The Tribune

By KENYA MORTIMER-McKENZIE

Are you still shaving or using depilatory creams to remove unwanted facial and body hair? If so, you need to read on; you will learn of two unique methods of hair removal.

Shaving

Shaving is still the most popular method of removing hair. Using a razor to shave is quick, simple and inexpensive. However, it doesn’t mean it is the best method; it comes with its flaws. Shaving removes the hair at different angles and just from the surface, causing the potential for painful ingrown hairs. Shaving also causes discoloration over time in individuals with darker skin tones.

It is a myth that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker. It is true that the hair bulb becomes larger. However, shaving only makes your hair appear thicker because of the blunt angle of removing the hair.

Why is it that shaving clogs your pores? It is because the hair is only removed at the surface, leaving hair trapped in the hair follicles. This over a period of time gives the skin a discoloured appearance.

Hair removal creams

Depilatory creams are not much different from shaving in the sense that only surface hair is being removed. Depilatory creams have harsh chemicals and removing your hair exposes your skin to these chemicals and can the skin if its sensitive. There is no guarantee either that all hair will be removed. Unfortunately, this method of removing hair and shaving may be the best method for men’s facial hair, because removing hair from below the hair follicle can create other issues for men’s beards. It would be best to choose a depilatory cream that works best for coarser hair and monitor how long you leave these creams on your skin.

Threading

This is an ancient Indian method of removing hair, using 100 percent cotton thread to remove unwanted facial hair. It is also one of the safest methods of removing facial hair. Eyebrow threading can help you achieve perfect brows due to its unique method. Threading can be done on all areas of the face. It can last up to four weeks on an average. Threading offers anti-aging benefits because there is no heat applied to the delicate skin in the under eye area. However, it is important that you visit a seasoned threading professional for the best experience.

Body sugaring

This is an ancient Egyptian method of hair removal. Many view it as the superior method of hair removal. There are many reasons why you should try sugaring:

• It’s all natural

• There is no chance of getting burned (the paste is never hot, just warm)

• It’s sanitary (bacteria don’t live in large amounts of sugar. This is also the reason sugar was used during the Civil War to kill infections).

• There is less breakage, causing less ingrown hairs (hair is removed in its natural direction of hair growth)

• It’s less painful

• Softer and smoother skin (sugaring exfoliates the skin by only removing dead skin cells and not live skin cells).

• Can remove very short hairs

• Sugaring reduces and diminishes hair growth

• Sugar paste is water soluble (sugar paste left on the skin can be easily cleaned off with warm water).

• It is a cost effective method of hair removal

• It is safe to use on delicate areas of the body

So there you have it, it’s more than just hair removal, it’s skin care.

• Kenya Mortimer-McKenzie is an anti-aging skin care specialist at the Baha Retreat Anti-Aging Spa. Visit www.baharetreat.com or e-mail kenya@baharetreat.com.