When you have sensitive skin, hair removal can be a daunting task.
But it doesn’t always have to be a complete guessing game.
There are certain methods of hair removal that make irritation more, or less, likely.
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It’s important to know what those are.
Still, you should tell your technician if you have any allergies.
You don’t have to wait to the 1/4" hair length like with waxing.
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Often, the problem with shaving isn’t the method.
Instead, it’s the wrong products and tools being used.
You want to use a razor with a built-in moisturizing agentanduse shaving cream.
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If you already use it, look at the ingredients in the shaving cream.
Other times, an allergy to a common ingredient in shaving products can be the culprit.
Finding the cause is key.
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Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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Lasers use pulsed light to shut down the follicle by targeting the pigment.
Generally, you will feel some heat and a snapping against the skin.
Sensitive skin (even in the safe zone range) will sometimes get overly red or swell.
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It’s important to do a patch test to see how skin reacts.
Most professional clinics apply a gel to protect the skin during treatment, which also helps cool it.
So there are some cases of skin sensitivity when you shouldn’t wax at all.
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Generally, it’s gentle to the skin with a good tech.
And while people sometimes get bumps and redness, it often doesn’t last that long.
However, the downside to threading is that it’s generally only done on facial hairnot anywhere else.
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Looking for something to do at home?
They’re only used on the face, though, and shouldn’t really be used on the eyebrows.
Getting rid of all or most of the hair permanently can bring great relief.
Electrolysis is the only method that’s FDA-approved for permanent hair removal.
It utilizes an electric current, and it’s a match for all tones of skin and hair colors.
There are three different modes used in electrolysis.
It can be a bit painful, which is why Emla, a prescription topical anesthetic is often recommended.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Removing hair safely.
Updated June 30, 2010.
