Freeing clients of their fuzz has been a part of my job ever since I began my career as an esthetician in 2010.  Over the years I have learned certain hair removal methods are more or less effective depending on skin type, hair type, and the part of the body. Skin and hair type play a role in choosing which depilatory method is best. If the correct choice isn't made you could end up feeling dissatisfied with your service. This blog is your resource for laser, waxing, and threading so you can decide if one of these methods looks like the right fit! You can also have a consultation with your esthetician for suggestions about which method is right for you.

scrub me secret: Hair removal, it's been around since the prehistoric era and the industry has been growing ever since.  Some depilatory methods have been around for thousands of years, while others are fairly new to the industry.

Laser hair removal:

   Laser hair removal is a popular service for a more permanent hair removal option.  It is however one of the more expensive ways to remove hair; costs can be $200-$600 per treatment.  Laser hair removal is different because there is a high possibility that your unwanted hair will never return. High-intensity beams of light are used to target the hair follicle and destroy the hair.  The idea is to damage or destroy the hair follicle enough so that the hair will never regrow.  It sounds simple enough but there are a few things to know about laser hair removal before investing.

Before you invest in laser hair removal:

In order for this hair removal method to work efficiently a couple of things have to be happening.  The contrast between the skin and hair must be large.  The darkness of your hair compared to your skin will dictate how easily the laser will be able to zap the follicle.  Also, the stage of your hair growth really matters.  During the active growth phase of your hair is when the laser is really able to work its magic.  The high-intensity beams of light are drawn to melanin which is being produced during this phase.

scrub me secret: hair does not have to be long or even a certain length for laser hair removal.  your technician may suggest shaving in the days or week before your appointment to try and best treat the hairs during the correct growth cycle.

  If you find yourself to be the right candidate for laser, you may have the procedure performed on virtually any part of your face or body.  Cost varies based on the surface area or size of the body part.  Something else to take into account is skin type.  Certain skin types are more susceptible to irritation from the laser.  Redness, itching, burns, and hyperpigmentation can happen if your skin is too sensitive or if your technician doesn't perform the service correctly.  In my opinion, this type of hair removal has the most limited audience.  If your hair and skin type fit the criteria and you are willing to make the investment, this treatment can be amazing.  Over a series of treatments, your hair will start to become sparse and eventually never grow back at all.  I have seen clients with much success from this treatment and some with little to no success.  Do your research before making your decision and always get a consultation with your esthetician or technician before booking.

Threading:

   Threading is a vastly different form of hair removal compared to laser.  This method is also starting to become more main stream in the past decade.  Threading is a method of removing hair that was said to originate in the Middle East and South East Asia hundreds of years ago.  Threading is not taught in traditional cosmetology or esthetics programs in the U.S.  Separate classes must be taken to learn this technique. 

How does threading work? 

Technicians use small threads to make small loops and knot it around the hairs and pluck them.  Threading is used mainly for facial hair removal.  It is not ideal for larger areas of the body.  This method is said to be very precise and is popular because there is no use of heat or other substances on the skin.  Threading cannot burn or strip the skin like a laser or traditional wax.

scrub me secret: certain products like Accutane or products that contain retinoids can cause your skin to burn or damage during waxing or laser.  If you are using products like this, threading is your best choice for facial hair removal.

Although there are little to no contraindications when it comes to threading, it may be difficult to find the perfect technician.  Threading is a very detailed depilatory method and if done too quickly could accidentally knick the skin.  If performed correctly, great definition can be created for eye brows and unwanted facial hair can be easily removed.  With very little risk and an affordable cost, threading is something worth trying at least once in your lifetime.

Waxing:

  This is the most common form of hair removal in the U.S.  This method is taught in most cosmetology and esthetics programs.  It is the most affordable and easily accessible form of hair removal.  There are two different kinds of wax that function differently.  Soft wax or "strip wax" is the most common type of wax.  This wax is heated and adheres to hairs and the surface layer of skin.  A strip of muslin is applied on top of the wax and then is removed from the skin, taking the hairs with it.  Hard wax is a little bit different and doesn't require a strip of any kind.  This wax is much thicker in substance.  Hard wax is heated and applied to the skin; this wax adheres to the hair only and not the skin.  The technician will wait for this wax to dry and harden and then lift and remove it along with the hair.

   Hard wax is ideal for facial hair removal and also for other small sensitive areas.  Soft wax can be more beneficial for larger areas of the body as it can remove more hairs at once.  In my practice I tend to use both kinds of wax during my services.  Soft wax is great for legs, arms, back, and certain sections of the bikini area.  Hard wax is best used for small areas where you don't want to stress or tug on the skin too much.  During a brazillian wax ask your esthetician to use hard wax on your more sensitive parts to have a less painful experience.

scrub me secret: I like to use hard wax for all facial waxing like brow and upper lip. I feel like this helps for the skin to have less redness and it doesn’t tug on the delicate skin around the eyes.

Treating your skin before and after hair removal:  

Treating your skin before and after hair removal is also important for minimizing any sensitivity or possible future ingrown hairs.  It's best to keep your skin balanced and use non-aggressive products in the days leading up to your appointment.  Using products like this will help your skin not to react or be as sensitive after your treatment.

scrub me secret: sometimes redness or small bumps after a depilatory service are inevitable.  The key is to use anti-inflammatory products as soon as possible to reduce redness or swelling.

   In the days following your hair removal appointment you should avoid tanning or high heat as this may sensitize your skin.  It is best to start exfoliation about a week after your appointment to prevent ingrown hairs and keep skin soft.  Scrubs that offer a mechanical exfoliation are best for this so you can really stimulate the follicle. The soothing body scrub is a scrub that I make for exactly this reason.

If you’re interested in specific information on facial hair go to my blog post “Understanding facial hair removal and all your options.”