About a GIRL - Hair Romoval

We all know hairy legs and armpits are about as attractive as you feel on a Monday morning. But have no fear we're here to give you the furry facts and top tips on how to get rid of that unwanted hair.

With loads of different ways to fight the fuzz, from epilating to shaving we'll help you find the right one for you. So check them out and get ready to show off your silky smooth skin.

Which way is right for you ?

There are two types of hair removal methods: surface or root. Surface methods, like shaving and depilatory creams, remove the hair closest to the skin. Whereas root methods like epilation, waxing and laser remove the hair right at the root.

Gillette® recommends wet shaving if you're looking for a quick and easy way of removing hairs in no time. Braun Silk-épil recommends epilation to remove hairs at the root for up to 4 weeks of silky smooth legs. Our quick guide will help you find out which one’s right for you!

Wet Shaving

Wet shaving is a quick and easy way of removing hair from your legs and underarms. It's also safe and painless. The razor cuts hair off at the surface of the skin.

Advantages: Shaving is fast and painless, and can be done in your bathroom at home. It also gently exfoliates the skin on your legs to keep them looking extra-smooth.

Disadvantages: The results don’t last long and you have to shave regularly to maintain the smooth results.

Epilation

Electric epilators are hand held devices that have a head of rotating tweezers that grip and remove the hairs from the root. They can be used on legs, underarms, arms and the bikini area.

Advantages: Ultra-smooth results, lasting up to four weeks. Removes hairs as short as 0.5mm, unlike wax which needs lengths of 2mm hair growth for optimal results. Regular epilation can reduce the number of in-growing hairs. Hair is finer and thinner than after shaving.

Disadvantages: It can cause a little discomfort when you start but this gets easier and less after the first time.

Dry Shaving

Dry shaving involves an electric razor without a shave gel or soap. Electric razors consist of several blades that rotate behind a metal foil protector that prevents the blades from touching the skin surface.

Advantages: Electric razors are quick and there is less chance of getting nicks and cuts as the blades don't touch your skin.

Disadvantages: It costs more than a standard razor and you don't get a shave as close or as smooth as a wet shave.

Depilatory Cream and Foam

Depilatory cream and foam contain chemicals that melt your hair, allowing you to wash it all away. The process takes about 20 minutes to work, and the results last up to a week.

Advantages: It's easy to use and the effects last slightly longer than shaving.

Disadvantages: The acid in the cream may give it an unpleasant smell and can sometimes lead to skin reactions for those with sensitive skin.

Waxing

The waxing process isn't complicated, but it can be tricky. Hot or cold wax is spread over the skin and removed in one fluid motion with a paper or cloth strip. This allows you to remove hairs at the root.

Advantages: Smoother legs for longer because the hairs are removed at the root.

Disadvantages: Painful on your skin and painful on your wallet if you go to a salon! You also have to wait for your hairs to be long enough before you can wax again.

LAser

The only way to remove hairs forever is to go for laser treatment. Be warned – it should be done by professionals in a salon.

Advantages: Some hairs are removed forever.

Disadvantages: Several treatments are required for permanent hair removal so it is the most expensive of all the hair removal methods. You also have to be careful about going in the sun for up to six weeks either side of your treatment as the changes to the pigment in your skin can increase the risk of sunburn.

Frequently Asked Question :

What is epilation?

Using a hand-held device a bit like a dry razor – with a head of rotating tweezers which you run along the skin’s surface, removing hairs at the root. You get ultra-smooth results, lasting up to 4 weeks. Epilators can remove hairs as short as 0.5mm unlike wax which needs 2mm hair growth for optimum results so there’s no need to wait for unsightly regrowth. Regular epilation can also reduce the number of in-growing hairs.

I have never epilated before – how should I go about it?

Braun’s Silk-épil epilators are a perfect choice for girls looking into epilation as a new experience. Their active massage rollers softly stimulate your skin before removing the hair, leaving your skin more relaxed and less susceptible to the pulling sensation. Still, if you are inexperienced, you may feel a little discomfort during your first epilating sessions. This will decrease with each session, as the skin adjusts to the process. Also, the individual hairs grow back at different speeds depending on their particular growth cycle, so that there will be less hair to remove after the first session.

Why does hair grow back, if I have removed it at the root?

This is very simple: the hair is removed at the root – not with the root. However, removing hairs at the root means that hair won’t grow back until weeks have passed.

Does more hair grow back if I epilate?

No, this has been proven in tests conducted by experts. In fact, studies show that ongoing epilation reduces the amount of hair re-growth.

How can "problem hairs" – like flat-lying hairs – be addressed?

The entire Silk-épil range has been developed with SoftLift tips® which lift those flat lying and shortest hairs and guides them into the tweezer system. This makes it highly efficient and fast.

Is epilation painful?

Braun Silk-épil epilators have been developed especially to minimize any discomfort and irritation. Silk-épil SoftPerfection is equipped with a cooling glove that cools down the skin beforehand and the massaging rollers to relax the skin as you use the epilator. Silk-épil Xpressive Pro Wet&Dry can be used under the water, in the shower or bath and gives you an even gentler epilation.

Will the hair grow back thicker when using an epilator?

That is a misconception. With regular epilation, your hair is less likely to grow back as thick as it was before you started epilating. Epilation is a method of “root hair removal”. With root hair removal methods, hair re-growth is finer and less dense.

What is the best time to epilate?

Evenings are the perfect time for your epilating session. You will feel relaxed, and any minor skin irritations that may occur, including little bumps and redness, will disappear over night. Plus: You’ll wake up wonderfully smooth-legged in the morning!

How do I best prepare my skin for epilating?

The best preparation for epilating is a nice, warm shower or bath. It will remove all greasy or oily residues from your skin, leaving it warm, clean and relaxed. Be sure to use a gentle, pH-neutral shower gel, and keep the water warm, not hot, to avoid drying out your delicate skin. Please yourself with your favourite music and chocolate to make your pampering moment almost perfect.

How often should I shave?

It's different for everyone, but since it only takes a few minutes, most girls shave a few times a week.

How do I take care of my razor?

Looking after your razor couldn't be easier. Just rinse it and let it air-dry after each use. If your blade gets clogged, you should replace it straight away. But, cleaning your razor after each shave will help prevent this happening.

Can I use my dad’s razor?

Why would you want to use his razor when one has been specially developed just for you? Gillette® Venus® razors are specially designed for girls. It's rounded pivoting head closely follows your curves. This also reduces the chances of you getting nicks, cuts and razor burn. Also, the lubricating strip enhances the glide of your razor.

I’m worried about getting nicks, cuts and razor burn when I shave – how can I avoid them?

Razor burn can be caused by lots of things, but the two most common causes are not preparing your skin before shaving and shaving with an old, dull bade. So, to help avoid razor burn, nicks and cuts, let your legs soak for two to three minutes before shaving, and then apply plenty of shave gel like Satin Care™. Shave slowly and don't push down too hard on the blade. Use top-quality blades and make sure you change them at the first sign of dullness.

Is there a specific direction I should shave in?

For a close, smooth shave on your legs, it's better to shave upwards against the direction that leg hairs grow. But, under your arms, you should shave up, down and from the side because the hairs grow in different directions.

 

Can I shave if I have sensitive skin?

Sure. Just follow the drill – soak the hairs, use a shave gel (Satin Care™ Sensitive Skin for example) and make sure you use a fresh blade.

Will shaving make my hair grow back thicker and darker?

NO! Experts say that shaving doesn't alter the size or colour of hair, and that it doesn't cause it to grow back quicker, thicker or darker. The reason people think it does is because shaving changes the tip-shape of the re-growing hair, which may initially change the way it feels.

Is it OK to shave before sunbathing?

Yes it is, but it's better to shave the night before you are planning to spend the day in your bikini. A combination of sun, salt or chlorine can easily irritate the skin if you jump straight from the bathroom onto the beach, or into the pool. If you're already sunburnt make sure you let the skin heal before shaving so that it doesn't feel more sensitive.

Is it really important to moisturise?

Dry, flaky skin is never in fashion so you should always moisturise after shaving for party perfect legs! A girl's legs have very few oil-producing glands and shaving with soap dries out the skin even further. Using a moisture rich shaving gel like Satin Care™ keeps your skin protected, supple and smooth.