Whether you shave it, pluck it or wax it, chances are good that you have to get rid of unwanted body hair now and again. The effects of hair removal--sleek, smooth skin--are ideal, but the side effects--razor burn, ingrown hairs and itching--can be downright uncomfortable. Properly preparing for your hair removal and a little savvy follow-up afterward can take away the "ouch" factor and give you hair removal without irritation.
Step 1
Trim your hair if it is longer than about a quarter-inch and you plan to wax or shave it. If you're plucking, leave it long so that it is easy to grab.
Step 2
Exfoliate the area you'll be defoliating. Opt for an oil-based scrub which will moisturize as it sloughs away dead skin cells, reducing your risk for ingrown hairs. Choose fragrance- and dye-free exfoliating scrubs so that there is no risk for irritation from an allergic reaction.
Step 3
Wait at least one hour after your exfoliating scrub to start the hair removal process. Showering and bathing open up the pores in your skin and make it more sensitive, increasing the risk for irritation after hair removal.
Step 4
Follow these recommendations based on your method of hair removal. If you're shaving, use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave with a new razor in the direction your hair grows. If you're waxing, apply the wax in a thick layer opposite the direction your hair grows and pull your skin taut as you remove the wax. If you're tweezing, squeeze the hair between the tweezers and pull it straight out.
Step 5
Apply moisturizing lotion after your hair removal. If you have pain, rub on a 1-percent hydrocortisone ointment--you can buy it at the drug store without a prescription--and take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
Step 6
Use glycolic acid pads--you can find them in acne treatment aisle of most drug stores--once or twice a week to prevent infection and ingrown hairs.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that recently defoliated skin has increased sun sensitivity so don't forget your sunscreen.
- Check with your doctor if you want to wax and you take Accutane or use skincare products with retinol since these products can significantly increase your risk of scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Exfoliating scrub
- Moisturizer
- Glycolic acid pads
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