With wedding bells in the air, you probably find yourself overwhelmed with making plans for the big day. As there is so much to do, one might easily forget about little things like removing unwanted hair. This comprehensive pre-wedding hair removal guide explores five major methods to enable one to make a well-informed decision.
Shaving
This easy, non-invasive procedure can be done on the wedding morning or before. However, if you are planning on getting a spray tan for your body, it is advisable to wait until 24 hours have passed after shaving before getting it done.
Most people find shaving safe, though it may cause redness, abrasions, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs. It gives short-lived benefits which may range between one day to three days.
Waxing
Waxing is done by putting warm or cold wax on the skin and then yanking it off, taking off excessive hair together with its roots. Plan for an appointment two to three days prior to your wedding.
Waxing may cause temporary redness, irritation or ingrown hairs, especially if your skin is sensitive. Just make sure you time your visits well since you need to wait for the hair to grow back a certain amount between sessions.
Sugaring
Sugaring is an ancient Middle Eastern hair removal method that uses a paste made of sugar, lemon juice, and water. It’s considered less painful than waxing and more natural. Test sugaring in advance to gauge your skin’s reaction and schedule accordingly.
Sugaring can lead to skin irritation and requires hair to be a certain length for effective removal. It’s advisable to have a professional perform sugaring to avoid irritation or burns.
Laser Hair Removal
This is achieved by directing the laser energy to hair follicles where it is absorbed targeting the roots, thereby stopping further growth of hairs. This approach is more long-lasting, and it can be used in different body regions.
You should start this process no less than four months prior to your wedding day and schedule it in intervals of no more than every four to six weeks. The method is quite costly, but it offers long-lasting effects.
Depilatory Cream
Depilatory creams are chemical-based products that break the hair’s protein structure down and can be easily wiped or rinsed off. This is applied to the legs, arms, the chest, and the bikini area.
If you want, you can apply depilatory cream one or two days prior to the wedding. It is normally safe, but it may result in skin irritation or allergic reactions or even cause a chemical burn when applied for long periods or on sensitive areas.