Law #7: KNOW YOUR HAIR REMOVAL OPTIONS
Why remove your hair? Smooth skin is often seen as desirable. It can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive. Excessive hair due to genetics or hormones may make some people self-conscious. It affects many areas of life, including intimacy, social settings, sports, work, and more.
There are so many options when it comes to hair removal. There is also a choice to NOT remove your hair. Whatever you choose, know your hair removal options.
Shaving. The easiest and most accessible form of hair removal is shaving. It's inexpensive, gives you an immediate result, and can be done pretty much anywhere. Legs and underarms are easy to shave – the bikini area is more challenging. Some women will shave their faces, and the experts argue on both sides. Tiny face razors like this are popular in Asia, and dermaplaning removes vellus hairs and leaves you with a very smooth canvas for makeup. Hello, cheekbones!
Waxing. You may remember the Sex and the City episode when Carrie got her first Brazilian wax. It seemed pretty edgy back then – but nowadays, it's pretty standard. You want to ensure that your hair is long enough for the wax to adhere, or you will be left with patches. Waxing your face or upper lip may lead to a lot of irritation.
Laser. Some experts say that laser is best for women with dark hair and light skin. It's a prevalent cosmetic procedure in the US because of its speed and promise of a potential permanent solution. A technician will beam highly concentrated light into a hair follicle which then absorbs the light. That's how the hair is destroyed. For women with darker skin, this may be helpful. The goal is to eventually clear an area permanently and give you that "ready to go" freedom many of us crave.
Electrolysis. This is a more permanent form of hair removal. An electronic current is transmitted by a small probe (or needle) to remove the hair at the root. This is a good choice for lighter or, gasp, grey hairs. It does take multiple treatments to clear an area, and you will have to book numerous sessions as it goes through its growth and dormant cycles. Most people can clear an area in about 18 months. You can use this with a laser for (eventually) permanent results. It can also be a bit costly. There are three forms of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis, and the blend method. It's a compelling choice that doesn't get impacted by skin color, hair color, hair type, and body area.
Sugaring. This ancient technique utilizes a paste of sugar, water, lemon, and other heated and cooled ingredients. It's similar to waxing – but the main difference is the application and removal of the substance relative to the direction of your hair growth. Like waxing, you may experience pain, irritation, and inflammation with sugaring. Some say that sugaring is less painful and more gentle than waxing, but everyone's pain threshold varies.
Tweezing. A simple instrument pulls hair out by its root. It's suitable for detailed work and can give you a clean canvas. It can be hard on the eyes, but tweezing can be incredibly satisfying if you have slight OCD or even trichotillomania.
Threading. This is another ancient form of hair removal originating from Iran. A piece of thread or polyester is rolled together to pluck several hairs. It's faster than tweezing as you pull several hairs in a row out simultaneously. Some find it very painful, but it depends on the skill level of your threader.
Au Naturel. There is a hair pride movement for some women and female-identified folks. This razor brand took a stand and showed images of women with body hair celebrating inclusive images of all beauty, NOT just the ones that put money in their pockets. Brava Billie! Proponents say that growing out their body hair can make them feel free and strong.
Prepare your hair and skin. For laser, waxing, and electrolysis, avoid caffeine and alcohol before treatment. You can also gently exfoliate so that the hairs are softer and the hair follicle will release hairs more readily. Hydration is always a good idea, especially with electrolysis. Electricity needs water to conduct correctly, so well-hydrated skin responds best. You may even consider a hydrafacial before getting electrolysis – but talk with your electrologist and/or doctor to design the best plan for you.
Pick a sharp razor. For the smoothest, cleanest result possible – invest in a sharp razor. They are relatively inexpensive. Ensure your skin is clean, and a hydrating shave system can help protect your skin from the blade. Keep your razors clean and toss them before they get dull. Do not share razors, as they can transmit bacteria.
Pick a clean waxing salon. Make sure that your waxing salon practices good hygiene. Do not shave the desired area before getting waxed. If you decide to self-wax – make sure that you check the temperature. Yes, you can burn yourself with a home microwave wax kit. You can opt for strips like this; they are pretty easy to use. If you are getting a Brazilian, prepare to contort and be pretty exposed. It's definitely not for the shy. Do not wax your face right before a big event or photo shoot. You may be red and irritated and even have small bumps for a while.
Practice good aftercare. With any hair removal and beauty treatment – aftercare is essential. You can prevent infection, minimize irritation and maintain the best result. With transgender clients, hormones can also affect skin response and aftercare options, including masks, high-frequency treatments, hydration massages, and more.
"A woman should try a Brazilian wax at least once. The sex she'll have after, is what will keep her coming back for more."
- Eva Langoria
"I am Armenian, so of course, I am obsessed with laser hair removal! Arms, bikini, legs, underarms …my entire body is hairless."
- Kim Kardashian
"It's just my own personal preference. That being said, please, can we stop talking about pits?"
- Jemima Kirke
"The decision was made in early adolescence, maybe when I was 14 and all the girls in my school — none of whom had any hair on their bodies — started shaving because it was' grown-up.' Whatever. Seemed like a waste of time, a conformity that disgusted me (I was a feisty feminist, even at 14)".
- Mayim Bialik
"I don't love waxing. I just don't like everybody ... up in the business, you know what I mean? I shave everywhere; the only thing I wax is my eyebrows. It's torture plucking the hairs out one by one."
- Jennifer Lopez
I use a mix of modalities when it comes to hair removal. I'm not particularly hairy. A sharp razor is great for legs and underarms, and I'm a fan of this shaving cream to prep my skin. I currently get a Brazilian wax once a month, and I just discovered this chocolate wax that I like. Sometimes I get impatient between appointments and will shave – much to the dismay of my waxer. Since summer has ended, I will revisit more permanent methods like laser and electrolysis. I have done both sporadically but haven't invested enough time or money to get a permanent result. Yet.
I once dated someone who preferred me to be natural in many ways. It was liberating to have sex with someone who was so free and celebrated my body with all its "flaws." It was incredible. But again, my body – my choice. I do prefer to feel nicely groomed, so pardon me while I schedule my next Brazilian wax.
If you have been using strong topicals, have broken skin, eczema, or have super sensitive skin, you may want to choose a very gentle hair removal process. You may also opt to skip it altogether and go au natural.