7 Hair Removal Methods for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin and want to remove body hair, then you need to find the right methods to use. There are plenty of hair removal methods for sensitive skin. However, some might be more challenging to use. Whether you want to use a hair removal machine or any other removal method, you want to ensure everything works flawlessly. With that in mind, here’s what you need to take into consideration.
7 Hair Removal Methods for Sensitive Skin
Before we get into the ways on how to remove hair on sensitive skin, you do need to ensure you prepare your skin accordingly. That means adequate moisturizing and a good skin care routine can go a long way. You also want to try and remove any dead skin cells too. That makes it easier to avoid skin irritation. And while natural hair removal is ok, you can also use hair removal products and even machines. All of them can be effective and highly reliable.
1. Shaving
Shaving is one of the best hair removal solutions for sensitive skin if you do it right. The problem for a lot of men and women is the potential irritation that can arise. That’s where skin sensitivity can be a major issue. However, you always want to use razors that are designed for sensitive skin, as those are very effective and reliable. On top of that, you can also buy gentle shaving creams and moisturizers too. Doing that will help eliminate problems, and it will provide a much better result in the end.
Best practices for sensitive skin
- It’s a very good idea to hydrate your skin first, if possible. That way, your skin will not be dry. And if you do so, you can avoid a lot of potential damage that can arise.
- Exfoliating your sensitive skin is very helpful too. It helps prepare the skin for shaving, without damaging it in any way.
- Another thing to consider is that you should always use the best shaving gel for sensitive skin. Gels are better than other options because they are dependable, they make it easier to remove hair fast and with excellent results every single time.
- We also recommend shaving using slow, yet steady strokes. It’s great if you want to avoid skin damage, so keep that in mind.
- It also makes sense to shave with the grain. That’s a good approach, because it help convey incredible results without having to rush.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shaving is great because it can help remove dead skin, extra hair, but also excess oil and debris.
- It can be a very good way to boost your confidence levels naturally.
Cons
- Shaving can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs
- If you’re not careful, it’s very easy to damage your skin with shaving
- One of the main downsides is that you can have itching and dryness
2. Waxing
If you dislike the idea of shaving, one of the things you can focus on would be waxing. The main focus here is to use the right type of wax. For people with sensitive skin, gentle methods are always preferred, the same with skincare. Hypoallergenic waxes are always recommended, and it will help quite a bit if you engage in the best waxing products.
Best practices and care
- Make sure that you go for a waxing product that has natural ingredients since it helps with sensitive skin.
- Additionally, you want to stay hydrated as much as possible.
- You should also try to avoid tanning for around 48 hours or more.
Advantages and drawbacks
Pros
- Waxing is great because it nourishes the skin, and it just focuses on the top layers of your skin.
- Unlike shaving, it does last longer, and you don’t have to deal with a potential razor burn, which is problematic for a lot of people.
- It can bolster your confidence levels, which for a lot of people is a huge gamechanger, and something you need to keep in mind.
Cons
- Waxing can be very painful, and it will sometimes bring mild bleeding and bumps.
- Moreover, it can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs or infections.
- And yes, it is very time-consuming as a process.
3. Depilatory Creams
Depilatory cream can be very useful if you want to remove hair naturally. And yes, depilation can be great for hair removal for sensitive skin. With that in mind, you want to use gentle methods when you have sensitive skin. And in this case, it certainly works a lot better than expected. Most of the time, depilatory creams use thioglycolic acid in order to break down keratin found in your hair.
You’re not removing the hair root, instead the hair structure becomes unstable and it breaks on its own. That can be extremely helpful, especially when it comes to protecting your skin. Ideally, you want to find depilatory creams that are suitable for sensitive skin.
Clean the area you want to work on, moisturize it and ensure that you read the instructions. Most of the time, you apply the depilatory cream on that targeted area and then wait for 5-15 minutes depending on the product. Then you just have to remove the fallen hair and you’re good to go. It’s a good idea to do a patch testing on a smaller region first.
Benefits and potential side effects
Pros
- Depilatory creams are not painful and they can make it easy to remove unwanted body hair very quickly
- Additionally, you can do a patch test first to see if you will have any side effects or reactions.
- Most depilatory creams are filled with moisturizers, which can be very helpful when you want to protect your skin.
Cons
- Some people can be sensitive to the cream ingredients, so try to ensure you avoid any issues as much as possible.
- If you leave the cream on your skin for too long, it can lead to burns or other side effects. That’s why you always want to follow the instructions.
4. Sugaring
Sugaring is a great option if you want natural hair removal. In addition, you apply a sugaring compound in the opposite direction of your hair growth. You also need to seep into the hair follicle and you adhere to it properly. Once you do that, you flick off in the natural direction, while preventing pain and hair breakage.
One of the things to note with sugaring is that you need to apply everything gently on your skin. There are other tips to consider, like:
- With sugaring, the cooler the sugar paste is, the better it will be.
- Always try to go with smaller strips. Keeping the area you are working on very small will help quite a bit.
- Hydrate and exfoliate your skin beforehand, if possible.
- Sugaring every 3 weeks is recommended.
- You shouldn’t shower right away, because it will increase the body temperature.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sugaring is a hygienic method and it uses natural ingredients
- It’s not very painful, and it can be extremely good for sensitive skin
- This is an ideal method for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- If you have short hair, it’s not really that effective
- Ideally, you want it done by an expert
- Certain medications can lead to side effects if you’re also sugaring.
5. Threading
Threading can be a great option for those with sensitive skin. In this case, you use a polyester or cotton thread that you double and then twist. It can help remove unwanted hair with good precision, which is what makes it very powerful. The method is ideal for facial hair, and it does work extremely well. That being said, it can remove short rows of hair, and it’s incredibly powerful, something you need to keep in mind. Threading also comes with minimal skin contact, and it can work extremely well.
Advantages and limitations
Pros
- Threading is safe, because you are in complete control over what you remove and how you handle everything.
- The method is great for sensitive skin since there are no chemicals being used here.
- You have lots of precision and it’s possible to prevent the hair from growing in that area in the long run.
Cons
- Threading is time-consuming, it’s the type of process that can take quite a bit of time.
- Pain can sometimes appear when it comes to threading, so that’s something to consider as well.
6. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is very effective because it can help remove unwanted hair precisely and very fast. It’s important to work closely with a dermatologist. He will be able to tell you how to fully prepare in your own situation. Plus, he can also pick the right laser settings that fit your needs and requirements. In general, you want your skin to be clear of any impurities and also moisturized. It is possible to experience some irritation during the removal process, along with some discomfort. And yes, some post-treatment redness can also arise, which is something to keep in mind.
Pros
- Laser hair removal is one of the best options if you want long term results.
- It can also help you treat a multitude of different areas, something you need to keep in mind.
- Also, it can reduce the number of ingrown hairs that you will encounter.
Cons
- It is a process, and it can take quite a bit of time
- There is some discomfort that you will experience with this procedure, at times.
- Laser hair removal won’t be suitable for all skin types
7. Epilation
Epilation can be very effective, because it allows you to target a specific part of your skin. It’s easy to adjust everything, and managing the process is extremely interesting. Epilation relies on using a machine that you slowly move over your unwanted hair, and it will start pulling the hair follicles and cutting them effectively. Make sure that you always use epilators designed for sensitive skin, because it always helps and it can provide excellent results.
Post-epilation care:
- Exfoliating your skin is helpful since it clears the skin surface to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Add a moisturizer onto your skin, so you can make it glow and soft as well.
- In some cases, depending on the area, you can also add a body lotion to nourish that region.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Epilating can be a very cost-effective solution, and it’s something you can do on your own.
- Results tend to last more when compared to other methods.
- Your skin remains smooth and this method works for all hair types.
Cons
- Epilating can sometimes lead to discomfort, which is a problem in certain situation.
- Skin irritation and ingrown hairs can be side effects.
- It’s a time-consuming process, and it doesn’t work if your hair is very short!
Final Thoughts:
As you can see, there are different hair removal methods for sensitive skin that you can start using today. All these methods are effective, reliable, although some will have longer-term effects while others are focused on short term results. That being said, it’s important to assess your needs and ensure that you protect your skin accordingly and follow the guidelines for each method!