Inevitable Hair Growth During Quarantine? We Compared Different Hair Removal Methods

Inevitable Hair Growth During Quarantine? We Compared Different Hair Removal Methods

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Dealing with inevitable hair growth during quarantine should be the least of our concerns. However,  for some of us who have thick and crazy hair, this hairy situation is something we want to deal with eventually. 

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The partial lockdown lift gave way to essential businesses to operate. But with the strict guidelines for social distancing still implemented, waxing salons and some beauty salons are still not free from its clutches and are ordered to remain closed.

While hair growth is completely natural, there are reasons why we choose to remove unwanted hair. Luckily, there are various methods to choose from when it comes to hair removal—some could be more costly, some more complicated, some more painful, and some that are longer-lasting than the others.

Here are the top three hair removal methods that the editor personally tried and tested, comparing each one and taking into account the pros and cons of each method:

Sugaring

This method uses a simple recipe of sugar, lemon juice, and water to create a thick paste. The paste is spread over the skin–going against the direction of hair growth–and then pulled off in the direction of hair growth, making it less painful than waxing. Doing this on yourself may take some practice and skill. But it’s gentler on the skin than waxing. You can go over the same area more than once (to remove stray hairs), but it should not generally damage the skin.

Sugaring, compared to waxing, will not irritate the skin because it does not have any preservatives or fragrance in the ingredients. But again, the effectiveness of this method only works best if it is done correctly. Sugaring can provide smooth results similar to waxing. Also like waxing, results last for about four weeks, and you’ll need to let hair regrow to about a quarter-inch before treating it again. This method is also the most cost-effective if you’re only using ingredients found at home. No tools needed.

Here’s an example of sugaring:

Shaving

Shaving is one of the cheapest and most easily accessible methods of removing hair because you can do it yourself in the shower—and it only takes an extra minute or two to cover large areas such as your legs.

How effective is it? With the right tool and technique (shave against the direction of hair growth!), you can achieve very smooth skin. But because shaving only cuts the hair above the skin, it will grow back very quickly. Chances are you’ll need to shave every couple of days.

You will also need to change your razors often, which admittedly isn’t very environmental-friendly, so this method isn’t entirely the most practical in terms of maintenance either. This method is practical for emergency or last-minute situations where you won’t mind regrowth after a few days.

Laser removal

This high-tech method of hair removal targets hair follicles with heat from the laser, damaging them to prevent future hair growth. It’s the most expensive hair removal option, but also the most long-lasting.

You will also have to go to a clinic for this method. I go to Skin House Laser Clinic for their GentleMax Pro laser hair removal service, keeping in mind their health and hygiene protocols and following its guidelines. Depending on the thickness or stubbornness of your hairs, this method is recommended to have at least six to eight sessions every four weeks. In my fourth session, the hair regrowth visibly lessened and the chicken skin on my armpits have already smoothened.

In most cases, hair removal lasts several months, and in some cases, it might last for years. When hair grows back, it’s often finer and lighter in color. However, laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal.

Do keep in mind that it’s completely normal to have body hair. Removing it is completely up to you. And despite the many claims, there are no 100 percent permanent hair removal solutions. Still, there are long-term hair removal solutions and ways to limit hair regrowth, like this method.

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