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Body hair is of course quite normal. But if you don't want it, follow our no-nonsense guide to getting rid of it…
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Underarms
can be creamed or shaved, possibly waxed. Creams give a smooth finish. The amount of time you have to wait for the cream to work depends on the strength of the hair.
Follow the directions on the bottle and remember that the longer you leave a chemical remover on your skin, the more likely it is to irritate. Some creams come with after-care moisturisers.
Shaving is very quick, but stubble re-appears fast. The cheap disposable razors mean you don't have to bother with spare blades, although a sturdy razor will last and the blades are in a simple dispenser. Shaving foam is ideal for shaving because it's creamy and moisturised!
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For legs,
Waxing is the best. Waxing lasts longest and gives a really smooth feel. It can be painful if you are sensitive, but it's so fast that it's bearable. Most salons use organic wax, applied in smallish sections, a piece of fabric is smoothed over the wax then pulled back against the hair growth. It is possible to do this at home, but unless you know all the tricks it really is best to go to a salon. Sitting with wax on your leg, afraid to pull off the strips is a familiar problem for those who try to do it at home without knowing how. Better to put yourself in the hands of someone at a salon- the process will be over in minutes!
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Bikini-line
Hairs here are extra strong. Shaving leaves stubble, which you don't want, so creams and waxing are best. Waxing isn't as painful as you'd imagine, but is best done at a salon. Creams work, too- but follow instructions carefully. Bikini Bare recommends the patch test to check for sensitivity and say it then takes about 10 to 12 minutes to remove the hairs.
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Facial hair
May be creamed or waxed away- or tweezed if there are a few longer, stronger hairs. Creams are also a popular choice.
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Bleaching
Could be the answer if you have darker hairs which worry you. It's certainly worth considering bleach for the face and arms, where actual removal would cause endless problems because of active regrowth and can be a great help.
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More than your fair share
Masses of dark hair or hair which grows thickly on stomach, chest, back, face is a problem for many women. And, if this is you, you have probably tried most of the methods going and long for a magical solution. Electrolysis is one treatment, which seems offer the answers, but it can take as little as a few sessions or can last for months or even years. Electrolysis is the removal of unwanted hair by a current passed through a needle to heat up the hair follicle and destroy the very root of the hair. But if the current is too much it can sear the skin, and if it's too small it won't do the trick. Some hairs grow back- even the operator can't guarantee the number of treatments needed for success. Electrolysis isn't suitable for curly hairs, which have curved follicles. Laser hair removal is the later option but it should be done by a qualified doctor only.
The most important thing you can do if hair is causing you great stress is to talk it over with someone. For actual treatments, try a reputable beauty salon. Beauty therapists often set up on their own and the only way you can find a good one is by asking around, or asking friends if they know of anyone.
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Sunita Motwani Makhija LCGI
Sunita Motwani-Makhija is an Internationally qualified Beautician and Hair Consultant and is the Director of the Schnell Hans chain of Beauty Schools & Salons in Mumbai, India that conducts Basic and Advanced courses and also the City & Guilds International Hairdressing Qualification. Sunita is the first Indian to have been conferred the prestigious Licentiateship in Hairdressing by City & Guilds, U.K.
For any hair & beauty queries E-mail: schnellhans@rbcsgroup.com
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