PLUCKING: Some people prefer to pluck their body hair with tweezers but, although
the finished result is very smooth, it can be time-
THE EPILATOR: This has a similar effect to the tweezers, but could also be quite painful, possibly leading to red blotches. The epilator consists of rotating disks that grip the hair and pluck it out. It is quicker than using tweezers, but of course the hair has to be left to grow to a reasonable length in order for the blades to get a good grip.
WET RAZOR: Many people prefer this method as with the right equipment (the Mach 3
is highly recommended), it gives a very smooth finish to smooth skin. However, it
is also possible to end up with nicks, bumps and rashes as the razor also shaves
off the tiny layer of skin surrounding each hair follicle. The re-
ELECTRIC SHAVER: This method is the best for those who are inclined to have rashes
or red blotches from using wet razors and is best on new growth, when the hair is
very short. The re-
DEPILATORY CREAMS: These can be useful in that the effect lasts longer than shaving,
but it can cause discomfort on those people with sensitive skin, so you should always
follow the manufacturer's recommendations carefully. Care needs to be taken as the
skin in some areas is very sensitive, so make sure that you buy a cream or mousse
which is for sensitive skin. Try a test patch first. Make sure that you thoroughly
wash away all the cream after you have finished, both from the area being treated
and from your hands. It is advisable not to use any soap or shower gel on the treated
area for several hours. Depilatory creams or mousses work better when the hair has
grown to about 5mm long, so you would have to leave it to re-
WAXING OR SUGARING: This can be done at home, but waxing can be very awkward to handle and difficult to remove if it becomes stuck to the skin. Sugaring is easier as it is water soluble and just washes off in warm water with the ingredients being natural and ecologically friendly. Again, for waxing or sugaring to work effectively, you will need to allow the hair to grow long enough for the procedure to work. There is also the disadvantage of the pain when the strips of cloth are ripped off. You can have this procedure at a professional beauty salon by an expert, although this could be costly if a large area of the body is to be treated. Waxing or sugaring has a very smooth finish and lasts as long as 2 or 3 weeks.
ELECTROLYSIS: Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method which has changed over the years, but the method used nowadays effectively cauterises the blood supply to each hair root by the use of a probe being inserted into each hair follicle and sending an electrical charge. This is not something which can be done with a “home kit”. Another variation is where each hair is grasped by a conducting pair of tweezers, which are then supplied with the high frequency electric current, although this system may not be adequate for strong pubic hair. You can buy home electrolysis kits but they are probably more suited to facial hairs only. Permanent hair removal is very costly and requires frequent treatments until the hair eventually becomes weak and disappears permanently. This could take more than a couple of years, depending on the strength of the charge and the amount to be removed.
LASER: The laser works by emitting a beam of light that passes through the skin to
the root of the hair follicle, where it is absorbed. The laser energy is then transformed
into heat, which disables the hair follicle. As a result, the hair growth is significantly
impeded, or permanently eliminated. Nearly any area with unwanted hair can be treated,
such as the legs, back, chest, arms, bikini areas, underarms and facial hair. You
need to avoid natural and artificial sun exposure for 4-
EPILIGHT (now LightSheer): This is a hand-