A regular visit to the salon for a trim just isn’t practical. What happens when your go-to therapist is booked solid and you need to get into your bikini and onto the beach ASAP? Not to mention the fact that it can get a little (lot) costly! Why not save some precious time and pennies with some DIY? Here are some quick and affordable options for getting rid of unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home.
Shaving
Shaving means cutting your hair off at the surface of the skin. All you need is some warm, soapy water or shaving cream to create lather over the area to be shaved, a sharp razor with at least three blades (toss it after five to 10 shaves) and you’re good to go. Shave using light, gentle strokes against hair growth and rinse frequently. This is the quickest option but because it only gets rid of hair from the base, if your hair is darker than your skin colour, subsurface hair may be noticeable. It’s also the least painful (unless you cut yourself of course). If you use this method of hair removal, stick to shaving your legs and underarms only. Men, your face will suffice (unless you’re a serious sportsman, in which case you’re excused to shave your legs too – depending on the sport) and go for a shaving gel like Nivea for men sensitive shaving gel, R69,95. Finish off with Sorbet Man Post Shave Balm, R69,95.
Waxing
When you wax, you pull your hair out from the root by applying the sticky stuff to the surface of your skin and peeling it (the wax and the hairs together) off in the opposite direction to that of your hair growth. Your kit would include either strip wax, like ready-to-use wax strips for your bikini, legs and underarm like Nair Argan Oil Bikini & Underarm Sensitive Glide-On, R89.95, or hot wax that you can heat up in your microwave when needed. We recommend Mandy’s Fabulous Film Wax, R106.99. Waxing is messy but some packs include wipes for removing any excess wax and soothing sensitive skin, or you could use Johnson’s Baby Oil, R32.95. Although waxing takes more time than shaving, it saves time in the long run because your fluff should only grow back after two weeks. But there is the eina factor to consider!
Epilators
Like waxing, epilators also remove hair from the roots, except instead of using wax to do so, these electrical appliances have mini tweezers on a roller that revolves at a high speed along the surface of your skin, trapping your hairs and pulling them out. Some are battery-operated and can be used dry or in the bath or shower, like the Philips SatinSoft Wet and Dry Epilator, R749.99. If you can’t decide between shaving and using an epilator, the Body Duo 2-in-1 Shaver and Epilator from Veet, R699, is for you. Although epilation isn’t as messy as waxing, it’s more painful and could cause ingrown hairs, so it’s best used to remove regrowth or to touch up after a wax.
Hair removal creams
Hair removal creams aka chemical depilatories are either rubbed or sprayed onto your skin to dissolve your hair’s protein structure, loosening your hair from the follicle and making it weak enough to be rubbed and washed off. Lotions, gels, roll-ons and aerosols are also available. Your hair is removed from just below the surface of your skin, so you won’t feel stubble as soon as after a shave. Be sure to conduct a patch test and follow the instructions carefully. We recommend Sensitive Skin Hair Removal Cream from Veet, R32.99.
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30 Responses
I prefer waxing, hair takes way longer to grow than after shaving
I prefer shaving as its alot less payless than waxing
Using the epilator is painful but worth it
hair removal creams never works on me, – but thanks for the tips
Never tried shaving my face, imaging the look on my boyfriends face walking in on me with a face full of shaving cream……I’d stick with the waxing.
I would advise laser, it is the best thing I have done! I hardly have any hair, and makes life so much easier.
I enjoy Salon waxes, but in summer for the extra smoothness, especially when wearing a dress or a skirt…shaving is it!
Good advice!
I use hair remaval creams, best for me
The epilator – can’t get myself to use it. It hurts too much when you have to do it yourself!