Hair-removal techniques for men are exactly the same as in women. The choice of technique depends on whether you're looking for temporary or long-term results. Shaving, waxing, depilatories and tweezing provide a hair-free appearance for the short-term, while laser hair removal and electrolysis offer a prolonged solution for unwanted hair.
Shaving
One of the more popular hair-removal techniques for men is shaving. It's not only cost-effective but often easy and painless. All that's needed is a shaving gel and a razor to provide temporary results. However, shaving can lead to razor bumps, which result from shorn hairs curling back and growing into the skin.
To prevent these ingrown hairs, shave with the grain of the beard or hair growth. You should also minimize razor stokes to one pass per section of the skin. Regularly cleaning and changing razor blades is also beneficial, as well as using an aftershave gel. If razor bumps become a chronic problem, try using an electric razor. Electric razors leave the shorn hairs longer than a razor blade. This makes them less likely to curl back.
Waxing
Men can also benefit from waxing. This form of hair removal uses warmed wax that's applied to areas of the skin experiencing unwanted hair growth. A strip of fabric is placed over the wax and then ripped from the skin as soon as the wax cools. Waxing is more painful than shaving but provides similar results. Regular waxing helps maintain the hair-free appearance of the skin.
Depilatories
Men can chemically remove unwanted hair with depilatories. Depilatories are topical creams that contain a chemical agent that disintegrates the hair. The lotion is applied to the skin and allowed to set. When it is wiped off, hairs are removed. Much like shaving and waxing, results are temporary. Depilatories may also lead to chemical burns and skin irritation.
Tweezing
A few unwanted hairs, like those that sprout between the eyebrows, can be removed by tweezing. A pair of tweezers is all that's needed to use this form of hair removal. A slight pain often accompanies hair removal, but this can be lessened by numbing the area with an ice cube before plucking the hair. Also, consider sterilizing the tips of the tweezers before each use to help avoid infection.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is another option for men, especially when they're looking for more long-term results. Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser light energy to remove the hair and damage the follicle, which essentially causes it to go dormant for a prolonged period of time. You won't experience hair growth for upward of 12 months after a series of sessions.
Electrolysis
Men hoping to permanently remove unwanted hairs can use electrolysis. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that electrolysis uses an electrical spark to destroy the follicle. Once the follicle is destroyed, hair no longer grows. However, this method is time-consuming because each hair must be treated to effectively remove it.
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