Some take them on proudly, while others stalk them mercilessly. The hairs (and their depilation), each and everyone experiences them in their own way. When spring makes a comeback, getting rid of that fuzz becomes mission number 1 of those who opt for 100% smooth skin . What methods to use, and especially how to do hair removal without screaming in pain?
By tearing them off at the slightest regrowth, many men and women have simply forgotten the primary purpose of hair:to protect the skin from daily aggressions. Whether it is cold, heat, microbes and bacteria, etc., hair plays an essential role.
If some women today choose not to wax, this technique is actually very old. It is estimated that already in the 4000s BC, women and men used aggressive and sometimes dangerous substances (such as arsenic) to get rid of their hairiness. Search for aesthetics among the Egyptians, or prevention against diseases and pests (such as lice) for others, these techniques were widely used. It was then after the Second World War, when women began to emancipate themselves, that hair removal gradually took the position it occupies today.
If hair removal is considered the norm, some women resist. They choose not to wax anymore and proudly display their hair. Like the Januhairy challenge (which encourages women not to wax in January), it is most often a militant act aimed at fighting the taboo of female hair removal and saving time. daily. No more embarrassment of not being shaved during an impromptu outing to the swimming pool, forgotten the injunction to have perfectly smooth legs when wearing your first spring dress or going on vacation... The idea here is to live fully her femininity, without having to worry about the smallest detail.
For those who prefer not to keep them, there are now many different hair removal techniques, each with specificities, advantages and preferred areas to try them.
Particularly popular in recent years, this technique is one of the most effective. It also offers a very long period of regrowth (more than a month on average) and can even, in the long term, kill the bulb of the hair, which considerably reduces the hairiness of the area. However, it only works well on dark hair associated with fair skin.
How much does it cost ? From 80 to 350 € per institute session. Pulsed light devices are also commercially available for individuals. Count around €100 for entry-level models, which allow you to perform 100,000 flashes and therefore 100 sessions. However, it is advisable to read the user manual carefully before using it.
This technique is final. A laser radiation comes here to burn the hair in its entirety. After a few weeks, it can no longer grow back. Requiring technical knowledge, this hair removal can only be performed by a professional and is quite expensive. It is also more suitable for fair skin and dark hair.
How much does it cost ? From €50 to €180 per session depending on the area to be treated.
This technique is one of the oldest. Here, hot wax is applied directly to the skin, then removed when it has dried, after a few seconds. Under the action of hot wax on the surface of the epidermis, the pores of the skin expand and it is then easy to remove the hair. This technique is recommended for sensitive areas (such as the face, armpits or bikini line) and when the hair is thick. The regrowth is quite long, between two and three weeks on average.
How much does it cost ? From 15 to 50 € depending on the area to be treated.
Operating on the same principle as the previous one, but with the use of already glued strips, cold wax hair removal is more suitable for long hairs and more resistant areas. This is the case of the legs and arms, for example. It then adheres strongly to the skin, leaving unwanted hair no chance, and also leads to fairly long regrowth (between two and three weeks on average).
How much does it cost ? Count between 25 and 75 € for the purchase of a kit to do alone, and 20 € per session in an institute.
Operating on the same principle as a multitude of tweezers, this device can pull out hair from an area in a few minutes. By removing all the hair, it offers a regrowth period comparable to that of wax, that is to say two to three weeks. However, it is quite painful. If the pain is too intense, you can apply cold water compresses to the area for a few seconds before waxing.
How much does it cost ? Between €30 and €250 per device.
Economical and painless, shaving does not tear, but cuts the hair at its base, without ever touching its root. Regrowth is therefore faster (24 hours on average). This hair removal can be performed on all areas of the body, with the exception of the face, whose skin is too fragile. It is often said that because of this technique, the hair then grows back faster and thicker. It is not so. Sharpened by the razor, they are less "soft" to the touch when they grow back. But that doesn't make them tougher.
Depilatory cream is based on a chemical process. By applying it to the skin, it dissolves the hair at its finest part, that is to say near its root. It is quick to perform and offers a fairly short duration of regrowth (three to four days), but can create irritation. Avoid using it on the most sensitive areas (face, armpits and bikini area), and always take the time to test on a small area of the body.
Last technique that can allow you to make your hair discreet without having to pull it out:bleaching. For this, hydrogen peroxide is very effective, and can treat small areas in one application. They are most often used on the mustache, and mainly on fairly light hair, blond or brown.
The beard is currently very trendy. But still, some men are not thrilled to see their body hair reappear after each epilation, especially when it comes to those on the chest or back. They too are trying to get rid of it permanently. We also note that certain techniques have their preference:
If you are more comfortable with smooth, fuzz-free skin, there are many techniques available today. It's up to you to find the one that suits you best and is adapted to the area you want to wax.
Sources:
https://www.epilation-electrique.org/differentes-techniques-depilation/
https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/forme/peau/epilation/8774-epilation-homme.htm
https://www.doitinparis.com/fr/epilation-maison-25232
