Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Rule #1: Remove all unwanted hair. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
TWEEZING, ELECTROLYSIS, waxing and rotating depilatories
all sound like World War II torture techniques, but they are actually modes
of hair removal. Societal ideals depict that hair growth on certain areas of
the body should be eliminated especially when wearing swimwear and many
tend to agree. For this purpose, the most commonly-tended areas are the armpits,
legs, and most importantly the bikini line.
For the said hair removal zones, the commonly-employed modes of removal are shaving, waxing and the use of depilatories. These all remove hair temporarily, and are suitable where consideration is made of their convenience, affordability, painfulness (or painlessness), the sensitivity of the skin where hair is to be removed, and the effect the method might have on the condition of the skin.
SHAVING
Shaving is the most common method of hair removal. It is classified as a mode of depilation, where depilation is the removal of hair at the surface. In shaving, a sharp razor is scraped along the skin in the area of hair growth, and the blade removes the hair at the surface. This method is useful for removing hair from all three zones specified for hair removal when donning swimwear.
ADVANTAGES
It is inexpensive, fast, usually painless, and can be done anywhere.
DISADVANTAGES
The effects are short-lived and regrowth can occur as fast as a few hours.
It can cause irritation and cuts.
It often causes ingrown hairs,
especially in women's bikini area.
The blades require frequent
replacement.
The hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble.
WAXING
Waxing is a mode of epilation, where hair is removed from the follicle. Hot wax is applied to the skin and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away, taking hairs with it. A bikini wax involves the removal of pubic hair adjacent to the pantyline or bikini area. Though there are do-it-yourself waxing kits, only use these on the legs and underarm, and visit a licensed cosmetologist or an aesthetician for a bikini wax.
ADVANTAGES
The results are lasting and new hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for 3 to 8 weeks.
When hair does grow back, it is soft and thin.
It can be done at home.
DISADVANTAGES
Waxing is usually done by licensed cosmetologist so the cost can be high.
It can be painful. Though the pain is short lasting it is still uncomfortable.
It can be messy.
It can cause severe skin irritation or infections. It can also cause burning, peeling or tearing of the skin if the wax is too hot or not properly applied.
When hair is removed against the direction of growth, the hair follicles might be disturbed, causing hairs to begin to grow in different directions. As a result, hair growth may become more more noticeable.
Note that some experts advise against waxing for individuals who suffer from diabetes or have poor circulation or varicose veins, since these conditions make them more susceptible to infection. Also, those who use Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Isotretinoin should not be waxed, since these medications allow skin to weaken and could result in the tearing of the skin.
DEPILATORIES
Depilatories dissolve hair at the surface, and are available over-the-counter in gel, cream, roll-on, aerosol and lotion forms. These are not suitable for the bikini area, but great for the legs and underarms.
ADVANTAGES
They are inexpensive.
There are various strengths available to dissolve even the strongest of hairs.
Convenient and can-be-done at home.
DISADVANTAGES
The effects are short-lived, though usually longer lasting than shaving.
Can cause severe skin irritation.
The hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble.
http://www.hairfacts.com/
http://www.articleworld.org/Bikini_waxing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depilation.
