WASHING AT HOME: The tricks you needed to learn

Keeping the skin smooth without leaving the house is the desire of many – and, contrary to what it may seem at first glance, it is not an impossible task.

The search for independence when epilating can have several reasons: lack of time to go to the epilator, economy, freedom to carry out the process in your own time or comfort; after all, not feeling comfortable or not liking to be shaved by someone else is quite common.

Those who choose to do hair removal at home have good alternative methods available and can choose either by investment in products, levels of pain or practicality in execution. The variety of products available on the market is quite abundant: blades of different sizes and angles, waxes and creams of different components, electrical appliances with various functions and even photoepilation devices.

Those who have sensitive skin and suffer from folliculitis should be careful when shaving at home! Choose methods that are less aggressive to the skin, which pull the hair out by the root and are less likely to break the hair or break the skin. Remember that even if you don’t suffer from allergies, folliculitis or other sensitivity issues, it’s common for your skin to be red after shaving. Therefore, try to carry out the process hours before going out, leaving time for the skin to calm down again.

Regardless of the method you choose, the general rule of thumb is to have the area to be shaved clean before you start. Exfoliations also contribute to a more positive result, as they prevent ingrown hairs. In addition, it is always important to keep the skin hydrated after shaving and avoid sun exposure without using sunscreen.

Discover some different hair removal methods that can be done at home and decide which one is best for you!

Hot wax hair removal

This method uses homemade or industrialized recipe wax to remove hair. The product is applied hot on the area to be shaved and removed with a tug. The hairs come out at the root.

Pros:

Hot waxing is an inexpensive method, with options for commercially available products or homemade recipes. As the method removes hair from the root, which results in a hair removal lasting up to 20 days, depending on the person.

Cons:

“Hot wax promotes the loss of elasticity in the depilated area (as the wax is forcibly removed), in addition to darkening the region (due to friction and heat of the wax), high level of pain and, in some cases, folliculitis” , emphasizes Paula Menezes, specialist in aesthetic innovations at +Depil.

Indicated for:

It can be done on any area of ​​the body.

Video step by step:

In the video, Paloma Soares explains how to shave your legs with hot wax, talking about the correct temperature of the product, how to apply the wax in the region to be shaved and how to pull it out. In the process, the product used is industrialized wax that can be heated in the microwave.

Tips:

1. Before starting to shave, do a sensitivity test on the wrist, to check the temperature and not run the risk of getting burned;
2. Never pass the wax against the direction of hair growth! The correct thing is to always apply in the same direction in which the hair grows;
3. Don’t let the wax dry too much, and be careful not to use too little product. “This makes the wax brittle and makes it difficult to remove, in addition to increasing the pain”, points out Paula;
4. In the case of industrialized waxes, check the ingredients of the composition to avoid possible allergies;
5. You can make the wax at home by mixing four cups of sugar, one cup of lemon juice and one cup of water. Just take it to the fire for about 20 minutes.

Cold wax hair removal

Depilation is done with industrialized waxes applied cold on the skin, with the help of a tissue specifically for this purpose. The method removes hair from the root.

Pros:

The application of cold wax is simpler and more practical than hot wax, since it does not require heating devices and does not present the risk of burning the skin. Because it is at room temperature, it is a more suitable option for those who have varicose veins. Hair removal lasts approximately 20 days.

Cons:

Some products leave residue, causing the skin to feel sticky. The method tends to be more painful and aggressive than hot wax, as it does not rely on heat to dilate pores.

Indicated for:

It can be used on any area of ​​the body, only with special attention to more sensitive areas, such as the face and groin.

Video step by step:

May Hiroi shows you how to shave your legs with cold wax. In the video, you understand how to apply the product, what is the best way to remove it and give tips for the highest yield of wax. The product used is tube wax, along with the transparent tissues.

Tips:

1. To avoid having allergic reactions, pay attention to the components of the products;
2. Keep your skin clean and free of residues before waxing;
3. Apply the product in the direction of hair growth and remove it in the opposite direction;
4. After shaving, use a lotion with soothing substances – chamomile or calendula, for example.

Where to buy:

electric epilators

Electric epilators work like multiple tweezers that remove hair by the root.

Pros:

With regard to wax, the main advantage of the electric epilator is practicality – the device allows for hair removal without causing “snot” or dirt. In addition, it is a good option for travel and periods away from home, as the device is easy to transport and can be used anywhere. The duration of the result is also good: if done well, the epilation can last up to 10 days.

Cons:

The electric epilator is a painful method. Because it is a slower process than waxing, which removes hair in small areas, it can cause a greater nuisance. The speed of the device can also be aggressive for more sensitive skin, causing irritation. You also have to wait for the hair to grow before you can shave it again.

Indicated for:

You can use this type of device on legs, arms, thighs and armpits; and there are also appliances for intimate areas. Before starting, consult the device’s instruction manual to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have sensitive skin, use only on your legs and thighs, which tend to be less sensitive.

Video step by step:

Blogger Juliana Goes shows you how to shave using an electric epilator, exploring all the features of the device. It is worth noting that the devices have different features, so get to know your model well to make the best use of them.

Tips:

1. Read the device’s instruction manual to check the indications and correct way to operate your model;
2. Waxing with wet skin, while showering, can be more comfortable. For this, look for waterproof epilators;
3. Generally, appliances work best when held at 90 degrees to the skin;
4. Pay close attention to how to use it! “The electric epilator requires some experience in handling, because the wrong use can cause folliculitis”, warns Iza Meirelles, beautician at Clínica Essendi, in Rio de Janeiro;
5. Make sure the area to be shaved is clean and free of residue;
6. Some appliances cannot pull out longer hairs, so if necessary, trim them before starting the process.

Where to buy:

razor hair removal

Razor hair removal is one of the most common methods. The blade cuts the part of the hair that appears, not removing it by the root.

Pros:

The main advantage of this type of hair removal is the absence of pain. In addition, razor hair removal is quite cheap and practical: the devices are easy to find, transport and use.

Cons:

As it does not pull out the hair at the root, shaving is very short-lived – the hair grows back after a day or two. This method can also end up causing darkening of the skin at the shaved area and occasional cuts.

Indicated for:

It can be used in all areas except the facial region.

Video step by step:

In this quick video, Marilyn Jane shows you step by step how to shave your legs with a razor. To help the process, Youtuber uses a children’s conditioner.

Tips:

1. Before shaving, exfoliate the area. This helps to avoid problems with ingrown hairs;
2. Use pre-depilatory gel or shaving cream for hair removal – these products are more efficient than soaps;
3. The ideal is to change the blade after ten uses;
4. “You should moisturize afterwards, as the blade removes part of the epidermis, which causes the region to dry out”, warns Gabriela Cunha, beautician at Clínica Renata Domingues, in Rio de Janeiro.

Where to buy:

depilatory creams

Waxing with a depilatory cream does not remove hair from the root. The cream is applied to the skin and, after a few minutes, the visible part of the hair can be removed along with the product.

Pros:

Because it does not remove the hair from the root, the use of depilatory creams is painless. Another positive point is the speed of the process – in just a few minutes it is possible to finish epilation of an area. It is also possible to find creams at affordable prices and at various points of sale, such as pharmacies and supermarkets.

Cons:

This is a short-term waxing, with about two days for hair growth. The product can also cause allergies and skin irritation.

Indicated for:

“It can be used on all areas of the body, but always taking care of the mucous membranes”, advises Iza. Always observe the manufacturer’s instructions and, on the face, use specific creams for the area.

Video step by step:

Blogger Ingredy Barbi shows you how to shave your legs with depilatory cream, from product application to removal and the final result.

Tips:

1. Before applying the cream, check the manufacturer’s instructions;
2. Never exceed the maximum recommended time with the product on the skin;
3. When shaving, the area must be clean and free from other creams;
4. “Give preference to remove the residue with a sponge with the soft side”, advises Gabriela;
5. Do a test run before you start, applying cream to a small area to make sure it won’t cause allergic reactions.

Where to buy:

egyptian hair removal

Egyptian waxing is a method that uses threads as material. The process removes the hairs one by one, pulling them out by the root.

Pros:

Durability, as with any method that removes hair from the root, is greater and the skin remains smooth for at least 20 days. Less aggressive than other procedures, Egyptian waxing does not cause allergies. The thread manages to pull even short hairs, so it is not necessary to wait for them to grow for the next epilation. In addition, it is quite cheap, as the only material needed is thread.

Cons:

The method is painful and time consuming.

Indicated for:

Threading can be done anywhere on the body. But, due to its practicality, it is especially suitable for the facial region.

Video step by step:

In the video, Mery Veiga gives the step-by-step…