Hair removal – explained

Cut it, pluck it, rip it, snip it! Yes, the joys … and pains… of hair removal! Whether it is a lonely ranger perching on your chin, an entire sickle bush growing between your eyes, or a Savannah of upright hairs covering your legs, at some point or another, you will look into hair removal measures.

We consulted Rozanne Van Zyl, our in-house cosmetologist on the topic, to explain the ins and outs.

Threading

“Threading originates from India and uses the manipulation of cotton to lift the hairs out from the root in a similar mechanism that tweezing does”, Rozanne explained.

This gives a superb sharp line to define brows. This method is fantastic if you are all about getting your Insta-brows ready.

Generally, it removes one hair at a time, or at best, one little row of hairs, so it is not effective for large scale hair removals such as your arms and legs.

“Threading is actually one of the safest and most gentle hair removal techniques, but areas where there are cuts, sunburn, pustular pimples, moles or pink eye (if working near the eye area) are contraindicated”, Rozanne said.

Hair Removal Cream

“These creams literally burn the hair off at the base. They break down the keratin (proteins) structure of the hair. This effectively thins and dissolves the base of the hairs to the point where they are weak enough to be broken off when the cream is wiped away”, Rozanne explained.

This can be a great method to remove hair in larger areas like the arms or legs, if you have enough product to coat the area.

It is highly recommended that you test the product on a small patch of skin before using it on a larger area, in case you may be sensitive to it. You should also remember that testing it on your arm, will not be effective, if you plan on using it on your face, or in the groin area – as those areas may be more sensitive than your arm.

“Anyone who has used skin thinning medications like cortisones, natural acids and strong Retinols, should avoid these creams, as the ingredients will burn the skin”, Rozanne concluded.

Hot wax

“Wax always has to be at a safe temperature so as not to burn the client. This is usually slightly warmer than blood temperature”.

Different waxes work at slightly different temperatures – some can be heated in a hot bowl with water, in the microwave or using your hair dryer.

It is however recommended to have your waxing done by a professional, especially if you have little to no experience with wax.

Wax can be used on just about any part of the body for hair removal – and is even used to take care of fine hairs that are hard-to-tweeze. One can see how a bit of professional help will do wonders to get around hard-to-reach and sensitive areas that may need a bit of after care.

“Clients on Roaccutane, cortisone and skin thinning medication should avoid waxing as the skin will lift and bruise”, said Rozanne.

It is also best to start by waxing small areas first to see if your skin will tolerate it.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal targets deep in the dermal layer where the hair grows from and destroys the capillary network that feeds the hair so that the hair can no longer grow.

This is long lasting, and often permanent. You may require a few sessions.

Starting out?

Shaving and waxing are the most common methods of hair removal among young individuals who are new to puberty and hair removal, as this tends to be the easiest method that can be done at home.

Mopani Pharmacy has a wide variety of razors, shaving creams, gels and soothing aftershave products available. We also have some at-home wax products and hair removal creams.

Rozanne recommends, “For a smooth, healthy skin, make sure to shave in one direction, exfoliate your skin regularly and apply a light moisturising product to avoid ingrown hairs and irritation”.

“If you happen to injure yourself, or your skin is reacting negatively, apply an antibacterial cream to make sure you do not get infected”, she concluded.

Need help?

The Mopani Salon at the Crossing Centre store offers waxing and tweezing services. You can book an appointment with Rozanne on 082 561 7926 or Antoinette on 082 920 6086.

Read More: Protein or Moisture – Your hair may need either, or both!

We can deliver your grooming and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide! More info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703