Unwanted and excessive hair growth could be a real pain; for some, it takes a lot of trial and error before they find the most effective method for them. If you look up hair removal alone, there are a plethora of methods for you to try, or you may probably have been asked already, “coffee grounds and baking soda hair removal, does it really work?” To answer this question, take the time to read about which is the most effective method of hair removal in this article.
Table of Contents
- Which One is the Most Effective?
- Home Treatment with Baking Soda
- 1. Lemon
- 2. Coffee Grounds
- 3. Water
- Tried and Tested Treatment Options
- 1. Shaving
- 2. Waxing
- 3. Depilatories
- 4. Threading/Epilation/Tweezing
- 5. Prescription Cream
- 6. Laser Hair Removal
- 7. Electrolysis
Which One is the Most Effective?
Before we list down the various options that you can try and experiment on, it would be wise to identify what factors will help decide if a particular treatment is effective. These could be:
- Immediate visible results
- Gentle to the skin
- Budget-friendly
Other important factors to consider before moving on with the experiment would be:
- Area of the hair growth you would like to be addressed
- Level of pain tolerance
- Amount of time you’re willing to spend on getting it done
Home Treatment with Baking Soda
Home treatmentsitems
1. Lemon
Lemon is known to lighten dark spots on the skin, so it’s basically like hitting two birds with one stone if you’re also concerned about the dark skin spots on your skin. Mix a few drops of lemon with a small portion of baking soda and add water to make a thick paste then apply unto your skin. Let sit for about 15 minutes then rinse off.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee, as some claim, is beneficial to the skin especially when applied topically. For this particular treatment, just mix an equal portion of baking soda and used coffee grounds to make a paste and rub on the skin. Afterward, rinse it with lukewarm water.
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3. Water
If you do not have any of the above items in your pantry, plain water may also do the trick. Make a thick paste, apply onto skin leave for 15 minutes or more then rinse.
However, among all these, the ones with the coffee grounds have been proven to be the most ineffective. Glamour Magazine made an experiment on this; although the writer did notice finer and thinner hair growth, the experiment failed to stunt the growth of the hair. So, the claim that coffee grounds will break down hair follicles appears to be just a mere myth. After all, hair follicles are not easily broken down.
Tried and Tested Treatment Options
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends 7 options that will give you more visible results. They are:
1. Shaving
Shaving is the easiest among all the options but the most injury-prone way; it can usually lead to skin irritation if done frequently. However, there are ways to reduce injury:
- Make sure to wet your skin before shaving.
- Shave in the direction that the hair grows.
- Only use a sharp blade and make sure to shave lightly.
2. Waxing
Compared to shaving, waxing takes time to master, but if properly done, it also offers better results. Hair growth takes longer when waxed, and it can be used on almost any part of the body. It can be painful though, especially when done for the first time; so, it is recommended to go to a reputable salon. However, if you prefer to do it at home, this video can guide you.
AAD does not recommend waxing for those taking medications like Isotretinoin, antibiotics, or tretinoin as it may cause unwarranted damage to the skin.
3. Depilatories
This treatment requires the application of a cream, lotion, or gel on your skin to remove unwanted hair. This is a whole lot easier than waxing and offers better results than shaving. The best practice for this type of treatment is to test the product before use, read, and strictly follow the label instructions to prevent damage to your skin.
4. Threading/Epilation/Tweezing
These three vary in the tool used to do the treatment, but more or less, the idea is the same. They all require plucking of the unwanted hair from the roots. As the word denotes, this probably is one of the most painful among the recommended options. Another downside is it can only be used on smaller areas of the body, like the eyebrows and armpits but not the larger ones since it can be extremely painful. Effects are longer-lasting (about 4 to 5 weeks) and cause less irritation.
5. Prescription Cream
Unlike depilatories, prescription creams can’t be bought over the counter and will require a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist first, before you can purchase the medication. It will also require you to have the existing hair removed first, as it will only work to prevent new hair from growing.
6. Laser Hair Removal
In this treatment, a laser is used to target the area you wanted the hair removed. This is probably the most effective, as it can eventually destroy hair follicles and if done correctly, the effect can be permanent. But, it is also the most expensive option and will require several trips before you can see the actual results. It is also recommended consulting a board-certified dermatologist before getting this procedure done.
7. Electrolysis
Another permanent but costly hair removal treatment option is electrolysis. This treatment makes use of electrical current to damage the hair follicles and eventually prevent it from growing. But since hair grows in cycles, this will also require several sessions before actual results are visible.
There really is no particular method that is rendered effective for all. Experimentation is still the key to finding which treatment will work best for you, since as unique as you are as an individual, so is your skin. Each one has its pros and cons, just make sure to heed warnings on each of the recommended options and enjoy the experimental journey. When you find the right one for you, stick to it and the effort will be all worth it. If you have questions regarding the topic, feel free to leave a comment below.
