Hair Removal Buying Guide

Hair removal is part and parcel of the modern grooming experience for men and women alike, with new product advances allowing longer periods before hair regrowth. There is a multitude of ways to keep your skin smooth and hair-free, with most purchasing decisions coming down to personal preference. This buyers guide will give you the information you need to choose the right hair removal products.

1. Shaving

Shaving remains one of the most popular ways to remove unwanted hair, with most people opting for either a wet shave using a razor and foam/gel or an electric shaver.

Quick, cost-effective and with various products on the market, shaving is suitable for both wet and dry skin, which gives maximum flexibility. A common complaint is that shaving is a fairly short-term solution that has to be repeated frequently as hair grows back quickly. There is also a risk of cuts or rashes for people with sensitive skin.

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2. Trimmers

Trimmers are more suited to people who are looking to tidy up or shorten their body hair rather than achieve complete hair removal. Make sure you buy an electric model that is suited to your intended area, as trimmers come in all shapes and sizes.

The main disadvantage with trimmers is that they are not designed for total hair removal, so you will need to seek out an alternative solution if this is your aim.

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3. Waxing

Waxing is another common hair removal technique, which benefits from being longer lasting than shaving. The process involves applying a waxy substance to the skin followed by rubbing a cloth strip over the area. This is then ripped off, removing the hair follicle. Suitable for small and large areas, waxing means regrowth can take up to three weeks to occur and weakens the hair so that future growth is reduced.

However, some people avoid waxing as it is often more painful than other techniques and can irritate the skin immediately afterwards.

4. Epilators

Epilators are becoming increasingly popular with people who want to achieve long-lasting hair removal. An epilator is an electric device that glides over the skin and uses a mechanism that grasps multiple hairs and tweezers them out quickly and effectively. As the hair is removed from the root, epilating has similar results to waxing, with regrowth taking up to three weeks. Repeated use also reduces future hair growth. While epilators can be discomforting for people with sensitive skin, they are a better alternative for those looking to maintain a tan, as waxing often removes the top layer of skin. Additional epilator features can include:

Wet and dry models – these can be used in baths or showers, which makes them kinder on sensitive skin
Pivoting head – this can help with tricky areas
Number of tweezers – epilators used for precision jobs will usually have fewer tweezers
Pre-epilating wipes – prepares dry skin for epilating, reducing irritation
Battery-operated – provides more flexibility than models that rely on mains power

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5. Laser and intense pulsed light

Laser and intense pulsed light hair removal devices used to only be seen in professional hair removal clinics – but affordable household versions are now available. The technology emits light energy that stuns the hair follicle and prevents hair regrowth, with the results lasting for up to three months. While largely painless, you can expect to feel a slight prickling or burning sensation during the process and it is usually more expensive than other hair removal options. Laser and intense pulsed light removal is also not suitable for all hair and skin types, so make sure to do your research before purchasing these devices.

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