Top Tips For Getting Fuzz Free

Hair removal used to be all about the razor. A bit of shaving cream, a lather in the bath and a disposable razor was all you needed. Now, though, there are so many different methods of hair removal that getting fuzz free can be a bit confusing. Do you go all out with a wax? Stick to the more gentle option of a close shave? Is it possible to remove hair permanently or at least semi-permanently? We answer all of these questions and more with our top tips for getting fuzz free.

Do I Need To Get Rid Of My Hair?

Not if you don't want to. Some gals like to keep their hair, some like to get rid of it completely and some prefer to keep just a little bit.

It can be caused by something as simple as your heritage - if your mum had excess hair, it's likely that you will too. Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause excess hair growth and it's linked to an increase in certain hormones within the body. For example, you may be suffering from a hormone-secreting tumor or going through the menopause. Or, you might have a hormone disorder. If you do have excess hair growth in an unexpected spot, see your doctor, as there are plenty of medications that slow down and even stop the hair growth - meaning that you don't have to turn to the razor.

Some ladies just want to get rid of their excess hair because they don't like it, and that's fine too. Whatever your reasons for wanting to remove your hair, the tips below should leave you feeling as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Cheap and Cheerful: Razors

Razors are the cheapest option and for ladies in a rush, they're actually really effective. But it's important that you go for a high quality razor, if possible with a moisturizing bar or soap bar that'll smooth and soften your legs (or anywhere else) as you shave. Cheap razors will drag at your skin and you're more likely to end up with lumps and bumps. Remember, too, that you should never ever attempt a dry shave. You'll end up with ingrown hairs and red bumps aplenty.

See Also: Different ways of hair removal

Generally, shaving works best under your arms and on your legs, although you can also shave spots like your tummy, too. Using a razor cuts the hair on top of the skin, which effectively blunts the hair, making it look thicker - which is where the myth about shaving making hair grow back thicker comes from. The downside of shaving is that hair grows back quicker, within 1 to 3 days.

What About Waxing?

You can wax pretty much every part of your bod and it's really very simple. But it hurts. Yep, it hurts, and anyone who tells you otherwise is a big fat liar. There are a few different options for waxing - you either use waxing strips, wax that you spread onto the skin with a wooden applicator and something called sugaring, which is basically waxing but with a sugar solution. When waxing, you need to apply the wax evenly onto the skin (or press the wax strip firmly into place), then remove, pulling in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

Once the hair is smooth and hair-free, gently clean the waxed area to remove any sticky residue left behind from the wax and then apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel or body lotion to soothe and calm skin. Let it dry completely before getting dressed. If using wax on the face, be very gentle and make sure it gets nowhere near your eyes.

Other Options

Although waxing and shaving are probably the most common hair removal methods, there are plenty of other options that you can use, especially if your hair growth is persistent, or if it's caused by a medical condition. Laser hair removal is really popular as it's one of the most permanent options. It works like this: different wavelengths of light are directed towards the targeted hair follicles. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the hair follicles as heat energy, and this damages each hair follicle. Over time, with repeated treatments throughout the cycle of hair growth, the follicles become permanently damaged which means that hair no longer grows. It is fairly painful though and has been likened to the sensation of having an elastic band constantly pinged against your skin. Plus, repeated treatments are needed and it can be a costly form of treatment. 

See Also: Permanent Facial Hair Removal

Tweezers are ideal for precision work - as in plucking stray hairs that mess with the overall shape of your brows, or even stray hairs on your legs or in places you definitely don't want them to be in, like your chin or in your ears! Threading is the beauty bloggers and fash pack's eyebrow treatment of choice - it involves twisting a piece of thread to form almost a figure of eight shape, then using that tight thread to pull out the hairs quickly and cleanly. It's perfect for gals that want thick, bold brows like Cara Delevigne as it shapes the eyebrows quickly and easily without losing any volume.

Want to know more about your hair removal options? See your dermatologist.