Waxing
Effectiveness
6 - 8 weeks
Hair is removed from the Root

Notes
Minimum length of hair 5mm

Waxing is a widely used alternative to laser hair removal. The wax contains a resin which as it cools hardens around the hair shaft making it easy to remove.
Before waxing, wash using soap and water. Afterwards ensure the skin is dry
Most waxing kits contain a jar of wax, fabric strips and applicators.
Warm the jar of wax by placing in a bowl of hot water, although there are also microwavable versions. Test to ensure it is not too hot but warm enough to be easily spread. Apply a thin layer of warmed wax in the direction of the hair growth by using an applicator or palette/ butter knife. Quickly lay a cotton or poly-cotton fabric strip onto the wax and quickly rub a couple of times to ensure it has adhered to the wax. Use one hand to pull the skin taut with the hair growth whilst with the other pull the fabric strip back against the direction of hair growth, parallel to the skin.
Apply hand pressure or lightly pat the area to minimise discomfort.
After waxing use a moisturizer to sooth the reddened but smooth skin.
It is best to avoid waxing and sugaring after a bath or shower as the skin is more sensitive.
Don't wax if using Retin-A treatment, or if your skin is sun burnt.
The faster you pull back the fabric strip the better the results.

Sugaring
Effectiveness
6 - 8 weeks
Hair is removed from the Root

Notes
Minimum length of hair 5mm, once the roots become weaker with continued use the hair does not need to be this long.
The method of applying Moom, our main sugaring product, is the same as that previously described for waxing.

Before waxing or sugaring wash using soap and water. Afterwards ensure the skin is dry
Most waxing/sugaring kits contain a jar of wax, fabric strips and applicators.
Warm the jar of wax by placing in a bowl of hot water, although there are also microwavable versions. Test to ensure it is not too hot but warm enough to be easily spread. Apply a thin layer of warmed wax in the direction of the hair growth by using an applicator or palette/ butter knife. Quickly lay a cotton or poly-cotton fabric strip onto the wax and quickly rub a couple of times to ensure it has adhered to the wax. Use one hand to pull the skin taut with the hair growth whilst with the other pull the fabric strip back against the direction of hair growth, parallel to the skin.

Apply hand pressure or lightly pat the area to minimise discomfort.

Some companies refer to sugaring as washable or soluble waxing. Exceptions to the waxing notes are that when the fabric strip is pulled back the level of pain isn't so intense, as sugaring only sticks to the hair and not the skin. This method is becoming more popular for both men and women.

It is best to avoid waxing or sugaring after a bath or shower as the skin is more sensitive. Although a great alternative hair removal treatment, Sugaring does not guarantee permanent hair removal.

For more information see www.moom-uk.com.

Advantages
More gentle form of waxing
Water Soluble therefore easy to clean up.
Completely natural
Leaves skin feeling moisturized
Apart from normal washing there is no need for additional pre or post removal products

Disadvantages
Can be messy

Plucking and Epilation
Effectiveness
6 - 8 weeks
The hair is removed from the root (hair bulb)

Notes
Great for small areas although time consuming for wider use as hairs are removed one by one.
The ideal time is after a warm bath or shower when the pores open.
Tweeze the hair out in the direction follicle/ hair growth.
Trim nose hairs as plucking can encourage infection.
Clean Tweezers after use and preferably disinfect them with alcohol
Tension lost over use can be increased by lightly pulling the tweezers apart.
Don't drop tweezers as this will throw the tips out of alignment, use a cap or careful storage.

Advantages
Great for stray hairs and small areas
It's a cheaper treatment

Disadvantages
Not practical for large areas
It can be painful

Shaving
Effectiveness
Few hours - 2 days
Removes hair from the skin's surface.

Notes
Shaving is quick and safe but the hair soon grows back. Ensure the razor is sharp ie. does not drag as blunt razors are a major cause of ingrown hairs.

Advantages
Quick, cheap and safe

Disadvantages
Ingrown hair
Minor cuts
Those with dark hair can develop a shadow later in the day.

Depilation
Effectiveness
2 - 4 days
Depilatory cream contains two thioglycolate chemicals, which when combined, break down the keratin fibers and dissolve the hair just below the skin surface.

Notes
Apply a layer of depilatory cream over the hair, leave for 3 to 15 minutes, depending on the brand and then scrape off along with the hair.
Never apply a depilatory cream to an area that has cuts, scratches or any other wounds.
As the hair is severed just below the skin surface there is a higher incidence of ingrown hairs which will affect those with curly hair more than those with straight hair.
Carry out a patch test, 2 days before hair removal.
Keep away from your eyes.

Advantages
Quick
Mostly Painless
Easy to use

Disadvantages
Irritation - carry out a patch test before use.
Smell

Electrolysis
Effectiveness
Permanent for most people
Destroys the hair root

Notes
A very thin probe is inserted into the hair follicle and an electric current is used to destroy the hair root. Proper insertion down the follicle does not puncture the skin. As hair growth is in cycles it may take up to a year for this to be achieved, as hairs may be missed whilst in their dormant stage. This process is time consuming as each hair has to be treated individually but it can permanently end hair growth for most people.

Advantages
Permanent for most people
Longest track record of positive results

Disadvantages
Expensive if done professionally
Time consuming
Can be painful
Slight swelling/ redness

Copyright © 2010 Clark Star LLP All rights reserved