From the garter toss to the honeymoon, there’s one thing all brides want to be: hair-free. We’ve checked out five hair removal options to help ensure your dress isn’t the only thing that’s silky and smooth!
Sugaring
How it works: A paste made of sugar and essential oils is applied (at room temperature) to the skin against the direction of hair growth. When ready, the paste is removed in a quick flick technique, which removes the hair from its follicles. “It helps with exfoliation and circulation,” says Kathy Peters of Cleopatra Spa (cleopatraspa.ca), “but it doesn’t damage the top layer of skin.”
How long it lasts: Four to six weeks. With proper maintenance, hair will grow back thinner and finer.
Advantages: “It’s all natural, so you don’t need to worry about chemicals,” says Peters. It’s easy to prepare (no heating wax) and there’s no residue, so cleanup is easy.
Disadvantages: Minor redness may occur. Avoid direct sun exposure before and after treatment.
Ouch-factor: Minimal, it’s comparable to removing a band-aid.
Laser Hair Removal
How it works: A special machine sits on your skin, sending pulses of laser technology into the hair. The process can take 10 minutes for underarms, up to an hour for a full leg and a bikini job. The number of treatments required will depend on your skin type (darker tones require more).
How long it lasts: After treatments are complete, hair is destroyed and will never (ever!) regrow.
Advantages: You won’t need to worry about hair removal ever again. There’s little irritation following a procedure -- expect some redness like you would from waxing.
Disadvantages: “There is the odd person that might have a hormonal problem and would require more treatments,” says Mary Zufic of Pure Medspa.
Ouch-factor: It’s not painless but the advantages far outweigh the pain.
Waxing
How it works: Warm wax is applied to the skin and then smoothed over with a cotton cloth that adheres to the wax. When pulled, the cloth draws the unwanted hair off the skin with the wax. Some drugstore brand waxes, like Nair’s Cire-Divine No Strip Wax, don’t require the use of cotton cloths. “You simply turn up the product at the corners and rip it off,” says Bess McKnight of Nair.
How long it lasts: Four to six weeks. Eventually hair will thin out and regrowth will be limited.
Advantages: At-home products like Nair are inexpensive and work on short hair. However, a spa technician can get to hard-to-reach areas and monitor the temperature of the wax. “If it’s not hot enough, you can tear skin and it will feel like a burn,” says Eva Ngo of Toronto’s Concepts Day Spa.
Disadvantages: Waxing shouldn’t cause stubble like shaving, but in some cases women can break out (like mini allergic reactions). It can be time-consuming. You should also avoid sun exposure following a wax.
Ouch-factor: “I’m not going to lie. It hurts,” says Ngo. “But that’s the cost of beauty.”
Veet In-shower Hair Removal
How it works: Apply this water-resistant cream before you hop in the shower. It won’t wash off until you use the special sponge that comes along with it, so you can wash your hair while you let it sit. It’s made in three varieties: shea butter for dry skin, lotus milk for regular skin and wheat germ for sensitive skin.
How long it lasts: Twice as long as shaving.
Advantages:“It’s good when you’re on the go and don’t have time for shaving,” says Andrea Wooland of Veet. Plus, you can avoid nasty shaving nicks or the pulling and pain of waxing. Hair can be any length before using.
Disadvantages: Like any depilatory, it can have a potent scent. Be sure to test a patch before using to avoid a reaction.
Ouch-factor: Virtually painless!
