While some have a live and let live approach to body hair, taming the tide is a priority for others, especially in summer. We investigate your defuzzing options.
Friction
Description: hair is buffed away at the surface of the skin using a gentle, clockwise, anti-clockwise motion. There are many ‘tools’ to choose from, but the most common is either a pumice stone or super-fine sandpaper (ideally 400 to 600 grit).
Pros: ideal for beginners
Cons: time consuming and a little unnerving to begin with
Best for: fine hair on the legs or arms
How long it lasts: anything from one to three days
Electrolysis
Description: a needle or probe is inserted into the hair follicle. An electric current is sent down and converted into heat, which damages the hair papilla, inhibiting future growth.
Pros: it’s permanent
Cons: a very time-consuming option because each hair has to be removed individually. Dark-skinned people should take care because the converted heat may cause scarring.
Best for: side burns, the jaw line and the upper lip
How long it lasts: forever
Waxing
Description: melted beeswax is applied with a spatula, allowed to set, then ripped off, or a strip of material is rubbed onto the wax and ripped off to remove both wax and hair. For best results hair should be 3mm long, or longer if hair is coarse.
Pros: quick and inexpensive
Cons: not a good option if you have a low pain threshold
Best for: legs, back, the bikini area and upper lip
How long it lasts: longer than shaving
Electrical depilatory device
Description: most modern epilators look just like men’s electric shavers, but pull the hair out by the root via fast-rotating pads.
Pros: effective and quick
Cons: ouch!
Best for: legs, but some models have special attachments for sensitive areas
How long it lasts: about a week and a half
Sugaring
Description: sugar, lemon juice and water are mixed together to create a gel. The gel is spread onto the desired area and cotton strips are used to remove the hair.
Pros: great for sensitive skin because sugar doesn’t stick to the skin as tightly as wax does, so it’s less irritating. You are also able to go over an area many times, which is great for people with coarse hair.
Cons: just as time consuming as waxing, and it can be a sticky, messy business
Best for: arms, bikini, legs and underarms
How long it lasts: same as waxing
Threading
Description: the threader winds a taut strand of thread around individual hairs, twisting and pulling them out at the root.
Pros: very precise, and a good option for people on skin-thinning medication such as Retin A and accutane
Cons: once again, the pain factor comes in
Best for: eyebrows
How long it lasts: about a week and a half
Bleaching
Description: a bleaching solution is used on a small, specific area to lighten dark hair.
Pros: painless
Cons: a bit whiffy, especially if you’re doing your upper lip
Best for: upper lip
How long it lasts: until the roots start to show
Trimming
Description: scissors or a specially designed trimming tool can be used to trim coarse hairs.
Pros: it’s painless and you can do it at home
Cons: regrowth is quicker because you aren’t removing the hair root
Best for: nose and ear hair
How long it lasts: two to three days
Shaving
Description: shaving cream, gel or foam is applied to soften the hair and lubricate the skin, then a sharp razor is used in a direction against the hair growth to lift and cut the hair.
Pros: skin feels soft and smooth because shaving acts as a regular exfoliating treatment
Cons: you may experience a burning sensation, ingrown hairs, and nicks and cuts
Best for: men’s facial hair, legs
How long it lasts: one or two days
Depilatories
Description: a hair-removal cream is applied in a thick layer. After waiting the prescribed time (anything up to 20 minutes), the cream and hair is removed with a bladeless razor or washed off.
Pros: can be done at home
Cons: although improved, these formulations still have an unusual smell to them
Best for: legs, facial hair for guys who are just starting to shave. Depilatory creams are gentle on the skin and you can avoid cuts and ingrown hairs until the skin is tougher
How long it lasts: about three days