DEFINITION

Hair Removal techniques involve a variety of methods to temporarily or permanently remove unwanted body hair. See the Unwanted Hair Growth topic on the Healthpoint.

DESCRIPTION

There are a number of commonly used techniques for Hair Removal. A beauty therapist can advise people about and perform temporary and permanent Hair Removal. There are some methods of temporary Hair Removal which can be performed at home. The products required can be found in your Pharmacy and can be used safely and effectively by following the instructions provided with them.
These methods include:

SHAVING - Removing unwanted body hair with a razor is a quick and simple technique which is cost effective and requires little effort.
There are two main types of razors: electric shavers designed for use on dry skin and blade razors for use on wet skin after soap lather, shaving cream or foam has been applied to help soften the skin and provide a slippery protective barrier for the sharp blade to glide over.

Before using a blade razor, always keep the skin lubricated. Some women and men prefer to shave in the shower or bath for that reason. Apply a moisturiser to the skin before using a razor so that there is less risk of the blade catching on some dry skin which may cause a razor nick or burn. To successfully remove the hair, draw the razor against the direction of the hair. Razors are now being designed with flexible heads, in styles for both women and men, to follow the contours of the body and lubricating strips which dissolve a protective film onto the skin when wet. The razor blade should be kept wet during shaving to activate any lubricating strips to help stop the blade catching on and cutting the skin.

Areas of the body where the skin is usually more sensitive e.g., the bikini line and underarms can become red and irritated after shaving from the friction of the blade against the skin and tiny nicks that can be caused by the sharp blade. It is a good idea to use a moisturiser before shaving to help soften and protect the skin from the sharp blade and afterwards as shaving can leave the skin feeling dry. After shave lotion helps tone the skin while its antiseptic ingredients help combat infection which may be caused by razor nicks. It can be applied by splashing over the face after shaving.

EPILATORS - Epilators work like a pair of large tweezers. They are generally hand held electric devices with rotating metal spirals which twist a bunch of hairs together and pluck them out from the roots. The hair is removed from the root which can help to slow down the rate and lessen the amount of hair regrowth usually making it softer than before. This method can sometimes be quite painful.

WAXING - Waxing is another method of Hair Removal which plucks hairs out from the root. Each time a hair is pulled out by the roots its follicle, or bed, is slightly damaged which can result in the hair not regrowing or a weaker regrowth. There are two types of waxing treatments used for Hair Removal; cold wax and warm wax. The cold wax method involves the use of strips of wax which are laid on the skin over the hairs to be removed. The hairs then adhere to the wax and the hair can then be removed from the roots with a firm tug against the direction of the hair growth.

The warm wax method involves heating the wax until it becomes warm and is applied with a spatula in a thin film to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. A cotton strip is then placed firmly over the area, the skin is held taut with one hand and the other hand peels the cotton strip off backwards in a quick movement against the direction of hair growth.

This method is a little more complicated as it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the wax carefully as hot wax can burn the skin. Peeling the cotton strip off too slowly or upwards away from the skin may be painful and cause bruising. A soothing after-wax lotion or gel should be applied to the skin after the hair has been removed to help reduce any redness or irritation that may have resulted from the waxing.

It is best to not use any form of Hair Removal on the area for 2 to 3 weeks before the waxing treatment which allows the hair to grow long enough to stick to the wax.

DEPILATORIES - This chemical Hair Removal method is simple and easy to use and is available as a cream, foam or lotion. Before applying the depilatory to a large area of skin for the first time it is a good idea to try a 'patch test' first. Apply a small amount of the cream, foam or lotion to a hairless part of the arm and leave it on the skin for 7 to 10 minutes then wash it off. If there is no irritation after 24 hours it may be used on the rest of the body.

The cream, foam or lotion is applied to clean, dry skin in a thick layer over the hair that is to be removed. To protect hair that does not need removal the surrounding area can be covered with a barrier cream e.g., Vaseline. After 7 to 10 minutes the depilatory should be washed off with warm water. Finally, pat the skin dry trying not to rub it too hard and apply a soothing cream or lotion to the skin to reduce any possible inflammation that may have been caused by the chemical depilatory.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Ask your Pharmacist for advice on the various options available for Hair Removal.
2) Try to make sure that the skin has been properly prepared for the type of Hair Removal method being used. Skin should be moisturised, wet and lathered with soap or shaving cream before being shaved with a razor blade to help avoid razor burn and nicks to the skin. Skin should be clean and dry before applying wax or a depilatory to allow an even coverage of the hair. Waxeze is a wax which is applied hot while Mariana Wax Strips can be used without heating.
3) Your Pharmacy supplies a range of moisturisers, after-wax treatments and Hair Removal products. Ask your Pharmacist to suggest the most appropriate types for your needs.
4) If skin irritation occurs after Hair Removal, your Pharmacist may suggest a sorbolene-glycerine cream or an antiinflammatory cream to soothe the area and help stop any possible allergic reaction which may have occurred.
5) Talcum powder may be gently dusted onto the skin after waxing to help provide a smooth protective barrier for any sensitive skin and helps to stop any left over wax on the skin from sticking to clothing.

NOTES

It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with Hair Removal products to help prevent skin irritation and to ensure the best results.

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