Shaving – why do we do it and where did it all start? In the early days of the 20th century, fashion for women was very modest, with little to no flesh on show, thus making the need for hair removal mute.
It wasn’t until 1915 that the underarms of female models were targeted in advertising campaigns for depilatory creams, popularising the removal of unwanted hair. Later fashion trends spanning from the 1920’s- 1950’s presented more revealing clothes that flaunted the arms and legs, and bodily hair was viewed as undesirable.
Fast forward to the 21st century and shaving has become a daily practice for men and women the world over. Whether for hygiene purposes, cultural traditions or just to enjoy silky smooth legs – there is now an array of methods to choose from and I’m here to help you decide which method is right for you.
Waxing
Despite not being the most comfortable of procedures, waxing remains a popular choice due to its long-lasting results and silky-smooth finish. Using removal wax or waxing strips can be a little tricky to use on your own so it is often recommended this method be done by a professional.
Salons will often offer various types of waxing treatments with the following being the most common –
Hot Wax: Hot wax is usually an option for small, more sensitive areas such as the bikini line or underarms. It dries within a few minutes of application and is pulled against the grain to remove the hairs from the root. It can be repeated a few times in the same area without causing irritation.
Wax strips: More ideal for larger surfaces of skin that have finer hair, such as the thighs, shins, back, and chest. A thin layer of wax is applied and covered with a woven strip and, like hot wax, releases the hairs from the root when removed.
Before waxing the most important thing that you can do is exfoliate. Removing any layers of dead skin the night before will reduce the chance of ingrown hairs. Furthermore, for the best results, you should ensure that the hair is a sufficient length for the wax to be able to work – we recommend around half an inch.
Epilating
Epilating is a similar method to waxing whereby the hairs are removed from the root using small, motorised tweezers leaving a long-lasting result. The advantage that epilation has over waxing is that it can be used on shorter hair as well as being more convenient with less time and mess.
Due to epilating having a reputation of being one of the more painful options, it’s recommended that this method be used on larger areas with finer hair, such as the legs and arms.
It is important that you use the correct type of epilator depending on your hair type – for example, thicker hair will require an epilator with more tweezer heads and a faster motor.
Exfoliation is the epilator’s best friend and should be done before your hair removal session. This becomes more important with time as hairs can become finer with higher chances of becoming ingrown.
It is also recommended to apply a natural, preferably non-perfumed moisturiser or gel after use to soothe the skin and prevent irritation, especially in the more sensitive areas.
Laser hair removal
Laser treatment is an ideal option for anyone susceptible to pigmentation and ingrown hairs after shaving. This procedure involves shooting a laser light at the hair pigment which damages the follicle, thus, resulting in permanent removal. Unlike other treatments, laser removal usually takes a few weeks after the first session for outcomes to appear and around 10-12 treatments for the completed results.
A few things to remember before going for your treatment:
- Avoid tanning – both real and fake – the heat from the laser can burn the skin surface. Wait about 4 weeks before your appointment if you have a tan.
- Avoid other hair removal treatments before your session – this can disrupt the hair growth cycle and the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Leave approximately 5-6 weeks of hair growth before going to your appointment.
It’s safe to say that hair removal procedures have come a long since the beginning of the 20th century with effective treatments available either professionally or to do in the comfort of your own home. Be sure that you are doing the right treatment for yourself and your skin and if you are ever in doubt, always ask a professional.
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