Kemi Lanre-Aremu
In this grooming-conscious world, men too are looking at ways to manage excessive hair growth. Here are methods for easy hair removal
Waxing
Waxing can be done in almost any salon but it’s simple enough to be performed at home and gets rid of hair along with the roots. Waxing can be done on areas with vast growth, such as on the limbs, chest and back, along with the knuckles or toes.
Shaving
This is probably the most widespread method of hair removal for men, as it’s one that men have used traditionally across the world. It’s also quite easy and painless; assuming you don’t nick yourself each time you have shave. You can use a razor to get rid of hair anywhere on the body, provided you get the technique right. Ensure you shower with warm water before you shave. Warm water opens up the pores and raises hair follicles. A good quality razor, specifically the back-shaver and shaving foam are required. Keep in mind that it’s best to shave in the direction of the hair growth.
Electric trimming
Electric trimmers can be a handy tool if you just need a quick fix. They offer a temporary solution and you’ll need to use them regularly if you want to look well groomed. Electric trimmers are easy to use, safe, irritation free and you have total control over the length you want to trim. This tool will suffice for those who don’t want to go completely hair-free.
Hair removal creams
The obvious benefit of hair removal creams is that they are pain free. As a precaution, do a patch test before trying on such creams to avoid any burning or harsh reactions on the skin. For proper application, apply the cream on the desired area with a spatula and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the solution in the cream dissolves with the protein structure, thereby uprooting the hair easily. However, removal creams give no guarantee of effect on very dark and thick hair. These creams are also a no-no for sensitive skin.
Laser hair reduction
Laser hair treatment is not a permanent hair removal solution, but its effects last a lot longer than conventional hair removal techniques. This is because the penetration of the laser light into the hair shaft kills the root, but not the follicle. For this reason, growth may come about at the same place, but this will usually happen much later. Chest-hair, hair on the back, shoulders and the genital area can be removed with laser treatments.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is more of a step-by-step procedure for hair removal. A very fine needle is first penetrated into every individual hair shaft. A mild current is then released through the needle, destroying the hair follicle itself and ensuring that hair cannot grow back in the exact spot The effectiveness of this procedure varies from person to person and it does offer permanent results. Ideally, the uni-brow, back of neck and sporadic body hairs can be removed with this method. Consulting a doctor to verify whether this solution is suitable for your hair growth and type is essential, as electrolysis is rather expensive and time consuming.
Threading, tweezers
Threading involves removal of hair with criss-cross movements of the thread briskly. Since your skin may not be used to this sort of hair removal, there would be a tendency for skin reddening initially. You could apply a face cream immediately to soothe the inflammation and redness. Tweezers on the other hand come in handy to pull out strands from a thick uni-brow or to deal with a few stray hairs on the face. You could use the tweezers effectively along with a magnifying glass.
Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com
