Skip the chemicals and choose safer more natural hair removal methods.
What we do to remove hair…. Waxing, sugaring, threading and tweezing to pull hair out. Shaving and buffing to scrape hair off. Depilatories to dissolve hair off. Along with other methods like electrolysis or lasers. Are we nuts?
Who knows and maybe you say who cares. It has to go one way or the other but why not choose the safest, most natural method.
Best Choices for Natural Hair Removal
For centuries we have been using all kinds of methods to remove unwanted hair. Some of these techniques are still being used today in their updated and improved versions. Check out 6 different safer methods for hair removal below.
Waxing
- Warmed wax is evenly applied to a section of skin. A cloth is then applied over the waxed area, rubbed to adhere to the wax and quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth. Pulling those unwanted hairs out by the roots. It is a process that’s gets easier with practice.
- As you probably guessed or have heard, it can be painful. Some say with time they get used to it. Salons have found that if their clients can relax and not tense up it has been reported they feel less pain. The problem with waxing is that it grabs a hold of the skin and the hair which can cause redness, irritation and is believed to damage skin tissue which can cause wrinkles.
- Look for products with safe, natural ingredients.
- Cloths can be reused on several sections.
- Pre-waxed cloths that are warmed and applied are available simplifying the process.
- Results last from 6 to 8 weeks but you will have to wait until you have at least 1/2 inch hair growth before you can wax again.
- Requires both pre and post skin treatments to prepare skin and minimize skin damage.
- Many women are quite satisfied with this method of natural hair removal which can be done at home or in a salon and can be very affordable.
Having never tried waxing myself I was curious about how easy this was to do.
Sugaring
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- Technique for application and removal of this natural hair remover is similar to waxing.
- Not as painful to remove. There are no waxes in these products to grab the skin. The sugars stick to the hair not the skin making them gentler and less irritating. But you’re still pulling hair out so it’s still going to hurt. Some say sugars are not as effective as waxing leaving some stubborn hair behind.
- Natural ingredient products are easily found. You are more likely to find very safe ingredients in this method of natural hair removal.
- Cloths used in sugaring are washable and reusable making them more cost effective.
- Effects last about the same amount of time as waxing.
- Needs a post moisturizing treatment for best effect.
- Also can be done at home or in a salon.
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Using either one of these natural hair removal techniques is a matter of personal preference. Both sugaring and waxing require a little practice to get this technique down and care needs to be taken to not overheat either the wax or the sugar when applying. It could burn. Ouch.
Read about my results with sugaring at Moom Natural Hair Remover Review.
Shaving
By far the easiest and most inexpensive natural hair removal method. If you use recyclable razors and natural or organic shaving creams or soaps it can be environmentally friendly and good for your skin.
We all know the drawbacks, razor nicks and irritation especially in sensitive areas. The effects of shaving don’t last as long as waxing or sugaring. Since the hair is cut off at the skin level, the cut edge of hair growing back in creates a stubbly affect. But you don’t have to wait for hair to grow to a certain length before shaving again. Like all the other hair removal techniques your skin benefits from a good natural, organic moisturizer.
Natural Hair Removal Products
Waxing
GiGi
Parissa
Sugaring
Moom Organic Hair RemovalShobha
Shaving
Recyclable Razors from Preserve
Threading
This method is one of the original natural hair removal methods and is most effective on small areas on the face. It is especially good for use around the eyes where you really don’t want to be using harmful chemicals like those found in depilatories or even waxes or sugars that can cause irritation or damage to facial tissue.
It is possible to do this yourself as the video below shows but I am sure many women will prefer going to someone skilled in this practice. It is a technique that is available at salons because it is such a safe and effective way to shape eyebrows and remove hair.
Basically, a cotton thread is rolled and twisted along the skin which traps hair and lifts it out by the root. Apparently in the hands of a professional it produces more control and better results than tweezing. The whole process should take no longer than ten minutes and I have found salons charging as little as ten dollars for effects that last from anywhere from 3 or 4 days to weeks depending on speed of hair growth. This just might be the best way to get beautifully shaped eyebrows for a special occasion.
There are tools available for this and they might be OK for general hair removal. For something specific like eyebrow shaping it might make more sense to see a professional. It just depends on your patience and commitment to practice using the tool.
If you would like to see how this is done watch this video.
Tweezing
This is an old natural hair removal method that is fast, inexpensive and effective for small areas on the face. It is mostly safe with minimal irritation but it is easy to get carried away and overdo.
Hurts a little or a lot if you work too quickly and grab skin and hair. I have done this more than once and this sure hurts. It causes redness and on occasion I have broken the skin, I really was working too quickly . And it can be hard to establish a good line. Although you can find templates to hold up to your eyebrows to provide a shaping guide.
Buffing
This is a less commonly used practice but it too can be inexpensive, can be done at home and is safe if not done on irritated skin. A buffing tool or mitt is used to rub or buff hair off at the skin level. Works best on fine hair with effects that do not last long but is a good quick fix used on legs between shaving or waxing. Not to be used on face, bikini area or other delicate or damaged skin.
Skip The Depilatories
For obvious reasons, depilatories are not on this list. These products use chemicals to dissolve the hair off at skin level. They can be messy and smelly. While they have improved through the years they could hardly be called a natural hair remover. The more commonly advertised brands like Veet and Nair use animal testing for their products. Another good reason to avoid them.
We have good options available for natural hair removal. It’s up to you, your pain level and pocket book to decide which method is right for you. Only you can determine the price of beauty.
