Wax strips
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Waxing
For millennia, Greek, Egyptian and Indian women have used a method of waxing called sugaring. Unlike other forms of waxing, sugaring doesn't remove the top layer of skin so it's less painful. The recipe for sugar wax is inexpensive and easy to make.
How to remove hair with sugar wax:
- Let the unwanted hair grow, or trim it, until it's about 1/4 long. This is the best length for the wax to get a good grip on the hair.
- Exfoliate 24 hours before waxing. Removing the top layer of dead skin makes it easier to remove hair.
- Put 1 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp. of lemon juice and 2 tbsp. of water in a saucepan. Melt them on the stove over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove the mixture from the heat when it resembles honey.
- Take a warm shower or bath. This is to cleanse your skin of germs and to open your pores so that hair is easier to remove. Pat yourself dry with a towel.
- Rub a fine layer of cornstarch onto your skin. It absorbs excess moisture from your skin so that the wax does its job.
- Stick a popsicle stick or spatula into the wax and spread a small amount on the underside of your wrist. If it's not hot, pour it into a small container and carry it to your spa area.
- Use a popsicle stick or spatula to paint a thin layer of wax onto the hair you want to remove, in the direction of hair growth. Smooth a waxing strip on top of the wax in the same direction.
- Wait one minute for the wax to set on the hair. Hold your skin taut and quickly pull of the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Use water to dissolve any wax that's left behind. That's another benefit of sugar wax over other hair removal waxes.
- Gently massage the skin with a soothing oil. It moisturizes the skin and gives a finished look.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week to prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliating every day is harsh on your skin, so only do it more often than this.
Epilator
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Epilating
An epilator is a handheld hair removal device, similar to an electric razor but with rotating tweezer discs instead of a blade. As you glide it across your skin, holding the skin taut and moving in the opposite direction of hair growth, the tweezer discs rotate and remove hair. Unlike waxing, an epilator can remove stubble as well as longer hair — but hair shouldn't be too long or the tweezers may pull too much. Epilating costs less than waxing over time because it's a one time investment - no wax, sticks or strips. It's also safe on skin since it only removes hair.
Epilators may be electric or battery-powered. Some electric models have rechargeable batteries so you can use them away from a power source. Small epilators with are ideal for facial and bikini areas, while larger models with more tweezer discs remove hair quickly from legs. For added comfort during the process, choose one with a vibrating head attachment to sooth the skin.
Red bumps are normal after epilation, so some women prefer to epilate at night to give their skin time to clear before going out in public. Apply a soothing oil immediately afterward to help calm the skin. As with waxing, you should exfoliate 24 hours before epilation and up to twice weekly afterward for the best results.
Straight razor
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Shaving
If wax and epilators don't appeal to you, use a single-blade razor to shave. A single blade gives a close shave in one stroke, while multiple-blade razors irritate the skin by scraping it in rapid succession. For an environment-friendly alternative to disposable razors, buy a straight razor and resharpen it when it dulls. Some straight razors use replacement blades, which come in a pack that will last you several months.
To shave, start with clean skin, preferably after a bath or shower when your pores are open. Pat your skin dry and lather on a moisturizing soap. Men's shave soap works well since it contains clay that helps the razor glide across the skin. Hold the razor firmly between your thumb and index finger and make a long, smooth stroke in the direction of hair growth. (The blade is sharp enough that you don't need to go against the growth, and shaving in this direction helps prevent ingrown hairs.) Keep the blade slight angle to the skin and do not press down into the skin.
After you've removed all hair, rinse off any remaining soap. Wet a washcloth with warm water and gently scrub your skin in small circles to help prevent ingrown hairs.
