There are plenty of techniques to remove body hair, some more effective than others and more or less aggressive to the skin. Next, we will describe the main techniques currently used to remove body hair, as well as the pros and cons of each of these procedures.
Why does body hair appear and what function does it fulfill?
Body hair is a phylogenetic legacy that has left us the evolution of our species over time. Thousands of years ago the use of warm clothes and heating was unthinkable, so we humans developed hair to protect us from the cold, among other functions.
Androgens are responsible for the growth of body hair; As men have higher levels of these hormones, they also usually have a greater amount of body hair.
With the evolution of the human being, a significant amount of body hair has been lost, but it is still maintained with enough density in localized areas such as the pubis or armpits.
Another function that fulfills body hair, and specifically pubic hair, is to protect the body from bacteria that cause infections . Thus, some studies suggest that shaving pubic hair completely increases the likelihood of infectious diseases.
Be that as it may, at present, body hair does not seem to fulfill any essential function and is also unsightly according to the prevailing beauty standards. That is why its elimination is increasingly frequent.
5 techniques to remove body hair
Next we will discuss some of the most popular and effective body hair removal techniques . Some are permanent hair removal methods, while others simply suppress it temporarily. Let's see what each one consists of and what are its advantages and disadvantages.1. Blade hair removal
Blade hair removal is one of the fastest and least painful that exists since it does not tear out the root hair, but rather shaves it. There are false beliefs that hair removal with a blade causes the hair to grow stronger or dry the skin, but nothing is further from reality.It is evident that the frequency with which you have to shave when you use this methods is much greater than with techniques such as wax or laser hair removal and therefore it can give the impression that this way of removing body hair dries the dermis.
Proper hydration after hair removal is essential. However, there are more and more blades that add a gel band next to the leaves to favor skin moisturization.
2. Hot wax and cold wax
Waxing, just before laser hair removal became popular, was one of the most commonly used techniques since the frequency with which body hair had to be removed was much less. In this way, waxing removes root hair and therefore provides long periods of hair-free time.One of the handicaps is pain: waxing is very bad for many people with sensitive skin and causes negative consequences. Because the hair is plucked from the roots, the possibility that it becomes swollen when it grows is greater, then creating annoying and unsightly pimples that can become infected.
If there is a tendency to encyst body hair or extremely sensitive skin, it is recommended to use other techniques that may be equally effective, such as the blade or laser. However, testing with cold wax in cases of skin sensitivity may be an appropriate option.
3. Laser hair removal with pulsed light
This type of body hair removal procedure is having an exponential success: it became popular a few years ago and is now one of the most used thanks to the fact that it eliminates hair almost permanently.It consists in the use of the energy of the heat of the light to eliminate the hair. This light impulse goes directly to the follicle and somehow removes the root of the hair by burning it. Pulsed light exerts a burning sensation on the skin that results in mild pain, usually acceptable.
As an inconvenience, the high cost of the procedure stands out, as well as the need to repeat the sessions every month for at least 6 months. In addition, reminder sessions should be held every half year to ensure the maintenance of the effects.
4. Diode laser hair removal
Diode hair removal is usually used in most centers that offer laser hair removal techniques . It penetrates the skin more deeply and directly than the pulsed light, which prevents the redness and burning sensation characteristic of the previous method.Being more effective, diode laser hair removal requires fewer sessions than is performed with pulsed light; However, the range of people who can benefit from the former is lower. This depends on the type of skin.
More specifically, the right skin to receive this type of treatment must be within specific parameters, while with the pulsed light more skin variety is allowed (except those that have very light hair). Importantly, diode laser hair removal is more painful than pulsed light.
5. Natural remedies
In addition to the four techniques discussed above, and which are considered the most effective in terms of body hair removal, there are also natural methods that contribute to the reduction of hair growth , as well as to disguise it and partially eliminate it. temporary. The use of elements such as lemon, lentils or sugar is common.The sugar mixture together with lemon juice is one of the most used to hide fine hair, such as the face. A mixture should be made with two teaspoons of sugar, 2 of lemon juice and half a glass of water. The product will be applied in the area of the body where you want to remove hair and let it act for about 15 minutes. After this you have to remove it by rubbing; This will eliminate the finest hair and clarify the one that could not be removed.
Another natural remedy with which a kind of wax is created that helps in the removal of body hair is the one that uses lentils and potatoes as the main ingredients. You will need a potato, a handful of lentils before soaking, a spoonful of honey and a little lemon juice. Everything must be crushed creating a paste that will spread on the face and let it harden for about 15 minutes; It will then be rubbed to remove hair.
These natural methods have not been systematically studied by the scientific community, so we recommend caution and deeper research if you intend to apply them.
