HAIR removal is probably the most annoying factor of summer. There are so many different types of hair removal methods, most of which are time consuming, can be expensive, and painful. And yet, we choose to do it anyway.

But if you’re someone who is especially bothered by how often you have to shave, or how painful it is to wax, maybe it’s time to consider laser hair removal and more permanent solution to your problems. However, in the interim, here’s everything you need to know about the three most common types of hair removal methods — waxing, tweezing and shaving.

WAXING

Waxing is a quick and cost-efficient method of removing unwanted hair on the body, but also one of the most painful because it involves removing hair from the root.

This method works by applying wax to the skin, which sticks to hairs. The wax is then quickly ripped off (sometimes with a cloth strip, sometimes without), pulling the hairs out with it. The procedure is relatively quick, so even larger areas like the legs can be waxed in a trivial amount of time.

However, because the wax needs to be able to stick to the hair, hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long before waxing. This means that hair needs to be given some time to grow out between waxes.

The disadvantage of this method is that not only is it painful, it can also lead to ingrown hair, which can lead to infections. Also, there have been reports of many instances of contact burns due to improper regulation of the temperature in which the wax is applied, leading to scarring of the treated area.

TWEEZING

We have all done this sometime in our lives and we all can agree this is extremely time consuming and can be rather painful, especially if you have never done it before.

Tweezing takes patience and attention to detail. There will be times, even for some of the best professional tweezers, when they miss the hair and catch the skin instead. This can be rather painful and you may even break the skin. Another disadvantage is, because it is so time consuming, this form of hair removal is not recommended to treat large areas. The most common areas treated are the eyebrows.

SHAVING

We have all done it, whether our legs or facial hair. Shaving is probably the worst method of hair removal but it is quick and convenient.

If you are not careful, shaving can cause razor burn, a red rash along the shaved area. It’s also easy to nick or seriously cut yourself. Shaving only cuts the hair above the skin, causing the hair to grow back faster and heavier, and is also highly prone to ingrown hair that can lead to an infection. Due to repeated friction in the areas being shaved, the area will get dark as a reaction to the friction, this can be unsightly and frustrating to individuals. So what’s next?

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Tried, tested and proven. If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering.

Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the United States. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light. That destroys the hair.

Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, arm, underarm, bikini line and other areas.

Additional benefits of the laser is the precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL

If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment. That’s because the laser targets the hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.You should also avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes the skin susceptible to burns.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Depending on the laser or light source used, you and the technician will need to wear appropriate eye protection. It will also be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the laser light penetrate the skin.

Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to the treatment area. When the procedure is completed, you may be given creams or lotions, or aloe gel to ease any discomfort. You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later. You’ll get treatments until hair stops growing.

Over the next month, your treated hair will fall out. Wear sunscreen for the following month to help prevent temporary changes in the colour of the treated skin.

Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Other potential side effects are swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin colour are rare.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare establishment, located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800, Instagram @bodystudioskincare , Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com