Removing unwanted hair at home doesn’t have to be a chore. Check out this blog for tips on how to incorporate hair removal methods into your self-care routine.
Everyone deserves a few hours for their self-care routine. It’s a moment to focus on yourself and maintain proper hygiene and positive mental health. But what about self-care activities that feel like chores, such as hair removal? How do you relax when you have something in your routine that’s a bit tedious to do?
Hair removal doesn’t have to be a burden. With prep and the right techniques, you can effortlessly remove your unwanted body hair during your self-care routine.
I’m sharing about this topic of putting hair removal into your self-care routine because I wrote a bestselling book called Happy Habits.
Inside my book I share a range of habits which boost happiness. And in my research, I found that it’s important to take time for self care and this includes beauty treatments that empower you to feel more confident!
So, read on to learn the steps to correct hair removal for smoother skin and increased confidence in your own body.
Reframing Hair Removal as Self-Care
Almost 98% of American women in 1974 shaved their armpits and legs. That number is estimated to have stayed the same since then. Lately, men also have been doing it, with 52% saying it’s for aesthetic reasons, as per a Men’s Health survey.
The probable reason why you might find it tiresome to remove hair is because you see it as a necessity. If it’s something you genuinely want to do, you first need to shift your view of it and turn it into a pampering ritual.
You can do this by switching your bathroom’s harsh white lights to dim—not too dark—lighting. Put on some calming music and utilize aromatherapy through fragrance diffusers or scented candles. The time you start your self-care routine matters, too. Consider doing your hair removal session when you’re not in a rush, perhaps after a hot bath.
Laser hair removal can also be part of your self-care routine. While the initial sessions require some planning, the long-term results can free up time in your self-care routine. You can spend less time shaving and more time pampering yourself with a body scrub or a hydrating mask.
Finding the Perfect Hair Removal Method for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hair removal. In the U.S., nearly 10.72 million people prefer using depilatory creams to remove body hair.
But there are other common methods often used:
- Shaving: Quick and easy to do, but with short-lived results.
- Waxing: Removes hair from the root for longer-lasting smoothness but may be painful and isn’t ideal for sensitive skin.
- Sugaring: A gentler alternative to waxing that uses a natural sugar paste.
- Epilators: Mechanically remove hair, but they can be uncomfortable, especially when used for the first time.
To choose the method most suitable for you, you first must know your skin and hair type and pain tolerance. Thinner body hair can easily be removed via shaving or waxing. In contrast, thick hair might need the long-term effectiveness of laser hair removal techniques.
Creating a Smooth and Healthy Canvas
With a better understanding of your skin and hair type, you can now follow these steps to remove unwanted hair during your self-care routine safely:
Pre-hair removal prep
Proper exfoliation does wonders on the skin. It removes dead skin cells that can trap hair, leading to ingrown hairs and irritation.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub a day or two before your scheduled self-care time. Choose a scrub meant for your skin type—for example, a physical scrub for oily skin and a chemical exfoliant with AHAs for dry skin. You can also go for homemade sugar scrubs if you prefer organic self-care beauty products.
Right before hair removal, ensure your skin is clean, as leftover dirt and bacteria may increase your chances of getting painful bumps or infections.
Hair removal techniques
This next major stepthe method
Shaving
Use a clean, sharp razor with moisturizing cream to carefully shave hair without irritation. Follow the direction of your hair growth at the first pass, then go against the grain for a cleaner, closer shave. Remember to rinse your razor after every session.
Waxing
This option can be done at home or a salon. For both, it’s best to let your hair grow out for at least ¼ inches. Trim if it’s too long. If waxing at home, make sure your skin is dry and clean first so the wax will stick properly. Apply the wax in the direction of your hair, then, once ready, pull in the opposite while your skin is taut.
Sugaring
You can use either a pre-made sugar wax product or make a DIY concoction at home with white sugar, warm water, and lemon juice. Before applying the mixture to your skin, cool it down first. Put on a small section of your hair, pressing a cloth strip on it firmly for around two to three seconds. Follow the same removal method used in waxing.
Epilating
Two to three days before epilating, consider shaving your hair until it’s a few millimeters short. Taking a painkiller an hour before you begin can help you if you have a low pain tolerance. With a high-quality epilator, you can either use it on dry skin for efficiency or wet skin for less discomfort.
Post-hair removal care
No matter the method, swelling and redness are common after hair removal. To soothe your skin, use a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel. Avoid wearing tight clothing and try not to sweat excessively afterward.
Slight discomfort after hair removal is normal, but some severe risks are still possible. Extreme grooming, especially in the genital area, is associated with a higher risk of recurrent UTI among women, according to one study. If you experience persistent pain, consult a doctor right away.
Relaxing hair removal sessions during your self-care routines are doable. You just need to prepare your skin, use the right method, and follow the steps and post-care tips to make hair removal into a pampering ritual.
You’re also free to try out laser hair removal if you want to lessen your efforts at home. Figure out what works best for you so you can have smooth, hairless skin every time.
