Removing body hair has been a part of beauty rituals for centuries. Sugar waxing was already around in the Middle East during Antiquity. The techniques evolved throughout the centuries, but the purpose remained the same: to get silky smooth hairless skin. To do so, many people wonder about skincare after hair removal.
Calypso Cavallo tells you everything you need to know about the best hair removal technique and skincare technique after hair removal.
To shave and not to shave, that is the question
The most popular hair removal technique in the US is shaving. This technique is believed to be quick, inexpensive, and painless. However, shaving is terrible for the skin as it causes micro cuts and increases the risk of ingrown hair. Moreover, shaving is not as quick and inexpensive as it seems. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you need to shave every two-three days to ensure perfect smoothness, and razor blades are costly.
Happily, there are plenty of other hair removal techniques. The most common (and the oldest) is waxing. Waxing is believed to be painful, but it is actually much healthier for the skin. It does not cause micro cuts and exfoliates the skin. People who wax are less prone to ingrown hair.
Moreover, waxing is durable; if performed correctly, you must wax only once every two to four weeks. Waxing can be pretty cheap if you do it yourself at home. The best way to wax your arms and legs is to use a roll-on. This machine heats the wax at the best temperature and makes the wax very easy to apply without making any mess. Bikini and armpits waxing requires a bit more skills; you must use sugar wax, but it is very doable at home with some practice.
Many girls believe waxing causes excruciating pain. While everyone does not react the same, waxing may cause slight discomfort as it removes the hair roots. The more you wax, the less prevalent this discomfort feeling is, as the hair roots are weaker. For sensitive areas such as bikinis, a proper technique is crucial to avoid pain. Using baby powder helps the wax to adhere to the hair only and not to the skin, reducing discomfort.
There are many other hair removal techniques, such as an electric epilator, which removes the hair roots and can be an excellent alternative to waxing if you are looking for a one-time investment. Girls who want to eliminate their body hair permanently can book laser or pulsed light sessions. Those techniques are much more expensive than regular waxing but are more durable. Pulsed light hair removal is pain-free and lasts for months, while laser hair removal is not pain-free but permanent.
Depilatory cream is another hair removal technique that chemically burns the hair roots. However, this technique is not healthy for the skin and should be avoided.
Now that we know the best technique let’s take a closer look at skincare after hair removal.
Skincare after hair removal
Skincare after hair removal depends on the technique you use. As a general rule, you should always moisturize after hair removal. However, you must be careful about what products you use after shaving, as it causes micro cuts and may increase the risk of allergic reactions to certain skincare product components.
After waxing, use an oil to remove the wax residues and moisturize your skin. You can use a natural oil such as coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil. It helps make your skin moisturized and shiny.
Never exfoliate your skin right before or after waxing. It is recommended to exfoliate 24h before your waxing session. Avoid going out in the sun right after waxing, as your skin is sensitive, and the oil may cause sunburn.