Is Hair Removal Worth The Hassle?

Key takeaways

• While the purpose of hair removal is usually aesthetic, it can help prevent bacterial and fungal growth in sweat-prone areas. 
• Methods for hair removal include shaving, waxing, use of hair removal (depilatory) creams, and laser and electrolysis treatments.
• Hair removal can cause side effects, but they’re usually mild and temporary. 
• Factors to consider when choosing a hair removal method include hair type, rate of hair growth, pain tolerance, and cost of the procedure. 

What is Hair Removal?

Hair removal, also known as depilation, is the removal of body or head hair.  This can be achieved through several means, such as:

1. Shaving

Razors, electric shavers, and clippers can be used to cut or trim unwanted body hair. Shaving removes hair from the surface of the skin and not the root, which makes the hair reappear quicker compared to other methods. 

2. Hair Removal Creams

This method involves using chemical creams applied to the skin to dissolve hair on the surface and slightly beneath it. The re-emergence of hair takes longer than shaving but not as long as waxing. 

3. Waxing/Sugaring

In this hair removal method, soft wax or a sticky paste made with water, sugar, and lemon is applied to the skin and then pulled off after a while. This method removes the hair from the root, making regrowth take much longer. 

Sugaring is less painful than waxing because the paste doesn’t adhere to the skin like wax. For best results, trim your hair to less than a quarter of an inch before waxing or sugaring. 

4. Laser

Concentrated light beams are used to target hair follicles. When the light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, it is converted to heat, damaging the follicle and making it difficult for new hair to grow. This method doesn’t work for people with blond or gray hair. 

5. Electrolysis

A fine needle or probe is inserted into each hair follicle, and an electrical current is applied to destroy the hair root and surrounding tissue. Electrolysis is the only method for permanent hair removal. 

Why is Hair Removal Important?

Hair removal is a personal choice and offers little to no direct health benefits. Here are some reasons you may want to opt for hair removal:

• Many people believe it enhances the appearance of the skin, giving it a smoother and cleaner look. 
• Removing body hair can improve the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. 
• Hair removal in areas prone to sweating, like the armpits or groin, can help reduce moisture buildup and minimize the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. 
• Additionally, hair removal can make managing hygiene easier for athletes and lessen the discomfort that comes from friction between hair and sportswear.

What is the Best Method for Hair Removal?

The best hair removal method depends on your personal preferences and goals. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision: 

• Hair type: If you have thick, coarse, or curly hair, you’re more likely to get ingrown hairs. So, avoid waxing and shaving, as they carry a significant risk of ingrown hairs. 
• Health status: When choosing a hair removal method, you should consider any existing medical conditions you have, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism. These conditions can increase the production of the male hormone, causing hirsutism (excessive hair on the skin) and making hair removal difficult. Also, if you have keratosis pilaris, commonly known as strawberry skin, it’s not advisable to shave because it may leave dark spots on your skin.
• Rate of hair growth:  Facial hair usually grows faster than hair on the arms or legs. As a result, long-term solutions like laser or electrolysis may be best suited for removing them. 
• Hair and Skin Color: Laser treatments work best on people with dark hair and light skin tone. Darker people may experience burns due to the melanin in the skin absorbing heat from the laser. 
• Pain tolerance: Waxing, sugaring, laser, and electrolysis are more painful than alternatives such as shaving or using hair removal cream. 
• Cost: Shaving and waxing are cheaper than laser and electrolysis treatments, which require a trained professional. 

Does Hair Removal have Side Effects?

Depending on the method you choose, you can experience side effects during or after hair removal. Most are minor and temporary. 

Side effects of shaving

Shaving can cause side effects like:

• Razor burns 
• Nicks and cuts 
• Skin irritation 
• Ingrown hairs 

Side effects of using hair removal creams

Side effects of using hair removal creams include:

• Skin irritation 
• Allergic reactions

Side effects of waxing

Common adverse effects associated with waxing include:

• Redness and swelling 
• Pain and discomfort 
• Ingrown hairs 
• Bruising of the skin 

Side effects of laser treatment

Laser treatment can cause:

• Skin irritation 
• Changes in skin coloration
• Blisters or burns, especially for people of darker skin tones 
• Temporary discomfort 

Side effects of electrolysis for hair removal

Side effects of electrolysis may include:

• Pain and discomfort 
• Skin redness and swelling 
• Scarring or infection after the procedure 

What to do before Hair Removal

Whether you’re getting your hair removal done at a spa or at home, here are a few tips to prepare you: 

• Keep your skin hydrated; dehydrated skin makes the process more uncomfortable and difficult 
• Stop using strong skincare products that can irritate your skin for several days before hair removal 
• If you’re undergoing waxing or laser hair removal, shave the area 24-48 hours beforehand
• Avoid sun exposure or tanning if you have booked an appointment for laser removal. A darker skin will absorb the heat energy from the light beams, increasing the risk of burns. 

Bottom Line

Whether hair removal is worth the hassle is a question only you can answer. It all depends on your preferences and perception of beauty. 

If you don’t want body hair, remember to carefully consider the factors outlined in this article when choosing a hair removal method. 

It’s also important that you only engage the services of trained professionals for hair removal treatments to avoid accidents that can cause permanent damage to your skin.