Body hair removal used to be a girl thing. But not anymore! In this day and age, an increasing number of men are starting to enjoy the same freedom that women do when it comes to grooming—including smooth hairless bodies.
For some men, dealing with excess body hair can be baffling. They want their skin to look and feel smooth as they find their body hair unpleasant. Here's a rundown of hair removal options most commonly used today.
#1: Laser Hair Removal
Men don't necessarily have to go through an ordeal of hair removal. Thanks to the advances in cosmetic technology, men can achieve a sleek look much easier with laser hair removal.
Since its birth, more men—and women—have gone to professional cosmetic clinics to get laser treatments. However, technological advancement doesn't stop there. These days, laser hair removal has increasingly become an easy procedure thanks to at-home laser removal devices.
This hair removal procedure penetrates the shaft using a light source laser that kills the root of the hair. However, the laser doesn't eliminate the follicle where hair grows. So technically speaking, laser hair removal is not permanent but lasts for several months, and some may even last for a few years.
When hair grows back, the hair is usually finer. Laser hair removal is best for removing hair on the chest, back, arms, as well as genital area. It will leave your skin feeling smooth, and you’ll be more confident knowing you have left no trace of hair behind.
#2: Back Shavers
These blades are usually an inch wide, and the handles can be up to 12 inches long. These razors are perfect for shaving your shoulders and back while showering, just like you'd scrub with a brush.
However, this is not recommended for shaving your hair in the genital area since its blades are much wider than a regular shaver. Serious complications could arise if you happen to cut your skin in this sensitive area. Instead, use pubic hair trimmers for your genital area if you’re comfortable using them.
#3: Waxing
Years ago, people had to use waxes that were gooey, sticky, and honey-based. Nowadays, however, we have a new option in soy wax: a cream that you can apply to the skin but only sticks to the hair. Once it has dried—usually after just a couple of minutes—you can remove the strip of cloth in a swift manner, just like how you pull off a bandage, and you're hair-free!
Depending on the area being waxed, the application time should be anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Waxing works anywhere on the body, including the genital area (hello, bikini wax), though it can be extremely painful. You may want to wax other hair on your body first and gauge your pain tolerance level.
However, if you have never been waxed before, it's best to let the professional do it the first time. It's worth noting that waxing may result in skin infections for some people. Therefore, it is recommended to use antibacterial lotion for a few days. Aftercare advice may also be given by the esthetician.
#4: Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams are becoming increasingly popular as more men are looking for ways to remove unwanted body hair. These creams work by attacking the hair proteins called keratin and dissolving them, resulting in hair removal.
There are a number of different brands and types of hair removal creams available on the market, so it is important to know how to choose the right one for you.
It can be applied to the chest, back, legs, and arms. It can also be applied to the genital area, provided that it is indicated on the label. Therefore, you need to decide what area you want to target before purchasing.
These creams are formulated with chemicals that can be harsh, so when you're getting ready to use one on your genital skin, always run a patch test first. If you see redness or blisters or feel any burning sensation and itching, rinse it off right away and discontinue use.
The Takeaway
Men's body hair is typically thicker and rougher than women's. But, no matter the difference in hair texture, men's skin can be as sensitive as women's. When it comes to grooming, men have hair removal options at their disposal. It is just a matter of what works for them.
Shaving, it can be quite a hassle and uncomfortable for some men as it often leads to razor cuts, razor bumps, and ingrown hair. While waxing doesn't cause these skin problems, however, it can be extremely painful, especially for men who have never been waxed before.
With laser hair removal, men can enjoy hair-free skin that lasts for months and even years, with finer hair regrowth!
