Excess or unwanted body hair makes women feel self-conscious. This is especially true if it appears on the face, as well as arms and legs.
Shaving and waxing are the most common options for removing unwanted hair, but patients looking for a more permanent solution also turn to laser hair removal. Unfortunately, many of the things you know about hair removal are not based on truth. Continue reading as we debunk the 5 common body hair and hair removal myths.
1. Shaving makes the hair grow back darker or thicker
Shaving hair in any part of your body will not make it grow back darker or faster. It may make your hair feel coarse because the hair’s new tip now has a blunt end after being cut off. And as that blunt tip begins to grow, it may give you a perception that the new growth is thicker or more noticeable than your unshaven hair.
The new hair may also look darker because it hasn’t been exposed to elements like water, soap, sunlight, lotion, and other chemicals. You should also know that other factors can also stimulate darker hair regrowth. These include hormonal fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or an underlying medical condition.
2. Waxing guarantees you won’t have ingrown hairs.
Improper hair shaving is the main cause of ingrown hairs. They are also more likely to happen if you have dark, coarse, or curly hair. This side effect, however, can happen with other methods like waxing, plucking, or threading. Waxing may help prevent other types of skin irritation, but it does not guarantee that you won’t have ingrown hairs.
Some are also more susceptible to getting ingrown hairs than others. Prepping your skin or exfoliating the area can reduce your chances of having them. The same is also true for having your skin waxed by a professional and considering laser and IPL hair removal methods.
3. Laser hair removal is very painful.
There is some discomfort with laser hair removal, but it isn’t painful. The discomfort level also varies from patient to patient and can depend on factors like the amount of hair to be removed and the treatment area.
For example, if you are considering laser hair removal on the face, you may feel more discomfort. This is particularly true in the upper lip area, which has thinner and more sensitive skin.
Also, laser hair removal does not hurt as much when compared to waxing. Most patients usually compare the sensation similar to being flicked with a small rubber band. A topical numbing cream can also be used to make the procedure tolerable or more comfortable.
4. Laser hair removal guarantees 100% hair removal.
While laser hair removal is considered a more permanent option, it does not guarantee complete or 100% body hair removal. This method can help you achieve “permanent hair reduction”. It can get rid of about 80% of hair and any hair left behind should be fine and light. You will also need multiple sessions for optimal results.
Cutis Medical Laser Clinics uses the Cutera CoolGlide Laser, which is an FDA-cleared laser device. It can deliver laser energy to hundreds of follicles at a time for faster treatment. Cutera CoolGlide also has an innovative cooling design and a longer wavelength that allow safe and effective hair reduction results.
Find out what you can expect with laser hair removal.
5. Women should remove their body hair.
As being hair-free is considered clean and hygienic, unwanted hair removal has now become the norm. There is nothing wrong with conforming to this, especially if hair removal is something that makes you feel more confident and comfortable.
It is always up to you whether or not you want to remove unwanted body hair. If removing excess hair is something that makes you feel better, go for it. After all, there are lots of safe and effective hair removal options available.
Are you looking for a more permanent option to remove body hair? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and book an appointment with our aesthetic doctor.
Article by Dr Sylvia Ramirez from Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, an award-winning medical aesthetic clinic in Singapore.
Established out of the passion to deliver quality aesthetic services, it is our goal to make a difference in people’s lives and help them feel confident about themselves.
9 Scotts Road Pacific Plaza, Scotts Medical Center #08-07, Singapore 228210
