Summer means sundresses, shorts, tanks, bikinis—and plenty of skin showing. That means figuring out the ideal way to safely remove unwanted hair. Keep in mind that the same method might not work best for every area. “The type of hair and skin pigmentation can make certain hair-removal techniques better suited than others,” notes Tess Mauricio, M.D., a dermatologist based in San Diego, CA. Here’s how to get the best results when it comes to getting bare.
First, make sure that you’re a good candidate. “Laser hair removal is best for people with dark hair and light skin,” explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist based in New York City. “It’s not very effective for anyone with blonde hair because the laser has to sense pigment in the hair follicle in order to work.” If you’re having it done professionally, make sure to go to someone who is skilled with laser hair removal and has lots of experience with different skin tones. And expect a financial commitment, since it can be expensive— typically at least six to eight sessions scheduled four to six weeks apart. (The upside is once treatment sessions are done, the hair is permanently gone.) If you’re using an at-home device, be sure it is dermatologist tested. “Read the instructions carefully before using and keep up with the treatments every two weeks or so until you begin seeing results,” advises Mauricio.
DON’T:
Wax or pluck hair before your beauty appointment. “You will be removing the target and your treatment will not be as effective,” says Mauricio.
TRY:
For professional results at home, the easy-to-use LumaRx IPL Mini Hair Removal Device reduces hair by up to 94% after just three uses. ($380, amazon.com)
HAIR-REMOVAL CREAMS
DO:
Avoid a mess by opting for depilatories that can be used in the shower, making them more foolproof and convenient. And look for moisturizing formulas for extra- smooth skin.
DON’T:
Slather it on without doing a patch test. “If you are sensitive, the skin can burn or become irritated,” says Jaliman.
TRY:
Nair Nourish Shower Power with Japanese Cherry Blossom and 100% Rice A Bran Oil dissolves hair while you shower and lasts longer than shaving—plus the rice bran oil leaves skin looking smooth, healthy and radiant. ($12, drugstore.com)
WAXING
DO:
Exfoliate before and make sure that hair is no longer than half an inch long.
DON’T:
If you’re doing it on your own, don’t start without carefully reading instructions. “The hot wax can cause burns if not administered properly, and ingrown hairs and folliculitis can occur,” cautions Mauricio. And whether you’re waxing at home or at a salon, avoid using products that may cause skin sensitivity (such as Retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acids, and benzoyl peroxide) for at least one week before waxing.
TRY:
Nad’s Exfoliating Body Wax Strips have an exfoliator on the outside and wax on the inside for extra smoothness and to minimize ingrown hair. ($9, target.com)
SHAVING
DO:
Try shaving after a long shower, when hair is hydrated.
DON’T:
Use that blade for too long. (Change it when it feels like it’s catching while cutting the hair.) A dull razor can cause cuts, bumps, burn, and ingrown hairs. Avoid shaving right before a pedicure (the products can cause the skin to sting), or going in the ocean, says Mauricio. Finally, don’t shave after applying a self-tanner— you’ll take it right off.
TRY:
The Gillette Venus Swirl features FlexiBall technology to help navigate tricky areas like ankles and knees; five contour blades catch practically every hair. ($12, amazon.com)
DAMAGE CONTROL
Something gone wrong? There’s a fix for every oops. (pictured above, left to right)
BURNING
“The best way to soothe skin is to cool it first with some ice if there is persistent redness or a burning sensation, followed by a hydrocortisone anti-inflammatory cream available over the counter (apply twice daily for up to three days),” says Mauricio. Try PCA SKIN CliniCalm 1% with maximum-strength 1% hydrocortisone. It also contains hyaluronic acid and honey to moisturize and repair the lipid barrier. ($45, pcaskin.com)
RAZOR BURN AND REDNESS
Applying some ice can help chill out redness and relieve pain. If that doesn’t work, the all-in-one gel lotion Shaveworks The Cool Fix features glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and phytic acid to exfoliate, kill bacteria, and slough away dead skin. ($26, amazon.com)
INGROWN HAIR
Exfoliate skin in the surrounding area, then use BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Ingrown Hair Treatment Pads. The green tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the area, while a proprietary ingredient speeds up the elimination of ingrown hairs. ($45, beautyrx.com)
