Here is a list of hair removal methods and some simple tips for safe hair removal for women of all ages.
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There are many options when it comes to hair removal. Some of them are long-lasting, others temporary. Some are very painful, some are complicated and some are costly!
It entirely depends upon you to choose the best way of safe hair removal for your needs. In this article, we will list the ways of hair removal and provide some simple tips for removing the hair safely while maintaining soft, hair-free skin.
Hair Removal Methods: A Summary
| Method | Effectiveness | Useful For | Time Taken |
| Depilatory Cream | 3-4 days | Bikini area, legs, upper lip, and chin | Minutes |
| Shaving | 3-4 days | Everywhere | Minutes |
| Waxing | 4-5 weeks | Everywhere | ½ hour – 1 hour |
| Threading | 6-7 weeks | Upper lips and eyebrows | ½ hour – 1 hour |
| Laser Hair Removal | Permanent | Everywhere | Several sessions over months |
| Vaniqa | Permanent | Everywhere | 7-8 weeks |
Depilatory Cream:
Depilatory cream consists of the chemicals that break down the bonds in the hair’s keratin. Once these bonds in the hair get broken, you can easily wipe and rinse the hair because it becomes weak.
Thioglycolic acid is the active ingredient in these creams, which is often combined with calcium and potassium in a cream base. Many such types of creams have an unpleasant odor. You can use this cream for the Bikini area, legs, upper lip, and chin. If you are using this cream on the upper lip, then look for creams that are gentle to use.
Safety tips:
People with sensitive skin can suffer from skin irritation due to the chemicals present in the depilatories to reduce the irritation and redness. Make sure to test the cream on a patch of skin first before applying it everywhere. If it starts to itch, then change your cream.
Try to wipe off the product quickly and don’t keep it on for long. Apply a moisturizer afterward to keep the skin moist.
How effective is this?
Depilatory creams are applied on the surface of the skin and therefore they only work skin deep. The hair will grow back in a few days after using depilatory cream. It can be difficult to use it on the leg because you have to spread the cream on the coarser areas and rinse afterward.
You might like to read: 6 Best Epilators For Mature Skin in 2022
Shaving
Shaving is one of the cheapest and easiest methods of getting rid of unwanted hair. You can easily do it yourself, and it doesn’t take more than a minute to cover even large areas like legs.
If you do not suffer from any razor bumps or irritation while shaving, this is the most versatile method of hair removal. You can shave your underarms and legs, and even on places like bikini lines. Older women can shave beyond the age of 60 to keep their skin soft and smooth.
Safety tips:
You have to be careful with a razor, you can suffer from cuts and nicks if you don’t do it properly. But if you are using a razor that is manufactured for women to handle the curves around the knees, then it is usually not a problem.
Make sure that you don’t use the blade for a long while and replace it frequently, and don’t forget to lubricate your skin with moisturizer, shave gel, or foam to prevent any potential damage.
You might like to read: Best Vitamins for Hair Growth
Waxing
In this method, warm melted wax is applied to the skin in the same direction as the hair is growing. Then you apply strips on the skin and pull them off in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
As the wax is warm, it causes the hair follicles to dilate. Once the hair follicle is dilated the entire hair and the root come out. Waxing is a good way to remove hair in smaller areas like eyebrows, bikinis, and lips. Older women can also wax themselves to remove unnecessary hair.
While waxing is considered to be a painful method of hair removal, it really depends on the tolerance level for pain that you have. In fact, people who wax regularly feel less pain than others.
Safety tips:
Avoid waxing at places where you use Retin A.
Do not apply the hot wax on the areas where you apply Retin A. Retin A causes your skin to become thinner and helps to remove the layers of dead cells in the skin.
Waxing on top of such an area can result in irritation. It may damage and cause redness on the surface of the skin. It can also result in ingrown hairs in the bikini area.
Don’t forget to moisturize the skin before waxing:
Make sure you exfoliate the skin before waxing to minimize risk. Clogged hair follicles contribute to the risk of ingrown hair. Often, the skin gets clogged because of the dead skin cells present on the skin’s surface. The biggest issue that can occur is a bacterial infection.
Using a new applicator while waxing:
Make sure you ask the person to use a new applicator stick as a reused one can spread infection. They should always use a new stick for each person.
Using the same stick twice when it comes to Brazilian waxing, which removes the hair across the labia and anus, can result in big problems as the skin in these places is very sensitive. Using the same applicator in sensitive areas can result in the translocation of bacteria.
How effective is this?
Waxing is known to remove hair from the root of the skin. Its effects last up to 4 to 5 weeks. You can wax again when hair grows back about a quarter of an inch. But make sure you don’t wax during your periods as the skin is more sensitive during this time. You can take ibuprofen before the waxing session to dull the pain.
Sugaring:
Sugaring has gained popularity in the US as it is excellent for both older and younger women. Sugaring is a hair removal process used in ancient times in Middle Eastern countries. The ingredients used to create the formula are lemon juice, water, and sugar.
This mixture is applied to the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Then the hair is pulled out in a similar fashion as waxing. Sugaring is less painful compared to waxing and is excellent for upper lips, legs, and the bikini area. Even older women can go for sugaring as it is safer and free from any preservatives.
You might like to read: How to Cut an Elderly Woman’s Hair
Safety tips:
Sugaring paste is good as it consists of natural ingredients and doesn’t harm the person’s skin. It doesn’t consist of any fragrance and preservatives as a sugaring paste. It doesn’t cause any skin allergy, redness, or irritation.
It is gentle compared to waxing, and you can apply multiple layers to remove stray hairs as it will not damage the skin.
How effective is this?
Sugaring can provide good results, just like waxing. The results of the sugaring last for about 4 to 5 weeks. You can try sugaring again once the hair grows about a quarter inch.
Threading:
Threading also comes from middle eastern countries. Threading removes hair from the root. You can use threading on the upper lips and eyebrows.
The process is quite simple, and it needs no external products to remove hair. Only a fine thread and skilled hands are required in order to remove the hair from its root.
Safety tips:
Threading is safe for sensitive skin. It is a sanitary process; however, it can cause some irritation because several hairs are plucked out simultaneously. You can ask the person to gently pluck the hair and wait for a few seconds if the skin turns red.
How effective is this?
With the help of threading, you can remove all the hair at once, along with the root. The threading results last up to 6 to 7 weeks.
You might like to read: Managing Hair Loss With Age
Laser hair removal:
In laser hair removal, the hair follicle is targeted with heated lasers. Laser hair removal prevents future hair growth. It is a durable option; however, it is an expensive one. Laser hair removal is permanent hair removal, but fine hair can regrow over the surface again after some time.
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions over several months to see a reduction in hair growth. It can be done at any place of the body. It is excellent for smaller areas like the face and the bikini line. Laser hair removal can be done at any age and is a good option for older women permanently.
Safety tips:
Laser hair removal treatment is safe when a dermatologist performs it. A dermatologist trained about using the equipment can perform this treatment properly. They need to be experienced as lasers can burn, and it may result in pigmentation.
How effective is it?
Within six months of this treatment, women notice around a 50% reduction in the percentage of hair growth. It is essential to have periodic maintenance sessions every couple of months to prevent the growth of the hair.
You might like to read: Best Electric Razor for an Elderly Man
Vaniqa:
Vaniqa is an enzyme cream. This enzyme is responsible for reducing hair growth. Vaniqa is available on prescription only.
You can use this cream to remove the hair in conjunction with other hair removal methods. With the help of this cream, you can slow down the process of hair growth, but you have to tweeze or wax less often.
Safety tips:
Some users suffer from redness, acne, flare-ups, and temporary stinging on the face.
How effective is this?
If you use Vaniqa twice a day, you will notice less hair growth within four to eight weeks.
Wrap up
Women want to get rid of excessive hair to flaunt their smooth and soft skin. Multiple ways are used to get rid of unwanted hair. But before implementing any hair removal method, it is essential to understand its pros and cons.
We have provided you with several tips to safely remove hair from the body. If you know anyone who needs to know these tips, then do share this content with them. Lastly, if you have something more to add to the list, feel free to write to us in the comment box below.
