighter skin because the laser works by absorbing pigment in the hair root.

The procedure can also be quite pricey and time consuming so you’ll want to take those factors into consideration as well.

They say depilatory creams are safe and effective even for your pubic area but I’m not sure I would go there if given other options. However, this pain-free hair removal method is perfect for leg and underarm hair and a godsend for my upper lip.

Anyone who has opened up a bottle and smeared it on their skin will attest to its terrible stench, which is enough to deter some people. Also, the idea that a cream can be so harsh that it literally melts your hair off could be slightly disconcerting.

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