What Hair Removal Method Is Best For Time, Budget And Your Skin?
- Hayley from HRM Beauty
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
They are many hair removal methods, but which is best for you? What do you put as a priority? You time? Your money? Long term effects on your skin?
At Home hair removal method:
The upside to doing anything at home is saving on the petrol and extra time. The downside is getting to the ‘hard to reach’ areas, which get harder still the older we get.
Hair Removal Creams:
AVOID!
Although a relatively cheap option, these products have expiry dates.
They don't know the difference between hair and skin and will eat through everything.
They are ok to use once or twice, but just like severe sunburn, it is not something you should go out of your way to do to yourself.
It will leave the skin more prone to hyperpigmentation and thinning of the skin, leading to lines and wrinkles.
As with shaving you are giving the hair, a 'haircut' not removing from the roots, so the results won't last very long. A week at the most.
Positives: Cheap
Negatives: Skin Damage, Results don't last long. Time Consuming.
Shaving:
Another 'cheap' option in terms of money, although this is the most time-consuming option.
So how much is your time worth? If spending just 15 minutes every other day, that's 16.3 weeks of your life shaving.
Always buy men's razors to avoid the 'pink tax'. The results are the same.
You are giving the hair a 'haircut' not removing the hair.
If you have dark hair and light skin, you will still look 'hairy' as the roots can still be seen.
The results are the shortest lived and can be itchy has hair is blunt. Unlike removing hair from the roots which will reduce the hair’s thickness and regrowth over time.
Positives: Cheap
Negatives: Results don't last long. Time Consuming. Continuous.
Epilation:
This is longest lasting for the 'at home' methods as it does remove the hair from the roots. However, it is also the most time consuming of the three, which is why it is not a very popular option unless you hardly have any hair.
You do have to keep on top of it, as it hurts a lot more removing long hair than short.
Positives: One off cost
Negatives: Time Consuming.
In Salon:
With all in salon methods you are removing the hair from the roots so a third of time lifetime compared to shaving. 3-5 weeks for facials areas, 5-6 weeks for body areas.
You will weaken the hair over a lifetime, and if consistent, the results will be lighter thinner hair that takes longer to grow back.
Always do your research into your therapist and go to a specialist for speed and comfort, like HRM Beauty.
Threading:
This method removes hair from the roots is gentle to the skin as there aren't any 'products' involved however it is generally only done for facial areas.
It gives a 'softer' edge, so it is good if going over the whole face where you don't want 'before and after' lines.
Some also find this method a lot more painful than waxing.
Positives: Gentle to skin
Negatives: Limited areas. Uncomfortable.
Sugaring:
This method removes hair from the roots is gentle to the skin as there are few ingredients; sugar and lemon.
This method can be used all over the body.
This method isn't as quick as waxing and therefore will be more expensive.
Positives: Gentle to skin
Negatives: Expensive for time taken
Waxing:
This is the most popular 'in salon' option.
Time is quick and different waxes are used for different areas to minimise skin irritation or speed.
It can be expensive if having the full body taken care of.
Positives: Quick
Negatives: Budget.
Aesthetics Clinics:
Both methods, claim to permanently remove hair, however this is not the case. They will dramatically reduce the hair in most areas, so you don’t have to think about other hair removal options as often, reducing the ‘lifetime’ hair removal cost.
The younger you can have this the better.
Hair will come back over time, so you will need ‘top ups, or maintenance, not just the course you sign up for.
They work best with light skin and dark course hair. These methods are not worth the money if you don’t have this combination.
You will need to shave all areas on the day of treatment.
IPL:
This was the first 'permanent' hair removal and uses light to kill the hair roots.
You will usually find IPL on voucher sites like Groupon as the technology quickly became outdated. This is a great way to reduce hair on a budget.
This will be painful for sensitive areas.
Positives: Quick
Negatives: Painful! Costly.
Laser:
This is the most expensive option. Look out for deals/discounts.
It is not painful like IPL and both options are very quick, you can get a full body done in an hour.
You do need at least 8-12 sessions with most people requiring more.
Positives: Quick.
Negatives: Expensive.
I have had all the hair removal methods above.
I wish I had the money to do laser or IPL sooner, as it did make me less paranoid about my body hair.
I do still have to wax but only do so every other month rather than every 2-3 weeks for the face, and once a month for the body.
I’m glad I did it, as it has reduced my lifetime cost and time spent.
I personally hate shaving, as I get bored and also, I am a perfectionist so get annoyed when I find I’ve missed a strip.
I hope the above has helped, if you have any questions, please let me know.
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