ExplainerHair removal: all you need to know about sugar, wax, cream, machines and laser beams
- There are many ways to remove hair, and picking the best method depends on your skin health and the required results
- We look into each of the methods, and consider the pros and cons of each, and how long the results will last
There’s a wide variety of methods to remove hair, from temporary to long-term, and from non-invasive to gadget-based. While they all have pros and cons, some may be a better fit depending on the health of your skin and the results you’re looking for.
“Just like fashion, hair-removal trends come and go, so what is in style now may not be 10 years from now, like the over-tweezed eyebrows of the ’90s,” says Rachel Couvrey from GiGi Wax Spa in the United States. “Similarly, a full Brazilian may not be your ideal aesthetic in your 60s, so permanent hair-removal methods, such as laser or electrolysis, might not be the best choice.”
This is why it’s important to consult a professional before undergoing hair removal.
Here are the various methods, and their pros and cons:
Sugaring
Sugaring has been around since ancient Egypt, but it has become popular in the past few years because of its convenience, long-term results, and sustainability. A mix of sugar, lemon juice and water is applied to the skin, drawn in the direction of the hair and then removed with a flicking motion, pulling the hair out from the follicle.