Looking for the most effective way to manage facial or body hair may feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. From waxing and tweezing to laser treatments and chemical depilatories, there are a variety of methods that can help you achieve the hairless, smooth skin of your dreams. In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between six popular hair management methods with the goal of helping you navigate through them and find which option best fits your needs.
Laser hair reduction: Laser hair reduction involves the use of laser energy to target and destroy the stem cells in hair follicles on the face or body, preventing hair regrowth. This process is usually requires a few sessions to achieve the desired result. Although laser hair reduction may be relatively expensive, it is a long-term hair removal solution opposed to shorter term therapies such as waxing, sugaring, or shaving. Laser hair reduction is a favorite pick at Sapien, due to the fact that it is so effective and long lasting as opposed to waxing, shaving, and sugaring which don’t impact the root of hair growth. Click here to read our full article on laser hair reduction.
Shaving: Shaving with a razor or electric shaver is an affordable and painless hair removal method. Shaving is a form of depilation, which is a method of removing hair from the surface of the skin. These types of hair removal methods have no impact on the growth of the hair as it doesn’t affect the follicle. However, shaving can be very irritating and it may not be the best option for everyone as it could cause razor burn or bumps which can result in PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) for those who have more sensitive skin or darker skin tones. In order to minimize irritation, it is helpful to shave in the direction of hair growth vs. going against the grain and shave after your evening shower/bath while skin is softened.
Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning involves the use of a professional blade to manually exfoliate the skin and remove vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) from the face. This differs from shaving because the main purpose is exfoliation, it is appropriate for only fine hairs rather than coarse body/beard hair, and it is done with a single use sterile blade. This process is best done by an expert and leaves the skin looking smoother and brighter with increased absorption of topical products. Dermaplaning is the most beneficial when it is combined with a full customized facial.
Waxing: Waxing involves the use of hot or cold wax to remove hair from the root. This is referred to as epilation, where the entire hair is removed from the follicle rather than just the part of the hair growing above the surface of the skin. The results of waxing are longer lasting than shaving or dermaplaning, as it takes longer for the hair to recover and fully grow back. Waxing can be done every 4-8 weeks, depending on the area of the body. Over time with continuous waxing sessions, the hair may become more sparse and grow in slowly. Although, it isn’t considered a long term solution whereas laser hair reduction and electrolysis are more permanent.
Tweezing: Tweezing involves using a tweezer to pluck out individual hairs from the root. This process is done by hand and can be time-consuming, especially for individuals with thick hair on the face. Tweezing may not be the best option for individuals prone to ingrown hairs.
Electrolysis: Electrolysis involves the use of a small needle to target the hair follicle and destroy it using electricity. This is a very effective and long lasting hair removal option, although it is fairly uncomfortable as each individual follicle is targeted one at a time. This makes for longer appointment sessions compared to laser hair reduction. This process is done by a qualified electrologist and may require several sessions to achieve the desired result but it’s known to be very permanent and effective.
Remember that there is no one size fits all approach as each individual’s skin and hair texture differ. Be sure to consult with your dermatologist and aesthetician to choose the best hair removal method that suits your skin and hair type. To receive personal recommendations, book a consultation here.
XOXO,
Kristen
