SHARES
Gone are the days where hair removal is exclusive to women. In fact, hair removal for men have grown so popular, giving rise to the term “manscaping”. This term refers to removal or trimming of hair on a man’s body. Men shave for many purposes, some of which include allowing their body to look more defined and easier up keeping of facial hair & hygiene. Common areas that men shave are the pubic area, legs, toes, buttocks, back and chest.
When it comes to choosing a hair removal method, men are equally spoiled with the many options as are available to women. So do you shave, wax, depilate, laser or use electrolysis? Undecided? Following are the highlights and challenges of these options, along with a few tips to help you achieve the smoothest results possible.
Shaving
Shaving is the simplest of all hair removal methods. All that you require is a razor, shaving cream and a steady hand. However, shaving comes with the drawback of having itchy regrowth and ingrown hairs. As hairs were slicked off at the surface of the skin, stubble will soon appear at the shaved areas, making it uncomfortable.
These tips may make shaving more pleasant:
- Shave in the shower to allow steam and hot water to plump up hair shafts, making them softer and easier to cut.
- Use plenty of shaving gel or cream while shaving.
- Always shave with the direction of hair growth.
- Minimise ingrown hairs by exfoliating skin with a body scrub twice a week afterwards.
Waxing
Waxing is done by applying the cream over the skin, followed by layering the cloth over the cream. As the mixture dries, remove the cloth by a pulling motion to remove the hair. You can choose to have professionals apply waxing for you or DIY at the comfort of your own home. Nevertheless, it is advisable for first-timers to get it done professionally as it is a painful procedure.
Waxing comes with long-lasting results up to 6 weeks. Since hair is removed at the root, it grows back with fine hairs instead of itchy blunts. Waxing is suitable for eyebrow shaping, hair on ears and neck, legs, underarms and arms. Although waxing can be done at the genital area, it is best to try waxing other areas first to understand what you have signed up for.
Depilatories/Cream Hair Removers
These hair removers contain chemical in gel or cream base that attacks hair proteins and dissolves them. As the result, hair loosen and fall out instantly. The chemicals can be extremely harsh on skin. Thus, do a patch test on a small area of skin first to test for skin reactions. Remove the cream immediately if there is any burning, stinging or redness of the skin.
The result could last from a week to several weeks. It is best for back, chest, arms and legs. Note that skin around the brow and the genitals may be too sensitive for depilatories.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser light energy is utilised to penetrate the hair shaft for hair root killing. Although each session takes only 30 minutes, up to 8 treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired result.
After the completion of treatment, the effect could be almost permanent, with touch-up treatments annually or biannually to maintain results. Laser removal is suitable for removing or reducing hair on back, chest, stomach, shoulders and genital area. It works best on light skin with dark hair.
Electrolysis
An ultra-slim needle is used to penetrate each individual hair shaft to deliver tiny shocks of electricity to the hair follicle. This process kills the cells that makes hair, thus preventing hair growth. Each session is relatively short, lasting only 10-20 minutes. However, if you want to remove a lot of hair, it could take up to a year of weekly treatments. Since the treatment is one strand of hair at a time, the thickness of your hair would give a good estimation of the commitment required.
Electrolysis produces permanent result. As electrolysis may take long-term commitment is larger areas, it is recommended to start from smaller areas, such as brows and neck.
Conclusion
Hair removal is gaining traction among the males for cosmetic and hygiene purposes. Depending on your needs, removal options are available. Regardless, to maintain the results, most would require commitment to regular maintenance.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
