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Hair Removal Techniques

Dec 27, 2006

As beach season kicks into high gear, you can look to a number of choices to kiss those hairy legs goodbye!

Hair Removal - Smooth Shaving Ahead

Shaving is the fastest way to get rid of unwanted hair. You simply wet your skin, apply a shaving gel and shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Shaving is pretty much pain-free, but it's not hassle-free. Stubble grows back within two to three days because shaving cuts only the surface hair - so keep those razors handy! Since you may get a few ingrown hairs, nicks and razor burns, check out these ways to minimize them.

  • Scrub legs with an exfoliator to score super smooth skin.
  • Use plenty of shaving gel.
  • Don't press too hard as you shave.
  • Change your razor blade at least once a week.

Pain Factor: Low

Hair Removal - Wonders of Waxing

Chicks who don't dig frequent stubble can wax their way to hair-free legs. All you have to do is pour warm wax onto your skin and cover it with strips of cloth. Once the wax hardens around each strand of hair, quickly pull off the cloth - legs will stay smooth for up to six weeks! The only downside is that the pain factor can be high, especially if you have sensitive skin. The best cure is just to relax with the wax - and some ice! You may also want to seek the help of a professional the first time you attempt to wax. They'll make the experience a lot more tolerable.
Pain Factor: High

Hair Removal - Dissolving With Depilatories

Hair removal creams and gels are easy to use and have long-lasting results. Slather it on your legs and you'll be hair-free within minutes! The messy goo-factor is high, but the nasty smells of creams from way back are now disguised by fruity fragrances. Unfortunately, the chemicals that "burn" off the hair can irritate your skin, so rinse your skin well afterwards.
Pain Factor: Medium

Hair Removal - Alternatives

  • Bleaching: Girls with fine leg hair can turn to bleaching. It doesn't remove hair (so there's no pain), but bleaches the dark color away.

Pain Factor: Low

  • Electrolysis: This is the only method of permanent hair removal. A tiny needle zaps hairs down to the roots with short pulses of electricity. The pain factor will depend on your tolerance to needle-zapping. Be sure to talk to the 'rents before going this route.

Pain Factor: High

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