Problems with Hair Removal for Thick Hair

Thick hair is a blessing, when it's on your scalp. However, many people want to get rid of thick body hair for hygiene & aesthetic reasons, especially when it's thick & coarse. Hair removal for thick hair is a bit more complicated due to the sheer amount of hair, often coupled with its fast growth.

Problems With Removing Thick Hair

There's nothing wrong with having dense hair on the body. It's common for men to have a thick pelt on the legs, chest, back and groin. Thick body hair is less common in women.

For those people who are active, sweating pose a problem because the dampness can get trapped under the canopy of hair and can't evaporate. Not only is this uncomfortable but can lead to odor problems and fungal infections.

Aesthetically, thick body hair was culturally acceptable in the '70s. But with the sustained fitness craze from the '80s, showing off toned muscles is much easier when it's not hidden by thick blanket of body hair. Somehow the 'smooth look' has prevailed and people can sometimes feel self-conscious if they sport thick body hair.

Methods to Remove Thick Body Hair

Most people will have to use a combination of hair removal methods to achieve the desired result. Depending on the speed of regrowth, some will need to repeat the process more frequently than others. To complicate matters, the underlying skin needs to be in good condition to prevent chafing, injury, swelling and even scarring.

You can use any combination of hair removal techniques, except around very sensitive skin such as the eyes and anus.

Laser Hair Treatment

This is the most effective hair removal method for many people, but it can easily get expensive since multiple treatments are required. A laser zaps the hair follicle and prevents the hair-producing cells from generating further hair.

Smooth skin can last for a few of months and for some people, can even be permanent. Numerous sessions are needed at first since the deadening process only works on hairs in the active stage. Ongoing treatments are less frequent, depending on the growth rate.

The laser for hair removal can work on any part of the body except around the eyes and anus. The amount of pain associated with the procedure is comparable to a 'snapping a rubber band' so genital hair removal may be only for the brave people.

It's hard to say, but for some people, this method may be more cost-effective over the long term since duration between treatments will become more extended. It all depends on how thick & how fast your body hair grows.

Laser hair removal devices are also available for home use. For more complicated cases, like the removal of thick hair, people tend to have much better and more consistent results using a professional.

 

 

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is also an effective method but can be quite expensive and time consuming for large body parts such as legs & back. A technician inserts a thin probe into each hair follicle and then zaps the cells with a jolt of electricity.

The removal of hair is not very painful but for people with sensitive skin, it may take a few days for the swelling & redness to recede. This mature technology is very effective for facial hair removal.

Hair Epilation

Hair epilation essentially yanks multiple hairs out of the skin, all at once. For people with thick hair, the pain can be difficult to endure! And besides, epilators from Braun and Panasonic are meant to remove fine hair, not dense hair which may frequently clog the teeth. It not uncommon for the hair follicle to bleed.

Waxing

The use of hair removal wax is a semi-permanent hair removal method that rips the entire strand out by the root. It leaves skin smooth and silky for much longer than most other methods and is very inexpensive.

However, this is probably one of the most painful hair removal methods and since thick hair is more firmly rooted, may be unbearable for some people. Be very careful when experimenting with different types of waxing kits as the skin may get damaged and even scarred. Going to a salon for an assessment by a professional may be better.

Depilatory Creams

Also known as hair removal creams. This method dissolves the proteins in the hair. The hair removal cream
and the hair itself can then be wiped away a few minutes later. Some people with sensitive skin will not be able to tolerate the harsh chemicals while others may not be able to cope with the strong smell.

This is a cheaper hair removal method, however, it will need to be repeated frequently since stubble will begin to emerge within days. hair removal creams for sensitive areas are also available for the bikini area.

It very important to keep the skin in good condition to prevent inflammation from chemicals.

Shaving

Frequent use of a razor results in a 5 o'clock shadow. This may be acceptable for male facial hair but most people wouldn't want this over the entire body. The stubble will grow back sharp & bristly, resulting in the need for more frequent shaving to maintain the results.

Since body hair grows at different rates, the time between shavings may last for more than a couple days. But no matter what, the regrowth will be coarse. For people with thick hair, their spouses may not appreciate the feel of full-body scouring brush.

Bleaching

Bleaching is not a hair removal method but is a way to make the hair less noticeable. By using hydrogen peroxide or other commercial chemicals, it's possible to remove the pigment from the hair and make it more compatible with the skin tone. This may be a viable option for the arms, legs & the chest & the back and shoulders.

Hair removal for thick hair is more time-consuming than for people with fine hair. People have to find a combination of hair removal methods that work best for them while not adversely impacting their lifestyle or budget.