It is easy to understand why shaving is the most preferred method for hair removal. Apart from being quick and easy, shaving is also painless and affordable. Razors are cheap and easily accessible, as you can find them at almost any drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
While there is no denying about the benefits of this method, its results are temporary, as the hair above the skin surface grows within a few days or even just several hours. There are also a number of side effects, especially if the hair removal isn’t done correctly or if you use blunt or rusty razors.
Here are the reasons why you may want to rethink shaving.
1. Hair looks thicker and feels stiffer
It is only a misconception that shaving causes your hair to grow back thicker and darker. What actually happens is that the tip of the hair has now a blunt edge after being shaved. It will then begin to rise above the surface of the skin, making the hair look and feel thicker. This is the complete opposite of an unshaven hair, which has a softer and a tapered edge.
2. Effective yet short-lived
As previously mentioned, shaving is one of the quickest and easiest ways to remove body hair. Unfortunately, its results are short-lived. The hair grows back relatively quickly, so you have to do it frequently. This can be a bit of a burden for men who prefer to be clean-shaven and women who want flawless and smooth skin.
It is important to note, however, that hair on different parts of the body can also grow at various speeds or rates. The hair on your armpit, for instance, grows significantly faster than the hair on your legs. Genetics can also affect your hair regrowth, which is why some people need to shave more often than others.
3. There are downsides to shaving
When done properly, shaving is safe, painless, and effective. There are, however, downsides to this method, especially if you use a dull blade or press hardly on a razor against your skin. Side effects include:
- Cuts/nicks
- Itching
- Ingrown hairs
- Razor burns
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Dark spots (with repetitive razor usage)
- Irritation and pimples (especially for those with sensitive skin)
4. Cheap but not really
While razors may seem cheap or budget friendly, they are not cost-effective in the long run. With short-lived results, you will need to shave frequently and buy new razors continuously. There is also the need to purchase associated products like shaving oils or creams. The total cost of shaving adds up in the long run.
For longer-lasting results
If you’re looking for a hair removal method that provides a more permanent result, laser and IPL hair removal are worth considering. Both use heat and light to target the hair follicles and disable future hair growth.
Laser hair removal – This delivers concentrated pulses of laser light through a handheld device. The hair’s melanin or pigment absorbs the light and converts it into the heat. This then targets the follicles and inhibits hair growth. At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we use the Cutera CoolGlide laser, an FDA-cleared laser technology.
Key benefits include:
- Helps you achieve permanent hair reduction
- Delivers light energy to hundreds of hair follicles in a large area
- Can work for all skin types and tones, from light to darker or tanned skin
- Features an innovative cooling design, making it safe and effective
IPL hair removal – This uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to damage the hair follicles using a handheld device. It works by emitting a broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by the hair’s pigment and then destroys the hair follicle. At our clinics, we use the Cutera Prowave IPL hair removal, which is also an FDA-approved device:
Key benefits include:
- Offers significant hair reduction
- Delivers its light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at a time
- Can treat large areas safely and effectively
- Can work on a range of skin types and tones
It is important to note that both methods require several sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction. You need to attend all your sessions to get your desired results. The right hair removal method for you will also depend on a number of factors such as your hair color, skin tone, hair growth cycle, and budget.
Read our previous post to learn the difference between laser and IPL hair removal.
Schedule a consultation today
If you want to learn more about laser and IPL hair removal methods, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to find out which method suits you best.
