Skindex: The ELLE Guide To Hair Removal
Between epilating and IPL, laser hair removal and good old fashioned hair-removal creams, deciphering the world of hair removal is no easy feat. With so many possibilities in today's high-tech hair removal space, it can feel overwhelming to decode the right solution for you.
Is IPL really going to leave your legs smoother than fuss-free shaving? Or is trending laser hair removal worth the long game for results far more promising (and less painful) than your monthly wax?
Of course, we don't need to tell you that whether you choose to remove your hair or embrace it is entirely your decision. But if you are contemplating the latter, and need a little assistance in all things hair removal, let the experts guide you, below.
The ELLE guide to hair removal
Laser hair removal
'Laser hair removal is a technology used to reduce hair growth permanently using a device that had specific laser wavelengths, or laser beams, to target the dark pigment called melanin found in the hair,' explains skincare expert, Nilam Holmes.
'The melanin absorbs the laser light, converting it to heat which, in turn, damages the hair follicle (the tiny pocket in your skin that grows hair). Damaged hair follicles produce less hair, resulting in less hair growth and smoother-feeling skin,' adds Holmes.
A couple of things to note. Previously, laser hair removal was unsuitable for deeper skin tones rich in melanin because the laser targets the melanin, but newer technologies are now changing that. Laser hair removal can be a great option for anyone wanting to remove hair for good, but it's not without a few drawbacks. Requiring at least 8-10 sessions to see results, it can come with quite a hefty price tag. That said, unlike shaving and epilating, you won't get ingrown hairs, the hair grows back lighter and less coarse, and can disappear altogether in time.
If you'd like to eventually rid your hair in certain areas on the body for good, laser hair removal is probably your best bet.
IPL
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light technology, is an at-home or professional device that uses gentle pulses of light to target the hair root. 'The light pulses are absorbed by the pigment in the hair (called melanin). When this happens, the build-up of energy is converted to heat,' shares Dr Raj Arora, a GP, aesthetic doctor and health educator. 'As the heat travels down the hair, it causes heat damage to the hair follicle, and disables the cells that produce new hairs - which results in smooth, hair-free skin for you,' he adds.
At-home IPL machines have come a long way. Today's array of high-tech IPLs offer an effective hair removal service direct from your living room, but they can also lean on the expensive side. It's worth doing your research because, if the price tag seems too good, it probably is. IPL can also require more sessions than laser hair removal but does offer noticeable hair reduction when you're consistent with using it at home.
Epilating
You've probably heard about old school epilators. ‘Epilating is simply removing body hair from the hair root,’ explains Dr Emma Craythorne. While shaving cuts off the hair at the surface, an epilator plucks each hair from the root. 'This can be done by using any mechanical device which will tweeze your hair and pull it out,' she notes. And if it sounds painful, that's because it is. 'Epilation, however, is much more effective than shaving, because you have to wait until the day the new hair starts to grow from the root, which is deeper,' notes Dr Craythorne. The good news is that those who swear by epilating will tell you that you do become accustomed to the pain, much like waxing and laser.
Waxing
Waxing probably needs little in the way of explanation; we've all used wax strips at home to remove hair at some point or another. The real difference between waxing and shaving is that shaving only removes the hair at the surface of the skin, while waxing removes it from the root itself.
Waxing can be done anywhere on the body, most commonly on the legs, face and bikini line. Having an impressive pain threshold aside, those with sensitive skin could find waxing to be too irritating and might discover it only exacerbates existing skin complaints.
Shaving
Shaving hasn't always had the best reputation. 'Though shaving isn't bad for your skin, it can be done badly,' warns Dr Craythorne. 'If you go against the grain of the skin, you can cause small little nicks within the surface of the skin which can lead to superficial skin infections. It can also irritate the skin slightly, because you're removing the stratum corneum, or the dead skin layers. And when that gets removed, it can make the skin barrier far more sensitive,' she says.
'If done correctly, shaving is a good option. But it's more temporary, as the hair grows back very quickly. And, it can, in some cases, lead to irritation of the skin,' Dr Craythorne continues. Top tip: always apply a shaving gel, shave in steady strokes and use the razor in the direction that the hair grows in for a smooth finish.
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