Side Effects of Conventional Hair Removal Methods

Why laser hair removal has become the choice of a significant percentage or women and men seeking effective hair removal method? Why it is considered the best option among all? The answer is because it is more effective and beneficial than any other hair removal method and gives lasting results without causing any severe side effects. On the other hand, other hair removal methods carry certain side effects and the outcomes are not permanent as well.

Here we will look into some side effects of most frequently used traditional hair removal methods.

Side Effects of Waxing

Waxing is the most common hair removal method. This method involves use of wax to remove unwanted hair on face and body. Some of its side effects include:

• Loss Of Skin Elasticity And Suppleness – it is one of long term side effects of waxing. Since waxing involves ripping of wax applied for hair removal, it makes skin lose its suppleness and elasticity.
• Wrinkle Formation – another long term side effect of waxing is wrinkle formation. This is because the skin loses its elasticity; it becomes saggy and gradually develops wrinkles.
• Skin Irritation – it is one of the side effects of waxing that is quite common. Redness or irritation usually arises immediately after waxing and subsides with application of cold compresses.
• Ingrown Hairs – ingrown hairs is the side effect that is associated with not only waxing but other hair removal methods as well. Waxing causes ingrown hairs because it involves pulling hair follicles in opposite direction.

Side Effects of Shaving

Shaving is perhaps the easiest and simplest hair removal method and has number of side effects as well. Here will discuss some of them.

• Razor Bumps – shaving often results in razor bumps if you do it with a dull razor or on dry skin. Razor bumps look like rash on the skin and they may also cause ingrown hairs.
• Cuts – obviously no one would want to have cuts on skin after removing hair but unfortunately it is a common side effect associated with shaving.
• Causes Infections – you might consider shaving the easiest and safest hair removal method but in fact it may be harmful. This is because rusty razors and cuts cause infections and skin diseases.
• Thickens Hairs – another annoying side effect of shaving is that it makes hair thicker and coarser.

Side Effects of Depilatory Creams

Most of the people consider hair removal creams and lotions the easiest and painless hair removal method and no doubt they are but they carry many side effects. These include:

• Allergic Reactions – since depilatory creams contain chemicals, they may cause allergic reactions. This is the reason most companies recommend a patch test to check for rash and inflammation before using hair removal creams. Depilatory creams may also cause stinging, burning, peeling and blisters.
• Odor And Mess – another annoying side effect of depilatory creams is strong odor that is usually intolerable for most people. So, it becomes impossible to apply depilatory cream anywhere near nose such as upper lips. Furthermore, applying hair removal creams on larger areas such as arms and legs becomes messy and inconvenient.
• May Not Be Effective – another disadvantage of depilatory creams is that they may not be effective for everyone. Some people having thicker and coarser may require more than one application to get rid of them completely.

Bottom Line

Traditional hair removal methods may be an easier option as you will not need to seek a dermatologist or laser expert. At the same time they may not be a perfect hair removal method as they all carry some side effects and are not permanent. So, if you want a permanent and safe solution for unwanted hair on your face and body, laser hair removal is an ideal option.