After a long winter, which you probably spent bundled up in long sweaters, long pants, or thick tights, it’s time to start shedding layers and getting ready for days on the beach or by the pool.
But, if you let your hair removal routine slide by the wayside over the winter, you might be in for a shock.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get ready for spring break or summer weather. Hair removal options include temporary fixes, such as shaving and waxing, as well as permanent solutions, such as laser hair removal.
Shaving
Shaving offers you a do-it-yourself way to remove unwanted hair from the body. While it’s generally the least expensive hair removal option, it’s also typically the most time consuming, as you need to keep it up to maintain your results. In most cases, women who shave their legs do so two or three times a week to keep the area smooth.
One of the most important things to remember when shaving is to pull the razor in the direction of hair growth. Going against the growth will give you a closer shave, but it also means your skin will be more irritated and more likely to develop ingrown hairs.
Always use a sharp razor when shaving. How often you need to replace your razor depends on your shaving schedule. In a lot of cases, replacing it after every five or so shaves is ideal. When your razor is too dull, it will feel as if you’re just scraping your skin, instead of actually removing any hair.
How irritated your skin gets after a shave depends on how sensitive it is. Using a shaving gel while you remove hair will reduce irritation. Soaking the area to be shaved in warm water, or standing in the shower for about five minutes before you start shaving will also reduce your risk of irritation. Keep ingrown hairs to a minimum by exfoliating the area the day before and the day after. Apply a coating of oil or lotion after you shave to keep skin soft.
Choose your razor carefully. A cheap, disposable blade won’t give you the closest shave or the best results. Instead, look for a razor with a lotion strip or protective strip, especially if your skin is sensitive. Three-, four- or five-blade razors give a very close shave. If you go for the five-blade razor, you’ll actually end up removing some olds skin cells, as well as hair, so keep that in mind if sensitivity is an issue.
Waxing
Waxing gives you a longer-lasting result that is still temporary. Unlike shaving, waxing removes hair from the root or follicle. Results can last for weeks and, in some cases, the more you wax, the less likely the hair is to grow back.
While waxing can give you better results, it can also cause more pain or put you at risk for injury. If you’ve never waxed before, it might be a good idea to to go a spa or see a professional for treatment. Hot wax can cause severe burns if you don’t get the temperature right. It can also be difficult to wax sensitive or hard-to-reach areas on your own.
To reduce pain during and after waxing, you can take acetaminophen about 30 minutes before the treatment. Other pain relievers, such as aspirin, can make you more likely to bruise or bleed and should be avoided. Try to schedule your wax a few days before a beach trip or vacation by the pool. Your skin will be pretty sensitive after waxing, and sand, sunlight, or chlorine will be irritating.
Laser Hair Removal
If you’re tired of the drama of hair removal every spring and summer, laser hair removal might be the option for you. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal provides permanent results. During a laser treatment, a beam of light is directed at the hair follicles. The light destroys the follicle so that the hair will not grow back.
While you can wax or shave at home, laser hair removal isn’t something you can do yourself. The only person who should perform the treatment on you should be someone with training and experience.
The treatment works on people of all skin types, though there are some who should consider another form of hair removal. Laser hair removal isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant, have diabetes or have an active infection. Laser hair removal work on those hairs in the active stage of growth so multiple sessions may be needed to target all hairs in a given area.
The staff at Quintessa Medical Spa, with two locations, in Mequon and Sheboygan, Wisconsin, can discuss your hair removal options with you. Call (262) 242-QSPA for an appointment at the Mequon office, located at 10604 N. Port Washington Road. For an appointment in Sheboygan, at 2124 Kohler Memorial Drive, call (920) 458-QSPA.
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