Several methods exist for removing hair, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Practicality, cost, hair regrowth time… each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. We take stock in this article!
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Different Hair Removal Methods – Which to Choose?
Summary
Published May 19, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
When to Choose Shaving?
One of the most known hair removal methods: shaving, like depilatory creams, cuts hair but does not remove it. Regrowth is therefore faster than with depilation, which is why many people nowadays opt for alternatives to shaving. Nevertheless, this technique is recommended in the following cases:
If you're prone to ingrown hairs, shaving is preferable to epilation.
With shaving, the hair doesn't have to pierce the skin envelope as it grows back. So, there's a smaller risk of it twisting under the skin and becoming ingrown. A little tip! To avoid ingrown hairs as much as possible, you can choose to shave in the direction of hair regrowth.
If you're short of time.
Shaving can be done in the shower, and is quicker than waxing or epilating with an electric epilator.
If you have very light body hair.
The razor may be suitable for people with light hair, i.e., fine, sparse hair. On the other hand, if you have a lot of hair, it's best to opt for epilation. Even if the idea that the razor makes hair grow back faster is false, hair will still have a shorter “journey” to regain its length, which will bring your shaving sessions closer together and give the hair more vigor.
Note: When shaving, use a shaving foam or gel to prevent water from evaporating. These products also reduce the risk of cuts and make the razor glide more smoothly.
When to Opt For Epilation Hair Removal?
One of the alternatives to shaving is epilation hair removal. This is the complete removal of hair, either with hot or cold wax, or with an electric appliance. You should opt for epilation if any of the following apply to you.
You have extensive hair growth.
Epilation hair removal weakens the hair, making it less vigorous. In the long term, after several sessions of waxing or epilation with an electric machine, the hair becomes thinner and thinner. As a result, waxing sessions become less and less painful.
You want to space out your hair removal sessions.
Waxing or epilating with an electric epilator pulls out the bulb. This means the hair takes much longer to grow back than when it is simply cut (with a razor or depilatory cream, for example). In general, hair removal sessions can be spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. However, this remains an average. Some people may need to epilate every two weeks, while others may need to space their sessions out by two months.
When to Opt for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal has been in vogue for some ten years now. There are two main reasons for choosing laser hair removal as the alternative to shaving or epilation: if you would rather not have to epilate or shave anymore, and if you often have ingrown hairs. In fact, the laser destroys the hair bulbs, preventing them from becoming ingrown!
The claim that this hair removal method is unsuitable for dark skins is false. Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin types, provided the right device is used. That's why this hair-removal method requires a certain amount of knowledge.
To find the technique and laser intensity best suited to your skin tone, institutes generally carry out a preliminary diagnosis to define your phototype. This classifies subjects according to their skin reaction to exposure to the sun's UV rays. There are six phototypes, from lightest to darkest. Once the person's phototype has been identified, the professionals are able to determine the type of laser to use, the number of sessions required, the cost of the service, and so on. It goes without saying that this technique is expensive. It costs around 150 to 180 euros per session for half-legs, 60 to 80 euros for underarms, and 50 to 130 euros for a classic or full bikini line. However, laser hair removal can be considered a long-term investment.
Caution! Laser hair removal is contraindicated for pregnant and breast-feeding women, people suffering from skin diseases (herpes, lesions, infections…) and those undergoing photo-sensitizing treatment (roaccutane, cortisone, antibiotics…).
Note: Laser hair removal is generally performed over 5 to 8 sessions, to remove even the finest hairs. In principle, this is a definitive technique. However, there are certain exceptions. Hormonal variations can influence the process. Indeed, hair may reappear during pregnancy or menopause.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
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