How to get rid of unwanted hair on the face, body, bikini area
Unwanted hair is perhaps the worst enemy of every woman. It is not only taxing to get rid of it every few weeks but an ongoing process which never seems to end. The culprits of this problem range from your genes to hormonal imbalances. There are various ways to get rid of unwanted hair from your face and body ranging from home remedies which do not have side-effects, to DIY options like shaving to a salon treatment like waxing and also laser treatments. Here is a mega guide which will give you all these options in detail to help you choose whatever is right for you.
Unwanted body hair
Hairy arms and legs is not something women want. Though they can hide it from others by wearing full-sleeve clothes and pants, the problem arises when they have to wear a dress or just feel good about themselves. There are so many options which can leave one confused. Here are some pros and cons of each:
Waxing
Pros: This easy to do, inexpensive method removes hair from the roots and lets you stay hair-free longer. The composition of newer options such as chocolate wax makes the experience less painful.
Cons: It can give rise to allergies, acne or infection of hair follicles if your skin is sensitive. It can also cause darkening of underarms In rare cases, hand and leg skin darkens too.
Razors
Pros: Razors are easy to use, inexpensive, don’t require expertise and do not cause reactions or allergies.
Cons: Injuries are common and you may have to shave once a week or more often depending on the pace of hair growth. Shaving can cause in-growth and pseudo folliculitis if done incorrectly.
Epilators
Pros: Epilation is safer than razors. It reduces chances of skin damage and is inexpensive in the long run.
Cons: Unlike waxing, it can’t remove small hair, if waxing has a success rate of 98 per cent, using an epilator has an 88 per cent success rate.
Hair removal creams
Pros: These are easy to use, inexpensive, easily available and do not require professional help.
Cons: They work superficially, do not remove hair from its roots, and require frequent application (often more than once a week). Chemicals can cause irritation, allergies and darkening of the skin.
Laser hair removal
Pros: They enable permanent reduction of hair, with no chance of in-growth. They don’t leave marks or cause infections. They can be used to shape hair.
Cons: They are expensive, unsuccessful on people with hormonal imbalance, less effective on light hair and won’t work on white hair. The procedure can be painful (depending on the machine used) and the risk of burns is higher for people with tanned or dark skin tones.
Unwanted facial hair
Hair growth on the face and neck is the worst to deal with as it is impossible to hide it. You cannot conceal it with clothes and there is no option but to get rid of it at the earliest. There are various ways which can help you get rid of hair from the face, neck, upper lip, chin, etc. Let’s take a look at these options:
Threading
Threading is done with the help of a thread where the hair is pulled out by a criss-cross movement, cutting it out just like a scissor would cut cloth. Many find this method quite painful, leaving their skin red for quite some time. If you opt for this method, remember you will have to undergo the pain every few days – since the hair isn’t pulled out from the root, it grows back faster. Also, constant threading on the face can leave marks on the cheeks.
Waxing
Many beauty salons offer special waxes like chocolate or mango wax for facial hair removal. Apparently, the growth is prolonged and leaves your skin feeling smooth after the session. While waxing does remove hair from the root, one should note that the skin on the face is very delicate and thin, and regular pulling will result in loose skin, especially the area around the mouth. So if possible, don’t opt for this method for the face.
Bleaching
Although bleaching is not a hair removal method, it changes the colour of the hair which helps in camouflaging it. It involves applying a paste on the face and keeping it for 10-15 minutes and then washing it off. Once this is done, the hair colour matches your skin tone, making it unnoticeable. This method is effective as the colour stays for weeks. You can buy a kit and do it yourself at home or get it done at a beauty parlour which will be slightly expensive. Do not over-do it or expose your skin to the sun after bleaching at least for an hour and even when you do, apply ample sunscreen before you step out. Stay away from harsh bleaches especially if you have sensitive skin. But if you have a very thick growth then bleaching won’t help.
Laser
Laser hair reduction is also a good option and a near permanent solution. It requires a few number of sittings as per your hair growth. Though it can be slightly expensive, it reduces and prolongs the growth and makes the hair finer in appearance which makes it a worthwhile treatment.
Hair removal creams
These days, DIY hair removal creams are quite popular. You can choose a mild one to remove facial hair. Again, it is best to go for creams which are specially made for facial hair removal than a generic one. Keep the usage to once a month to avoid any side-effects and if you feel it is too strong for your skin then discontinue its use.
Home remedies
There are various ingredients easily available in your kitchen which you can make use of to reduce the growth on your face. The only hitch is, it takes time for the results to show and you need to regularly stick to the opted treatment be it the use of a sugar mix, egg mask or turmeric.
Here are some home remedies you can try at home:
Turmeric or haldi
Make a fluid paste by soaking turmeric powder in water, apply to the facial area where you have excess hair and leave on for a few minutes. After it dries, use a cloth dipped in warm water to wipe away the turmeric and the hair, too.
Gram flour or besan
Mix equal amounts of besan and turmeric and add a little water to make a thick paste. Apply to the problematic part of the face, leave on until it dries totally and then dip a cloth in warm water and use to rub off this face mask – you will find that along with the besan mixture, the strands of hair are also removed.
Sugar
Take about a tablespoon of sugar in a vessel, add in a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice; heat this lightly or microwave for about 3 minutes and mix to get a smooth paste. When the paste is still slightly warm, apply it to the part of the face from where you need to pluck the hair. Cover the area with a strip of cloth and immediately pull the cloth in the direction opposite to that in which the hair is growing.
Egg
Take the white of one egg, add in 1 tablespoon of sugar and half a tablespoon of corn flour. Beat to make a smooth paste and apply this to the portion of your face that has unwanted hair. Once it dries, it will take on the appearance of a thin mask covering your face; all you have to do is pull it off firmly and the hair will get pulled out, too.
Unwanted bikini hair
While it’s relatively easy to get rid of hair on the arms and legs, it often gets complicated when one has to remove hair down there. Thoughts like — how much will it hurt, how will the area look, who will do it – often cloud one’s mind. Here are some methods you can opt for:
Shaving
The easy way out to get rid of hair from anywhere, anytime! But when it comes to your intimate area, it is essential to keep a few pointers in mind. Since this area is more delicate than others, you need to give it enough prep time before you actually start shaving. If this is your first time, trim the hair first with a pair of scissors. Next, clean the area with lukewarm water. Apply shaving gel or cream and let it stay for a few minutes before you start. Keep your legs apart and stretch your skin with the help of one hand. Use a razor to shave hair from the area. Do not rush as that can lead to red spots later. Once you are done, wash the area thoroughly with water to get rid of any leftover gel or cream and pat dry the area. Apply a light moisturiser to avoid itching sensations and redness. Wear comfortable underwear.
Pros:
Shaving is inexpensive and handy. You can do it on your own. It is pain-free.
Cons:
You will have to do it more often as the growth is quicker. Doing it incorrectly can lead to cuts.
Hair removal creams
Another painless method without the hassle of razors, shaving gels etc. Hair removal cream is a popular DIY method to get rid of unwanted hair. But you need to keep in mind to choose the right one. If it is too strong for your skin, it can cause itching and rashes as it irritates your skin. If it is too mild, it won’t give the desired results and you may end up with patchy hair growth. Always test the cream on your arm or leg before you proceed to the bikini area. Once you find the right cream, simply apply it on the area and wait for the said time (usually 10-15 minutes). Wash it with water to get rid of the hair and cream. Make sure the area is clean and that the cream is only on the outer part. If you experience any burning sensation, wash the area with water immediately. Once the procedure is over, pat dry the area.
Pros:
It is quick and easy. It is hassle-free. Painless procedure.
Cons:
Can cause rashes if skin is too sensitive. The cream usually has a strong chemical odour which stays for sometime on the skin.
Bikini wax
This method is painful no doubt, but it gives better and long lasting results. Many people may not want to remove all the hair but only have a clean bikini line. In that case, going for a bikini wax is a good idea. Though you may find DIY kits in the market, it is best to go to a salon than do it yourself as it gets difficult to get the right angle and can be more painful too. Make sure you go to a salon which is hygienic and uses disposable waxing strips. Let the lady know if the wax is too hot for your skin. You may experience redness even after the treatment is over if your skin is too sensitive. Apply a cold compress (ice) to soothe the area and wear comfortable innerwear. It will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth for weeks after the initial pain.
Pros:
Long lasting results. The skin is smooth as silk. No growth for weeks.
Cons:
Painful. It has to be done by a salon expert. Skin feels numb for a few hours after the treatment.
Brazilian wax
This method became quite popular in the West and slowly crawled its way here too. Though it may not be available at all salons, you may find it in big chains. Brazilian wax is nothing but waxing the entire bikini area to make it completely hairless. This means, you need to bare it all and apply hot wax in your most intimate areas. It is quite painful and is only done when the hair is fully grown. The complete region is waxed using a special wax. Some salons may also offer an anaesthetic cream to numb the pain. Many salons abroad, leave a strip of hair in the front or make patterns out of it. Some even offer to colour the strip of hair.
Pros:
The thickness of hair recedes over time. The bikini area remains clean and hair-free for weeks.
Cons:
It is extremely painful. You have to wait for the hair to grow back completely before your next session. You will have to bare your intimate area to the salon lady.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal technique has become a rage for some time. It is touted as the best way to get rid of unwanted body hair and is also safe. This method needs to be monitored by a medical expert so that it is done correctly. The laser beam is used to burn the hair follicle which results in permanent hair reduction over a period of sessions. Since the bikini region is very sensitive, you may experience pain and a tingling sensation even after the application of an anaesthetic cream. Laser methods make the hair lighter and finer but there may still be fine hair growth.
Pros:
It yields good results as the hair becomes fine. It is a nearly-permanent solution for hair reduction.
Cons:
It is painful. Multiple sessions are needed. It can be expensive.
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