Sunshine and spring air remind us of summers past. You may remember heading down to Bradford Beach after class last year or riding your bike to school on a sunny day. For women and men this can also remind you of rushing to remove hair from visible places.We all have hair follicles to protect us from heat loss, bacteria and microbes in the air. On the flip side, there’s plenty of hair most of us could do without. Luckily, there are several methods out there for us to remove hair in a way that is efficient and successful, from permanent to temporary.
The easiest and least expensive method for hair removal for most students is shaving. For men this is almost a daily routine, depending on your hair growth cycle.
“While shaving does not necessarily increase the amount of hair on the surface, it does change the texture” says Rachel Simms, esthetician. “Because you are cutting the hair close to the skin where it is thickest, it will grow back with a blunt edge.”
Some men are plagued with irritation from shaving. This causes ingrown hair follicles or even acne. To prevent this from happening or to keep it under control, esthetician Evelyn Manolad recommends to, “keep the area and razor as clean as possible.
Shave after a shower when the hair is softer and use a gentle exfoliant to encourage the hair from becoming ingrown. However, shaving is the best method for men’s facial hair. Other options such as chemical depilatories or waxing do not work because the hair is too coarse.”
If you have irritation or infection that is uncontrollable or getting worse, you should see a dermatologist, as they can recommend antibiotics if necessary. Women find shaving to be easy and inexpensive as a method of hair removal.
“I can’t afford some of the other methods out there and prefer to stick with shaving, although I don’t like the mess and irritation. Plus, you have to do it so often I feel like I’m constantly worrying about it” says Katherine Lyon, a college student from Chicago.
So what if you don’t like having to constantly be in the shower this summer, shaving away? Depilatories are products that work to dissolve the protein in the hair, so after leaving the product on the skin, the hair is easily wiped away.
“Always do a test spot with this method. Your skin is made of protein too, and if you are sensitive or leave it on too long, your skin could be burned and that’s not what you want to happen on a large area, such as your legs, before vacation.
Also, wear a sunscreen if you do use these products or you will burn. It can make you more photo sensitive, which increases your incidence of damage from UV rays,” says Kristi Reasons, esthetician and medical spa manager.
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal technique in which the hair is covered in a thin layer of wax and then covered with thin paper or cloth, all specifically made for hair removal. The cloth or paper is then removed in the opposite direction of growth. This can be painful, as the hair is removed all the way down to the root.
“People love this technique as it leaves the skin smooth and hair free for four to six weeks” says Erica Dominguez, assistant spa manager. Men with back hair take advantage of this method too. “It can be a great option, since it is an impossible area for most men to shave on their own.
Men and women are nervous at the first appointment, but if they are with a proficient technician, they will get great results,” says Erica Dominguez, assistant spa manager.
What if you are tired of going in for waxing or shaving and you’d rather just get rid of hair once and for all? Laser hair removal or electrolysis offer permanent hair reduction with different techniques.
“The hair needs to be dark and in the growth stage in order for the laser to penetrate into the follicle and heat it up to the point of coagulating and retarding the growth of that hair. Women or men with blond, white or reddish hair need to see an electrologist.
They use a single needle which is inserted in the individual hair follicles that sends an electric current and which damages the follicle so it does not re-grow,” says Rosalind Wakefield registered nurse and medical spa owner.
Make sure you find a technician who is licensed by the state and trained in using either a laser or electrolysis method. Because not all of your hair is growing at the same time, it does take multiple treatments in order for either method to work and can be costly.
“I tell people to think of it as an investment because once you go through a series of treatments, any hair that is left behind is fine and vellus.
We recommend clients do the series and then come back once or twice a year for a touch up, which we usually discount. Clients are required to shave prior to the appointment, and are able to shave in between if they choose.
I have had treatments myself, and I am very happy with the results because I never have to worry about shaving,” says Jenny Losocca, esthetician and laser technician.
“Hormonal changes can also cause varying patterns of hair growth and need to be checked with a proper doctor,” says Rosalind.
As the beautiful days of spring come upon us, there are many methods available to students to get rid of body hair. Remember to always see technicians who are licensed and trained and never be afraid to ask for a student discount.