(Photo : Vecteezy/Mladen Mitrinovic)
Tackling body hair is a part of many people's beauty routines, particularly among women. Whether it's about the armpits, legs or the bikini line, there's a variety of ways to bid farewell to unwanted fuzz.
Now the question is: do you go for using a hair removal cream, waxing or shaving? If you're on the fence on which method is the best solution for you, let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
Pros and Cons of Hair Removal Cream
(Photo : Vecteezy/Mladen Mitrinovic)
Hair removal cream is a method that's not as commonly used as the others. You might have seen these products advertised on social media and thought about how they seem almost too good to be true. Just apply a cream, wait a bit, and then wipe off both the cream and the hair. It sounds incredibly easy, doesn't it?
But how exactly do these creams work? Hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, typically contain thioglycolic acid as their active ingredient.
According to Ulike, this acid, combined with other chemicals, possesses the ability to break down keratin, the protein responsible for forming your hair, by disrupting the disulfide bonds within it.
In short, the cream works by weakening the hair at its base. When you apply it and then wipe it off after waiting for a bit, the weakened hair comes off easily along with the cream.
One advantage is how easy these creams are to use, making hair removal convenient and painless. They're versatile and capable of removing hair at any length, unlike waxing, which requires a specific length for effective removal. Additionally, they leave the skin feeling smooth and soft.
But there are downsides, too. The results don't last long, and your hair will grow back quicker than with waxing.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, unlike waxing or threading, these creams don't pull hair from the root, so the regrowth speed can vary. They're not as enduring as waxing but better than shaving in terms of regrowth speed.
Moreover, extended exposure to depilatory creams can result in serious side effects, including the risk of chemical burns.
As per WebMD, these creams utilize chemicals to dissolve hair, increasing the potential for such burns if left on the skin for too long. Specifically, first-, second- or even third-degree burns could occur, especially on sensitive areas of the skin.
Another drawback is the smell. Some of these creams can have a pretty strong odor, which might be a dealbreaker for those with sensitive noses. Cleveland Clinic noted that a common ingredient in these creams smells like rotten eggs.
Pros and Cons of Waxing
(Photo : Vecteezy/Mladen Mitrinovic)
Waxing, an intensive method of hair removal, involves applying warm wax onto the skin, placing a fabric over the wax, and swiftly removing it, pulling the hair out along with it.
Waxing stands out because, unlike shaving or using hair removal creams, it uproots hair, ensuring longer-lasting and more satisfying results.
This method promotes finer and slower hair regrowth and eliminates the risk of shaving cuts. Moreover, it reduces concerns about dark spots and shadows since it completely removes the hair.
It's a safe technique for hair removal across various areas like the armpits, bikini region, legs, and arms, providing comprehensive coverage wherever needed.
However, using hot wax improperly can result in potential skin burns. Furthermore, waxing may cause irritation and histamine reactions due to the hair follicles being shocked during the removal process.
This could lead to potential side effects such as rash, redness, small bumps, skin tearing, and even the risk of infection. Waxing is also a more painful process than shaving or using hair removal creams.
Pros and Cons of Shaving
(Photo : Vecteezy/Mladen Mitrinovic)
Shaving is the most common method for hair removal. It involves using a razor with soap, gel or cream to cut hair at the skin's surface.
It's easy, quick, and convenient, but using a blade, particularly dull ones, can lead to nicks, burns or cuts. Like hair removal creams, shaving doesn't remove hair from the roots, so regrowth happens faster than with waxing.
In fact, regrowth with shaving is even faster than with hair removal creams. This means you might need to shave again every few days, which can become bothersome.
In the short term, it's convenient, but in the long run, it can be a hassle due to frequent maintenance.
