Hair Removal Archives - Famous Last Words

In recent years, men’s interest in hair removal methods and techniques has rocketed. Getting rid of excessive hair on different body parts is no longer just for celebrities. We are living in the digital age, where appearance has become more important for men of all ages. Whether you are a fitness fanatic who wants to show off a sculpted body, or a modern man looking to remove excess hair on the shoulders, chest and back, there are now numerous male hair removal techniques on the market to help you achieve a smooth and considered appearance. Male ‘manscapers’ are fans of tidying the hair on visible areas of the body, both to boost their confidence and to remain attractive to potential partners. However, shedding excess hair should not be seen as an admission of vanity – everyone wants to look their best when possible. Indeed, the question is no longer ‘Should I get hair removal?’. It is ‘Which type of hair removal should I go for?’. Below are some pros and cons for the main hair removal techniques, as well as a few handy tips on how to remove hair effectively using these methods. Shaving Pros 1: Shaving is the simplest and cheapest male hair removal technique. All it requires is a razor and shaving cream and you are good to go. 2: You can also shave without cream or foam. This can be done by making sure the hair is soft and moisturised, with the application of water. 3: You can remove hair from most areas temporarily by shaving carefully. Cons 1: The odd nick and cut is the biggest drawback of shaving, so take care around pimples (and the nipples). 2: Itchiness, regrowth of thick hair and painful ingrown hairs are some of the other cons of shaving. 3: Removing hair using this method may also result in a hair forest on the patch covered, if shaving is carried out on a long-term basis. Tips for better results Tip #1: Make sure you don’t personally shave hard-to-reach spots, as it can leave you with cuts and scratches. Tip #2: Shave in the shower or immediately afterwards. The steam and water will soften the skin and the moisture absorbed in the hair shafts will make it easier to shave. Tip #3: Use a high-quality shaving foam or gel on your face and move the razor in the same direction as the hair growth, not against it. Tip #4: To ease the process, you should treat long hairs with a beard trimmer or body hair groomer. Tip #5: Exfoliating the skin twice a week, using gloves and/or a scrub, will lower the risk of ingrown hairs. Tip #6: For a soothing finish, and to prevent risk of bacterial infection, using an after-shave oil or balm is a good bet. Tip #7: For a natural look, use a body hair trimmer instead of a shaving razor. Make sure you buy a reliable product, as it is best not to compromise your skin. Waxing Pros 1: Waxing has long been used for male hair removal and can help you achieve long-lasting results. You will be free of any hair worries for the next 4 to 6 months. 2: Waxing involves plucking the hair from the root, rather than the surface. Unlike shaving, it won’t cause itching. 3: Although it is always beneficial to opt for the professional treatment, there are plenty of relatively painless homecare products available. Cons 1: Waxing is not for the faint-hearted. A famous scene from The 40-Year-Old Virgin springs to mind. We are all tough guys in the pub – less so during our first wax. Tips for better results Tip #1: One day beforehand, exfoliate the relevant areas using a scrub or body brush. This will remove all the dead skin cells. Tip #2: A clean, dry body, free from any products, is necessary for a smooth wax. Tip #3: If you are waxing in warm or humid conditions, apply a small quantity of talc. This will help to minimise sweat. Tip #4: To ease the process and reduce the pain, trim your hair so it is no shorter than 1cm (the wax needs something to cling on to). Tip #5: When you’re up to the waxing stage, rip off the strip with one clean swipe. Do so in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Tip #6: Work in small patches and don’t be too vicious. Tip #7: If you press the skin gently with your fingertips, it will ease the stinging sensation. Tip #8: At this stage, if your skin becomes red and sore, press a cold and wet flannel on the skin for a while. This will cool it down. Tip #9: Over the next 24 hours, do not use fragrances containing alcohol, and avoid hot showers, workouts and sex. Tip #10: It is necessary to care for your skin once the waxing treatment has finished and to avoid rashes and a burning sensation. Tip #11: Waxing can also result in small spots on the skin 24 to 72 hours afterwards, due to the blocking of follicles. Tea Tree Oil products will help with this issue. 3. Depilatory creams Pros 1: Depilatory cream is extremely easy to use. Just apply it to the relevant area and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off. This will take with it the unwanted hair, which has been weakened at root level by the chemicals. 2: Depilatory creams are an effective solution for hard-to-reach areas, such as the armpits, shoulders and back. Cons 1: The results aren’t long-lasting, when compared to waxing. Hair may reappear after a few days. 2: Some men are sensitive to the chemicals used in the creams, especially if they are left on the skin for a long time. 3: Depilatory creams can leave you with spotty skin. Experts say the right aftercare is therefore important. Tips for better results Tip # 1: It is necessary to have a patch test to see whether or not you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Tip # 2: Follow the instructions faithfully and never apply the cream ‘down there’. Tip # 3: Don’t let any of the residue stay on your skin. Rinse it off completely with cool water after a few minutes. Tip # 4: Wear cool and loose clothing for at least 24 hours afterwards. Avoid workouts, saunas and other activities that can make your skin hot and sweaty. Using an anti-bacterial spray can guard against breakouts. 4. Laser Hair Removal (LHR) Pros Laser Hair Removal for men is known as one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for taking care of unwanted body hair. It works by targeting the hair follicle and damaging its regenerative capabilities. LHR is great for the back, shoulders, neck and buttocks. Continuous advancements in technology have led to great results, with no side-effects and no downtime. Cons The treatment is expensive at some clinics. Results may not be seen immediately. You may have to repeat the treatment multiple times over several months, to adapt to the hair growth cycle. Laser Hair Removal may result in a stinging sensation. The client must have pale skin and dark hair with sufficient melanin for the beams to work effectively in most cases. If you have grey, blonde or red hair, the laser option probably won’t be suitable. If in doubt, it is best to consult a laser specialist at a reputable clinic. Tips for better results Tip # 1: Complete a patch test before the treatment to see whether or not your skin is sensitive to radiation. Tip # 2: Postpone LHR if you have recently undergone a tanning procedure, so as not to risk any side-effects. Tip # 3: To achieve the ideal results, don’t skip any follow-up treatments scheduled by your doctor. Tip # 4: After completing the treatment, avoid hot showers, chlorine and application of scented body products. Tip # 5: Wear cool and loose clothes for 24 hours afterwards to avoid irritation. Our verdict Perhaps it isn’t entirely fair to compare three home-based DIY methods with Laser Hair Removal. Then again, that’s partly because the results of LHR are so much greater. Waxing, shaving and depilatory creams are good for a quick fix, but ultimately they lead to larger and thicker patches of hair in unwanted places. For men of the modern era, there is no longer any need for this inconvenience. We say, remove the worry once and for all. LHR will cost you, but it might just be worth splashing out on. Laser Hair Removal - Pre and Post Treatment Tips | Find An Expert

Male Hair Removal Methods – Pros, Cons and Tips

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