Tips on Removing Unwanted Hair

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, it can be hard to know which method is best. With choices ranging from shaving to tweezing to waxing, figuring out what’s best to use where, and how, can make you want to, pardon the pun, yank your hair out. But please don’t. Relax. Here are some tips to help.

When it comes to removing unwanted facial hair, you already know that shaving is the most effective method. You’ll want to purchase a quality razor and blades or an electric razor, and keep them in optimum condition for daily use. Also, you may want to consider purchasing a trimmer if you have a beard or mustache—or even to use on unwanted ear or nostril hair. A trimmer is great to help you keep a beard or mustache the length you want and also keeps them uniform in length. A trimmer is also a great way to keep that Brad-Pitt-three-day-stubble look from turning into the town-drunk-after-a-long-bender look.

For removing unwanted eyebrows, tweezing or waxing are the preferred methods. A good pair of quality tweezers is inexpensive and can be picked up most anywhere. Tweezers are perfect if you only have a few eyebrows you want to pluck. However, if you have fairly unruly eyebrows, waxing is the way to go. ALWAYS follow the wax instructions carefully to avoid blisters and burns. After using either method to remove unwanted eyebrows, it’s a good idea to use a little ice to keep down any possible swelling and to reduce redness. Follow with a good moisturizer to refresh and hydrate the skin.

It isn’t unusual for swimmers, bodybuilders and other athletes to remove body hair before a competition. And some men just prefer to keep their backs, legs and chests hairless. Waxing is generally the preferred method for this sort of unwanted hair removal because it can keep unwanted hair away for a longer length of time, generally two to three weeks, than when removing hair by other methods. You can either do the waxing at home yourself or you can have it done by professionals. If doing the waxing yourself, remember that the key is to always make sure the wax is properly heated and not too hot. Here are some quick waxing tips for you do-it-yourself-ers:

· Never heat wax on the stove because it is extremely flammable
· Apply the wax to a small area first to make sure you aren’t allergic to it
· Apply the wax in smooth, even strips
· Take care to make sure the strips don’t touch or connect
· When removing the wax strips, pull against the direction of hair growth
· Don’t recycle wax that’s been used on underarm or genital areas
· Take care not to use wax on irritated, chapped, sunburned or cut skin
· Never use wax on areas with moles or warts
· Waxing is not advised for people with diabetes or circulation problems

Unwanted hair can also be removed using special laser treatments. However, these treatments can be quite expensive, but are highly effective. Hair removal by this method is the most long lasting of all methods and can usually be used on any part of the body. But remember, laser hair removal must be done by professionals who are certified to do so - in other words, kids, don’t try this at home!