Want to find out the best ways to get rid of unwanted hair? From legs to brows, the pros reveal the best ways to deal with unwanted hair:
LEGS
Ideal Option: Shaving
Ouch Factor: None
Why It’s Best: Convenience and speed make this the go-to grooming method for N.Y.C. dermatologist Doris Day. “There’s also very little risk of ingrown hairs and irritation,” she says. “Waxing makes more sense in winter since you have to allow the hair to grow out before removing it.”
Do cosmetics companies overlook black women.
Do It Right
* Reach for the razor within 10 minutes of stepping into the shower; otherwise, the skin swells and you won’t be able to get a close shave.
* Look for a shaving cream that contains enough moisturizers, such as jojoba oil or shea butter.
* A multi-blade razor reduces the number of times you have to sweep an area and staves off uncomfortable razor burn. Try the five-blade Venus Embrace ($12; at drugstores).
* Irritation results from a dull blade and too much pressure. There’s no need to press down — let the razor glide over skin. And toss your razor after three to five uses.
* Hang your razor upright to fully dry — a damp blade encourages bacteria growth.
BIKINI LINE
Ideal Option: Professional Wax
Ouch Factor: Like ripping off a Band-Aid over and over
Why It’s Best: “Results last longer than other methods, and the coarse hair tends to grow back sparser over time due to follicle trauma,” says Day. However, the bikini area is extremely sensitive, so waxing is best left to a specialist.
DIY: Manicure and pedicure
Get It Done
* Exfoliate with a gentle scrub such as True Blue Spa Naked In The Buff ($18; bathandbodyworks.com) a day before waxing to remove dead skin that can clog pores and cause ingrown hairs.
* Hair should be 1/4″ to 1/2″ long for the best grip.
* Apply a salicylic acid treatment immediately after waxing, as well as every other day, to keep your pores clear and stay bump-free.
(From instyle.com)