Hair removal is a complex topic for many women and some men, and having excess body hair that is unwanted can be a source of embarrassment, pain, and frustration.
There are some good and bad things about getting rid of your body hair too – from the short-term pain that comes with overzealous waxing to the long-term health implications that come with shaving or laser hair removal.
With so many choices to make, is it worth the pain of removing unwanted body hair? Some people say yes, others no.
This article will cover both sides of this question and talk about the pros and cons for anyone trying to decide whether this is a good choice for them.
What Hair Removal Methods Are Available And How Do They Work?
How exactly is hair removal achieved? There are several methods available, and most importantly all of them work on a similar principle.
The hair follicle is removed, and the part of the skin that had been growing hair will grow back with a different shape and kind of hair, or in some cases do not grow back at all.
- Waxing – Waxing uses a substance that glues itself onto the hair shaft much like super glue. It needs to be removed fully with hot water but it can be used over and over again. Waxing also causes pain, redness and irritation for several days after treatment, but this varies depending on how sensitive your skin is.
- Shaving – Shaving uses special shaving creams and blades that remove hair from the root by scraping it off. Because shaving does not remove all skin cells, a lot of hair follicles grow back. This can leave some people with flat or thick patches of hair. This is mostly a concern if you are after very short hair, but there are many ways to reduce the risk of this occurring (such as using laser hair removal). Sometimes, shaving can lead to ingrown hair, a common problem that can cause discomfort. Understanding how to get rid of ingrown hair on balls and other sensitive parts is essential, as the method of hair removal can affect how hair regrows and the skin reacts.
- Epilating – Epilating is like waxing but uses special tweezers to remove the hairs instead of glues or blades. Epilating also causes pain and redness and may leave some residual skin lines/scars.
- Laser Hair Removal – Laser hair removal should be performed by a professional in a clinical setting like Dermani MedSpa. Although it may take repeated treatment (and the treatment may hurt) laser hair removal is one of the few permanent options.
Pros: What Are The Benefits Of Hair Removal?
There are many advantages to removing your body hair, most importantly for people who are self-conscious about it.
Hair removal methods are good in that many are a long-term solution. While you may experience pain and irritation during the hair removal process, the hair will stop growing back once you’ve done it to a certain point (depending on the method used).
This means that unless you wax or pluck your entire body every time you notice a few hairs growing in, it is unlikely that any maintenance will be required after the initial pain of hair removal goes away.
Cons: What Are The Drawbacks Of Hair Removal?
Long-term effects of hair removal can include skin irritation, ingrown hairs, redness and scarring, as well as a higher risk of infection.
When removing your hair, you will be removing the shaft that carries all of your body’s natural oils and bacteria that get trapped along with the hair. This may dry out your skin and cause oil glands to become clogged up with dead skin cells.