Dealing With Unwanted Hair
Removing Body and Facial hair

Dealing with unwanted hair
Women remove unwanted body hair from choice rather than necessity, and the amount removed  tends to vary according to the current views of society and, of course, the individual concerned. Most women in this country feel that underarm hair looks unsightly when sleeveless or short-sleeved garments are worn and, as it also traps and retains underarm odour, it is a good idea to remove it. Leg hair, especially if it is coarse or dark, can also be unattractive -smooth, sleek legs feel softer and look better.
Some women are also bothered by unwanted hair elsewhere - extensive hair at the tops of the thighs which can spoil the look of a swimsuit or bikini; dark hair on the forearms; stray hairs growing around the nipples; or excess hair on the face - especially along the upper lip.
There are many ways of dealing with unwanted hair. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; and some are more suited for use on certain areas than others. Only one method - electrolysis - is permanent, and this is dealt with in the Professional Help section. Here we look at other methods, which you can use yourself, at home.

Shaving
This is probably the most common and most popular way of removing unwanted hair. It's often thought that shaving makes hair grow faster. It doesn't! Nor will it make the hairs grow stronger or coarser. What does happen is that hairs which have been shaved then grow back.with blunt tips rather than with naturally tapered ends. This gives the regrowth hair a harsh, stubbly feel.
Shaving has the advantage of being quick, easy and inexpensive. Disadvantages are the risk of cutting the skin and the speed at which regrowth appears, which may be within twenty-four hours. This is because only the surface hair has been removed.
How to shave
Begin by wetting the hair which is to be removed. This makes it softer and more pliable and so easier to shave off. Lather will help to keep the hair wet for longer - use lather from ordinary soap, or a shaving foam. (If you use an electric shaver then the hair must be completely dry before you begin.)
Lessen the likelihood of cutting yourself by shaving slowly and smoothly, with long strokes. A swivel-head razor is the best choice as it adapts to the curves of your skin.
Afterwards, soothe your skin with a moisture lotion or a dusting of talcum powder. Rinse your razor under hot running water, shake it, then leave it to dry. Don't wipe it with a towel, as this will blunt the blade.
Where to shave
Shaving is ideal for underarm or leg hair removal. It is possible to shave hair from the bikini line, but the regrowth may be uncomfortable. It is not advisable to shave off unwanted facial hair or hair on arms as an unattractive stubble may result.

It's best not to apply a deodorant for at least twelve hours after shaving under your arms.

Depilatories
These are creams which remove hair by chemical action, weakening and breaking down the structure of the hair, so that it breaks off at surface level.
Their advantages are that they are easy to use and reasonably quick - most work within 8 to 15 minutes, though this varies according to the hair type. They give a smoother result than shaving, and many also contain moisturising ingredients. The main disadvantage of this method is that it is very messy. Also, regrowth is quite rapid.
How to use a depilatory
It is essential to follow the directions given, as the chemicals which destroy hair can also damage or even chemically burn the skin if left in contact with it for too long. Make sure you leave the cream on for just the right amount of time and only use the cream as often as the manufacturer suggests. Don't use a depilatory on broken skin or skin which is irritated or inflamed and don't use it immediately after a hot bath or exposure to the sun either.
Because depilatories also carry the risk of adverse skin reaction, it is best to make a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before using one extensively. This simply means following all the directions for a full application, but only on a small patch of skin an inch or two square, so that you can see if your skin is affected by the product.
Most depilatories are applied and removed with a wooden spatula - which is usually provided. Roll-on or spray-on versions are also available but the latter should not be used anywhere other than on the legs as it is all too easy to spray it into the eyes accidentally. It is not advisable to use soap or hot water on your skin immediately afterwards.
Where to use a depilatory
Depilatories are a good choice for removing underarm, arm or leg hair. It is possible to remove unwanted facial hair with a depilatory, but this must be one which is specifically formulated for the face - and labelled accordingly.

It's best not to apply a deodorant for at least 12 hours after using a depilatory under the
arms.


Waxing
How to wax
Waxing is one of the oldest known methods of removing unwanted hair. Though it is offered as a salon service, you can do it yourself at home quite successfully. It's a good idea, though, to have at least one professional treatment before you try it out for yourself, so that you can see just how it should be done.
Both hot and cold waxing kits are available for home use - the latter is safer, easier and less messy to use but has the disadvantage of being less effective.
Waxing is often chosen because its effects are long-lasting, as the hairs are removed both above and below the skin's surface. Regrowth hairs have naturally tapered ends, so there is no 'stubble', and the skin is left soft and smooth. The main disadvantage is that it's a painful process! Some women find the discomfort is only minor - like having a plaster pulled off- others find it severe. It can make the skin rather red and blotchy for a few hours and may irritate sensitive skin, so a patch test is always advisable. Also, the hairs have to be quite long for the wax to get a grip on them. This may mean allowing a longer regrowth than you really want, in order to wax it off successfully. Finally, there is the risk of the skin being burned if the wax is made too hot.
How to wax
Using hot wax: Begin by heating the wax to the correct temperature, according to the manufacturer's directions. This is important as if it is too hot it will burn the skin, if it is not hot enough it won't be effective. Then, using a spatula, apply it to the skin, against the direction of the hair growth so that the hairs are raised and can be gripped by the wax.
When the wax has set - which takes only a very short time - it should be pulled away. The hairs will be pulled away with it. It is easier to remove the wax if a fabric or paper strip is smoothed on to it before it sets. These are usually provided with the wax itself. Using cold wax: This has a softer consistency than wax which is to be used hot, and comes coated on to a backing strip. You press the strip on to your skin, against the direction of hair growth, and then pull it off.
Where to wax
Waxing can be used for most unwanted hair, even on the face - with care - although it's not very practical for hairs which grow around the nipples. Waxing is a good method to choose for removing excess hair on the bikini line as it will usually last for the whole of the holiday season.


Abrasion
This method of removing hair with either a pumice stone or an emery pad is not very common. However, it's sometimes a good alternative for those whose skin reacts badly to other ways of removing superfluous hair. It has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy; but the disadvantages are that its effect is very short-lived, and it only works on short, fine hair. Longer hairs would have to be cut short first. Also, unless it is done with care, the skin will become sore and red.
How to abrade
Begin by cutting short any long hairs which are to be removed. Then rub the pumice stone or emery pad over the skin gently, with circular movements. Afterwards, apply a moisturising lotion to soothe the skin.
Where to abrade
This method is really only practical for fine hair on the arms and legs. It should not be used for facial hair or hair around the nipples and would be impractical for underarm hair.

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