Date 2018-07-01
Category ARTICLES
The summer season brings sun and beach trips — which often mean less clothes. For those of us that get lazy during the off-season, hide weeks of hair growth under layers and prefer a smooth look, it also means the return of frequent dates with a razor.
While razors are often quick and inexpensive, making them go-to hair removal tools, they’re only effective at removing surface hair. So, post-shave stubble may appear faster than we’d like.
Luckily, for those tired of reaching for the razor so often — and those interested in minimizing the risk of those annoying ingrown hairs — there are other ways to keep hair away.
From depilatory creams to at-home laser hair removal devices, there’s something to meet each person’s level of comfort. But, each method isn’t meant for all skin and hair types.
To give you a running start, we consulted three beauty and skin experts about the best hair removal practices and products.
Before starting any hair removal process, there are a few first steps you should take:
A trick some estheticians use is adding a bit of baby power to the skin, said Jennifer MacDougall, on-air beauty expert who’s worked with Gucci, Vogue, L’oreal and more and a key hair stylist for Project Runway.
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Nair Wax Ready-Strips are made with 100 percent natural rice bran oil, don’t require any rubbing or heating and can be purchased for any part of your body. The strips work like wax-filled stickers which remove hair from the root. MacDougall recommended these strips for those just getting into waxing. “You don’t have to worry about burning yourself,” she said. “That’s one of the biggest things that someone can do if they don’t know how to do this themselves.”
A ready-strip may not be suitable for the insides of nostrils. But, Yoffee Nose Wax makes it simple to remove hair up there. The unisex product, made of natural beeswax which MacDougall describes as “gum-like,” comes with an applicator. Spread the wax on the applicator and insert it directly into the nostril for about 90 seconds, then remove it.
The wax must be preheated for about two minutes, but other than that the process is quick and easy.
A favorite of beauty artist Daniel Chinchilla, whose clients include celebrities like Ariana Grande and Keke Palmer, these Parissa wax strips are also perfect for beginners. Rub the strips in between your hands, press them onto the skin in the direction of hair growth and remove them to pull the hair directly out of the root. Chinchilla said some things should be left to the professional, though. “Make sure you don’t try and wax your eyebrows yourself. You could easily mess up and remove too much,” he cautioned.
An inexpensive option for wax strips for sensitive skin, this one skit comes with 40 strips and 6 finishing wipes. Veet’s formula locks around the smallest of hairs, from as short as 1/16 of an inch. The ready-to-use strips can also be used on any part of your body. Though, there is a separate option specifically for underarm, bikini and face.
Though an epilator isn’t a wax, it also removes hair directly from the root. But, it takes a bit longer to use than wax, so it’s only good for people capable of enduring a bit more discomfort. An Amazon best-seller, the Philips Satinelle Epilator grips and removes even the shortest hairs on either wet or dry skin.
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