We’ve all had our fair share of troubles in the quest for permanent hair removal. This seemingly unending battle against body hair has even led some people to resort to extreme measures.
However, getting flawless and hairless skin doesn’t necessarily need to be difficult. All you need are the right tools and correct knowledge about how hair removal treatments work.
In this article, you will learn about the eight most common myths on hair removal techniques that are not supported by science.
Myth #1: Waxing Sticks to the Skin to Remove the Hair
Next to shaving, waxing is one of the most commonly used techniques for hair removal. Aside from spas and salons, many people perform this type of hair removal treatment on their own with the help of DIY waxing kits.
If properly performed, waxing doesn’t necessarily attach to the skin. Rather, it sticks to the hair and pulls it from the roots. This is also why your skin feels a lot softer after a wax compared to when you had just shaved.
Myth #2: Double-Dipping the Wax Stick Kills Bacteria
If you decide to undergo a waxing treatment, and see the skin technician planning to use the same stick she did with her previous client, walk away immediately. Contrary to popular belief, the heat from the wax doesn’t kill bacteria. This means it’s not okay to double-dip a wax stick and assume that the person being waxed won’t get an infection from it.
While rare, there are cases where viruses and fungi are transferred through a person’s skin. Since wax opens up your skin after the removal of unwanted hair, you’re exposed to this risk.
This is why you need to either ask for a fresh wax stick or head to a different establishment altogether.
Myth #3: Shaved Hair Grows Back Coarser and Thicker
This is probably the most common misconception about hair removal that has plagued ladies of all ages. While new hair growth may appear coarser and thicker after shaving, the truth is that it didn’t change at all.
When left untouched, body hair lies flat and tapered along the skin. This makes it feel thinner and softer. But once you shave it, you make it stand up and leave the ends feeling blunt.
A hair strand is much like a drinking straw – it appears thicker when cut diagonally compared to when you cut it straight across.
Remember, too, that your genetic makeup predetermines the speed of hair regrowth, your hair color, thickness, and everything else.
To achieve smoother results when you shave, don’t forget to exfoliate your skin beforehand. This will help get rid of the dead skin cells that may block the razor during the hair removal process, leading to bumpier results.
Myth #4: Always Shave Against Hair Growth
Shaving against hair growth is common advice given to people who want to get rid of their body hair. Although most people will have no problem with this, there are some instances when doing so may increase the risk of skin irritation. This is especially true for people who are susceptible to ingrown hair.
Shaving in the same direction as your hair growth is also better than going against it in certain areas of the body where hair grows in different directions like the underarms.
Myth #5: It’s Okay to Apply Deodorant Right After Shaving
Another common shaving myth that needs to be debunked here and now is the use of deodorant right after a shave. This is because the shaved area is more prone to irritation since there is no longer hair and dead skin cells to serve as a protective barrier.
To be safe, wait for at least 15 minutes after every shave before applying deodorant. Be sure to use products made for sensitive skin as well since they usually contain moisturizing ingredients.
Myth #6: Leave Depilatory on Longer for Thicker Hair
Depilatory products come with instructions and the recommended period of application for a good reason. While effective for hair removal, the ingredients of these products may cause rashes, burns and severe inflammation if left on the skin for too long. It can even lead to contact dermatitis.
To get optimum results and avoid skin irritation, strictly follow the instructions down to the suggested time of setting. You should also be careful when applying these products to your face, especially if you’re using other skincare products containing retinol.
Myth #7: A Few Laser Treatment Sessions Remove Hair Forever
Laser hair removal entails the use of laser beams that zap the dark pigment known as melanin in hair follicles. It works by killing the follicles with heat, thereby causing the hair to fall out after ten to 14 days.
Most people think that laser treatments remove unwanted hair forever, but the truth is, it doesn’t. You see, laser only disables hair that’s actively growing, which comprises only about 25 percent of the entire area. This means that hair that is “resting” is left untouched, making it necessary to come back for more sessions of laser hair removal.
However, you might find that the hair follicles aren’t completely destroyed, even after several sessions with a laser. This makes it necessary to spend more money on touch-up sessions one to two times every year.
Myth #8: Laser Hair Removal is for Everyone
Laser hair removal may be useful for people with dark hair; however, clients who have naturally light-colored hair may not see any difference.
As mentioned earlier, laser only works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle. Since people with blonde, red, or even gray hair have less of this dark pigmentation, they are less likely to see results from laser hair removal treatments. Additionally, if you have a tattoo, laser is not possible on the skin that is tattooed.
Deal With Unwanted Body Hair Efficiently
When dealing with unwanted body hair, it is imperative that you understand the facts about the different techniques used and body hair itself. Learning about the false claims regarding hair removal is a good way to start.
Once you do, you can go ahead and book your hair removal appointment with us. Our staff at Furless would be delighted to help you find what works best for your specific case, so you can get flawless, hairless skin, forever!