Shaving
As the least expensive option, it’s unsurprising that it’s also the most popular amongst Australians. But is there an essential step you’re forgetting to do?
“It’s always a good idea to use a shave cream before shaving,” says Marina Beech, Unilever Skincare Expert. “It’s also ideal to shower or wet the skin’s surface first to ensure your hair is thoroughly moistened, which then helps to avoid razor burn and rash. Hair can absorb a significant amount of water, and hair swollen with water becomes easier to cut.”
Good shave creams provide less resistance, irritation and nicks when using a razor, and they lubricate the skin so that the blade glides smoothly across the surface. And while technically Dove’s Triple Moisturising Deeply Nourishing Body Wash isn’t a shave cream, it does a fine job of providing a smooth surface for the razor to go over, and it moisturises skin at the same time. Try Dove Triple Moisturising Deeply Nourishing Body Wash, from $7.36
I’ve always been envious of men’s razors for their moveable heads, and now there’s finally one for women too. The blades are fixed on a flexible ball, which makes it ace at reaching around the tricky places like knees and underarms. You’ll never miss a hair again. Try Gillette Venus Swirl, $19.99
If you’re adamant about shaving the bikini area, then Schick’s latest release fitted with a normal shaver and trimmer is perfect for you. Not only is the tool equipped with a water-activated moisturising serum, there’s also a little comb attached to the trimmer, loaded with four settings for different trim lengths. Try Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle, $21.99
Waxing
Waxing at home doesn’t have to be a messy experience. Veet’s latest Spawax kit contains a device that warms up the wax to the perfect temperature and consistency. You also don’t have to worry about having wax leftover as the system operates on little refills that can be popped into the machine, warmed up and melted as you go. Try Veet Spawax, $59.99m and Stripless Wax Refills, $14.99
As for ingrowns, “fight the temptation of picking at these spots,” says Ali Moini of The Skin Boutique. “The areas that house the body hair you usually want to get rid of is normally very sensitive, so it’s even more prone to scarring and damage than other areas. Picking at ingrown hairs can also lead to infection. Regular exfoliation is key for removing ingrown hairs and keeping them from recurring.”
Laser Hair Removal
It’s no surprise that hundreds and thousands of Australians opt for laser hair removal as a permanent solution to being hair-free.
“We recommended a minimum of 8-12 treatments, every four weeks to achieve ideal results on legs,” says Aleesha Paul, Laser Hair Removal Expert from Laser Clinics Australia. “Once the hair follicle has been zapped, the heat of the laser damages and kills the hair follicle that’s been treated.”
“Laser hair removal is most effective during the Anagen (growth) phase, when the hair is slightly visible and cleanly shaved in preparation for treatment,” continues Paul. “If our clients regularly attend and follow their personalised treatment plan, the hair will continue to grow finer and lighter with every session. It is important to note that while Laser Clinics Australia can safely treat all skin types (light to dark), we unfortunately cannot treat all hair colours (blonde, red or greys). Try Laser Clinics Australia laser hair removal full legs, $199
