In most cases, male hair removal is done only by esthetics, especially in places such as the chest, back, belly and legs. However, waxing can also be a good way to control sweating, and so many men may choose to do hair removal when suffering from hyperhidrosis, underarms, for example, a condition where there is an exaggerated production of sweat.
There are several hair removal techniques, such as wax, depilatory creams, laser, razor blade and even epilating machines, each technique having its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the length of time it is expected that epilation will last, for example, and the location to be shaved.
What is the best form of hair removal?
There is no single way to make epilation that is considered the best and therefore it is possible to use more than one technique when you are depilating the body. Some of the most used techniques are:
1. Wax
This is a very effective method in which the hairs are removed through a thin layer of melted wax, which is applied warm on the skin and which is cooling while sticking in all hairs. Then, this layer is removed quickly so that the hairs are completely removed.
- Main advantages : completely removes the hair from the root and, therefore, the epilation lasts longer, and can be maintained for 2 to 4 weeks. When this epilation is done frequently, the hairs seem to take even longer to grow.
- Disadvantages : It is a painful method, which can cause skin irritation and should not be used in more sensitive areas such as the intimate region.
- Where it can be used : It is usually used on the chest, belly, back, arms and legs, but can also be used with care on the face.
To ensure a better result with the wax, the hair should be trimmed with a shaver before passing the wax, for example, as well as taking a bath of warm water, to open the pores and remove any type of cream that has in the body, as it can make it difficult for the wax to stick to the body.
There is also the option of doing waxing with cold wax, in which are used small bands of wax bought at the pharmacy or supermarket. Here's how to properly do waxing with hot or cold wax.
2. Depilatory cream
Depilatory creams are fairly easy to use and therefore are used very often. This type of cream works as a chemical blade because it contains a set of substances that make the hair thinner and destroy its base, causing them to fall, in a few minutes.
Generally, these creams should be applied to the skin for 5 to 10 minutes, according to the indications on the packaging and then removed with the help of a small spatula that ensures a better breakage of the hair. After removal of the hair, the skin should be washed with warm water and a soap of neutral pH.
- Main advantages : the cream is easy to use and does not cause any discomfort as it does not pull the hairs at the root.
- Disadvantages : not removing the hair at the root cause a shorter effect and, therefore, the hair can reappear in 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, if left on the skin longer than indicated on the package, it may cause skin irritation.
- Where it can be used : It is generally indicated to do the depilation in the chest, belly, back, arms and legs and, therefore, should not be used in the intimate region.
There are different types of depilatory creams, especially for normal or sensitive skin, so it is best to choose a cream and apply it in a small area before using it on a large area of the body to see if there is any kind of irritation.
3. Blade
The blade is one of the oldest techniques for hair removal and therefore it is also used frequently, especially when you have little time to do the hair removal. However, with this method there is a greater risk of skin cuts, which can result in infections, for example.
In most cases, the blade is indicated for those who have few hairs, or for when you want to depilate more sensitive regions, such as the intimate region, since it allows regulating the intensity of epilation, provided it is done gently and gently.
- Main advantages : it does not cause pain, it is a quick method and can be used on almost every part of the body.
- Disadvantages : There is a greater risk of cuts on the skin and ingrown hairs, since the hair is not removed by the root, nor is it weakened as with the depilatory cream.
- Where it can be used : in almost every part of the body, and may even be the best technique for doing intimate hair removal, since it allows regulating the intensity.
The blade should not be passed on dry skin as it causes increased friction, increasing the risk of cuts, skin irritation and ingrown hairs. You should also use a blade cream, such as shaving creams, for example, but it is also possible to use the shower gel.
See everything you need to know to do the depilation with blade.
4. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a good choice for epilation and may even result in permanent hair removal. In this technique, a type of laser is used, which can be diode or alexandrite, which shoots a lot of energy into the hair, in order to destroy the root, eliminating the hair and decreasing the chances that it grows again.
This type of hair removal can cause some pain and therefore should always be done at specialized laser hair removal clinics to avoid complications such as burns on the skin or even wounds. Usually it takes 4 to 6 sessions so that the hair stops growing in a certain region, but this can vary from man to man, according to skin color, for example.
- Main advantages : it is a method that distributes the root of the hair and therefore its result lasts for a long time, and can even become definitive.
- Disadvantages : It can be very painful, it usually causes a very irritated skin after treatment and does not work in the best way on darker skin or very light hair.
- Where it can be used : it can be done on almost all parts of the body, including the groin area.
During the treatment with laser hair removal one should avoid sun exposure because the skin needs time to recover from the trauma, as well as apply a soothing cream after each session.
Learn more about laser hair removal and the care you should take.
Epilator machine
The epilator machine, also known as electric epilator, is a small device that pulls the hair out by the root, working in a similar way as the wax. Typically, this type of appliance can be used with dry or wet skin and thus can be used during bathing, for example.
- Main advantages : it is easy to use and its result lasts as long as the wax, for up to 4 weeks.
- Disadvantages : It causes some discomfort when plucking the hair from the skin and can leave the skin irritated.
- Where it can be used : usually indicated for belly, chest, back, arms and legs.
For best results, you should trim your hair with a shaver before using the electric epilator, as long hair may make it difficult to operate the appliance. Although these machines can be used during the bath, epilation is usually easier with sca skin, since the hair is less glued to the skin, being more easily grasped by the epilator.
How To Make Intimate Hair Removal
Since the intimate region is an extremely sensitive area, it is best to trim the hairs only using scissors or a razor, for example. However, if you want to completely remove the hair and leave the skin smooth, one of the best options is to do the hair removal with a blade.
To do epilation with the blade, great care must be taken to avoid cuts on the skin, especially in the region of the scrotum and anal. Creams, although easily applied in this region, can cause a lot of irritation even when they are suitable for sensitive skin and therefore should also be avoided.
The wax can be used to remove hairs from the groin or pubis, however it is not recommended for use in more sensitive areas. In addition, a lot of men have also resorted to definitive hair removal, such as with laser, to decrease the region's hairs and facilitate hygiene; however, this method is more painful and is only limited to the groin area as well.
What are the precautions for better waxing
To ensure a better result of epilation and avoid problems such as irritated skin or ingrown hairs, there are some precautions that should always be taken before and after depilating, which include:
Before waxing
- Trim the hair when it is larger than 1 cm using a shaver;
- Skin exfoliation 2 to 3 days before depilation;
- Bath with warm water to remove any type of cream or skin product and open the pores;
- Maintain a proper hydration of the skin by passing moisturizer every day.
After epilation
- Apply a moisturizer to the skin, but avoid moisturizing oils;
- Avoid sunbathing or sunbathing for a long time;
- Do not wear tight clothing, especially pants;
- Avoid swimming in swimming pools or entering hot tubs due to the presence of chlorine;
In addition, about 2 to 3 days after epilation is also advised to exfoliate the skin to remove the remains of hair and dead cells. This exfoliation can be gentle and can be made up to the first 10 days after epilation.