Even the closest of shaves doesn't really remove coarse, dark hair from your legs. Shaving, a form of depilation, removes hair just at the surface, leaving a noticeable crop of follicles just under your skin that's not too dissimilar to a five o'clock shadow. Hair can sometimes begin to grow back in a matter of hours after depilation, adding to your frustration. The best way to get rid of coarse, dark leg hair is to hang up your razor and pick a different hair removal technique that truly does give you soft, silky legs.
Step 1
Use epilation, not depilation to remove coarse dark leg hair. Epilation takes out the hair follicle right down to the root, so you won't notice "hair shadow" for several weeks. Waxing is one of the more popular forms of epilation, says skincare expert Paula Begoun, and you can even purchase home waxing kits from a drugstore or beauty supply store. Most kits require you to heat the wax, after which it's applied to the leg with a spatula. A cloth strip is patted onto the wax and then yanked off, removing hair. You can also buy "cold wax" kits, as well--a pre-waxed strip is applied to the skin and then pulled off. Sugaring kits work along the same premise, says Begoun, although instead of heated wax, you apply a caramel-like gel to the skin and then peel it off.
Another option for home depilation is to use a rotary epilator. This electric device looks similar to an electric razor, only rows of tiny tweezers, rather than blades, line the head of the device. When you pass it over your skin, the tweezers grab and remove numerous hairs at one time. After you epilate, hair regrowth is staggered, making it easy to remove stray follicles.
Step 2
Use a semi-permanent hair removal technique. Laser hair removal, once offered only by medical professionals or at day spas and beauty salons, is now available to those who want to take it off in private. In 2008, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved two at-home devices for consumer use, both of which were priced at $600 or less in March 2010 (see Resources). Laser hair removal, which targets the pigment in the hair follicle to put it into the resting stage of growth, gives most noticeable results to people with dark, coarse leg hair and fair skin. After a series of treatments and regular maintenance treatments, you can expect between a 50 and 70 percent reduction in hair density, states a November, 2008 ABC news report. You can get even better results by seeking the services of a medical professional, says the "Hair Removal Journal"--up to 80 percent reduction in hair for those who are good candidates for treatment.
Step 3
Get rid of leg hair permanently. Electrolysis is the only process approved by the FDA to get rid of hair for good. Most opt to have electrolysis performed by a skilled professional, who uses a hand-held device with a wire-like probe which is slipped into the skin, next to the hair root. A small jolt of electricity is delivered to the root, after which the hair follicle is removed with tweezers. Some regrowth occurs after treatment, so covering an area of the body as large as the legs can take many months of treatment. The American Electrology Association indicates that depending on where you live, the cost of a single session can range between $25 and $40. There are at-home electrology devices that you can purchase; however, both Begoun and hair removal expert Andrea James note that this technique is best left to the pros. Home electrolysis often results in failed attempt to remove hair, and can cause infection and even scarring when performed improperly.
Tips and Warnings
- Waxing your own legs for the first time can be a challenge--and it's also not for those who aren't comfortable with self-inflicted pain. Begoun advises that you see a professional aesthetician who offers waxing services so you won't have a "sticky mess" on your hands.
- According to the manufacturers' websites, home laser hair removal devices, such as those made by Silk'n and Tria Beauty, cannot be used on medium-dark to black skin tones. The Hair Removal Journal advises those with darker skin types to seek laser hair removal services from a medical professional experienced in treating skin of color.
Things You'll Need
- Waxing or sugaring kit
- Rotary epilator
- Personal laser hair removal device
Member Comments