Hair removal: the advantages and disadvantages of each method – 12/28/2023 – Balance

Hair is still undesirable on some bodies. Women, in particular, are the ones who shave the most, whether this choice is conscious or not. Nowadays there are different methods that meet different types of needs, but before choosing your preferred one, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

At this time, when many epilators are in demand due to the end of year parties and travel, it is worth reflecting on why you want to pluck or trim your hair. For gynecologist Marcela Mc Gowan, there is a fine line between wanting to shave and feeling obligated to shave. “The ‘I have to’ is never healthy, because no one has to shave. But I also think you have to be sensitive enough to want to shave if you think it’s a practice that makes sense for you,” she says.

She says that hair should not be seen as something unhygienic. “We wear a lot of clothes and have hygiene habits that we didn’t have in the past, so hair has lost this protective function that it had on our bodies.”

From conversations with experts, see important points of each process.

Epilation x Waxing

It is important to point out that not everything is waxing. There is epilation, a method that involves removing the hair from the root, using a laser, tweezers, wax and thread. While waxing just cuts and trims — a waxing machine, razor and depilatory cream are examples.

Waxing costs less, does not cause pain or discomfort, but the hair grows faster. On the other hand, in epilation the hair takes longer to grow, as it is removed from the root, but it costs more and can cause pain.

Wax

It is one of the most common methods in Brazil. Wax, whether used hot or cold, removes hair from the roots and has the advantage of lasting an average of 20 to 30 days. There are several types of wax on the market that can be used on the entire body.

Hair becomes thinner over time. This happens because during the epilation process, the bulb cells are removed, which weakens the hair production process.

The negative points involve the pain it generates, having to let the hair grow to be able to carry out the process and also the likelihood of causing inflammation and stains.

It’s best to do it with professionals who know the technique, as the temperature or the way you apply and remove the wax influences hair growth, which can cause ingrown hairs and even cause folliculitis.

Doctor Luanna Portella, director of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology of DF, advises against the use of wax. According to her, the process can cause spots on the skin because of the reaction: it causes hyperemia, which is redness, and then causes post-inflammatory hyperchromia, the spots.

Homemade wax recipes are dangerous, according to Jacqueline de Queiroz, a waxer and professor at Senac. They are not approved by Anvisa and, consequently, no quality and safety tests.

“It’s important that people stay alert because many places put customers’ lives at risk,” he says. “Aesthetics are health too. It’s important to raise awareness among the population about what goes on their skin.”

Laser

The method, which burns the hair from the root, is recommended for areas where you no longer want to have hair. Depending on the person, it is necessary to do a few sessions for those who grow back.

Experts recommend laser hair removal for intimate areas, as it is less aggressive and longer lasting.

Laser hair removal has some particularities: it cannot be done on very large hairs. Carol Cury, technical director at Espaçolaser, says that “the hair must be trimmed, with just a tip sticking out of the skin.”

To avoid any risk, look for a dermatologist to advise on the types of laser and what is best suited for each skin type. The differences between the technologies are the laser wavelength, which determines tissue penetration.

Portella, the dermatologist, says that the biggest problem is tanned skin, as the laser can cause spots. The best option, according to Cury, is not to sunbathe 30 days before the procedure and for the following seven days.

The price is one of the negative points of the method. Each session can cost an average of R$300, depending on the clinic chosen, and the larger the area, the more expensive the procedure.

Blade

It is the fastest and cheapest method. The guideline is to choose a good blade that harms the skin as little as possible. A tip is to shower or wash with warm water before shaving, so that the pores dilate and make the process easier.

The blade should be passed in the direction of hair growth, according to the dermatologist. “Sometimes the patient does it in the opposite direction to keep it straight and this can also lead to folliculitis.”

It is important to use the blade as few times as possible. Don’t forget the shaving gel, a mousse that helps the blade glide and hurt the skin less. Bar soap is not the best option, as according to the doctor it can harm the skin.

There is a doubt as to whether shaving with a razor thickens the hair. Experts say this is a myth. The impression of this happening has to do with hair growth, since hair, when it is long, has thinner ends due to the wear and tear it suffers over time. The blade cuts part of the hair where it is thickest, close to the root.

Shaving cream

Characterized as waxing, the method dissolves the hair.

Anyone using this method must pay attention to the label with instructions for use and respect them. It is important to take an allergy test and leave the product on for the specified time, without exceeding minutes.

Skin care and post-depilatory

According to professor Jacqueline de Queiroz, the entire method causes minor damage to the skin, as it exfoliates the skin and removes particles from the organ.

On the day of waxing, Queiroz states that you should not exfoliate, just three or seven days beforehand. “When you remove excess skin, you leave your skin more sensitive and more exposed to potential damage.”

The spots, according to the beautician, occur due to lack of hydration, skin care and incorrectly applied technique. “If the person combines cosmetics, a well-done technique, and especially a correct depilatory powder, these stains will not happen”, she says.

Therefore, hydration comes first in care. Areas such as armpits and groin should be hydrated frequently to make the skin healthy and more resistant to any type of damage. Black skin deserves attention because it is drier.

To alleviate any irritation, the dermatologist recommends gel with aloe vera and substances such as niacinamide and alpha-bisabolol. It’s also worth making a cold compress with chamomile tea.

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