Top Hair Removal Methods We Swear By

1. Waxing

How does it work: Let’s start with the hair removal mogul, waxing. First up, wax is warmed so that it can be evenly spread over skin, in the direction of your hair. When the wax cools, it is instantly pulled off in the opposite direction using a wax strip, eliminating hair from its root. Simple, eh?

Pros: A large amount of unwanted body hair is removed at once, that too from the roots. Besides, it’s a cost-effective procedure and can last up to four weeks. The best part, it’s so efficient that you can easily pull it off at home with just a tad bit of caution.

Cons: Wait up! Did you experience any redness or irritation? Well, waxing can also lead to ingrown hair, particularly in the bikini area. Also, for the ones with a hairy spell, it might be time for the next salon visit sooner than you expected. For the not so hairy ones, waxing requires a quarter inch of stubble to be effective so be patient between appointments.

How much do I pay: This depends on the salon and the type of wax used. However, you can expect to spend somewhere between Rs. 500 – 2K for a traditional wax.

Nykaa recommends: The Body Care White Chocolate Hydrosoluble Wax Cream, Rica Brazilian Wax With Avocado Butter

2. Laser Hair Removal

How does it work: Laser hair removal is a high-tech way of removing body hair, and if you’re a fan of a slick body, then this is your go-to option. Pulses of highly concentrated light target hair follicles, damaging them to avert future hair growth.

Pros: The machine covers large areas pretty quickly, as compared to other hair removal methods. It can be used anywhere on the body and promises results that easily last for months on end. Though it does not guarantee permanent results, hair growth is drastically reduced.

Cons: Being one of the best hair removal method, laser hair removal is expensive. Besides, it requires multiple sessions over a period of months, making it a rather lengthy process. It’s also crucial that you get it done from a credible laser center to avoid burns or scars. Usually the average laser hair removal cost ranges from 1 – 3K per session. However, you may find the price vary on certain factors like texture and hair density, skin type, and type of laser.

3. Depilatory Creams

How does it work: A depilatory cream is evenly applied on areas such as the upper lip, chin, legs, and bikini area, and left for 3 - 15 minutes. During this time, the chemicals in the cream weaken hair follicles. Watch out for the clock and once the time’s up, you can literally wipe or wash it off with water.

Pros: One of the most effective and least painful hair removal methods, depilatory creams are the safest bet for beginners. What’s more? You can use it at home without any professional help. Well, reading the label carefully is non-negotiable though.

Cons: Ensure that you find the right match as per your skin type to steer clear of possible allergic reactions. In addition, the smell can get a little overbearing at times. Also, these creams work well as an instant fix rather than a permanent solution, since they only remove hair from the surface of your skin.

How much do I pay: With a myriad of depilatory creams in the market, you should expect to spend around 300 bucks per month. Though the type may vary basis your skin type and texture.

Nykaa recommends: WOW Skin Science Hair Vanish For Women, Veet Nikhaar Hair Removal Cream for All Skin Types

4. Sugaring

How does it work:Sugaring hair removal uses a simple recipe of sugar, water, and lemon juice to create a runny paste. The paste is then smothered over the skin, working against the direction of hair growth and finally ripped off in the opposite direction.

Pros: For starters, sugaring hurts less than waxing because it pulls less on the skin. Also, it causes less breakage and effectively pulls out hair from the roots. Plus, there’s a lesser chance of ingrown hair since sugaring is a form of exfoliation. Suitable for sensitive skin, frequent sugaring damages hair follicles, thereby prolonging the effects.

Cons: Since most salons still don’t have sugaring on their service list yet, finding a place that does it within your budget can be a task. And if you’re doing it yourself, achieving the perfect consistency can be tricky, so account for a little extra time for trial and error. Additionally, you’ll also have to be okay with a little fuzz between sugaring sessions.

How much do I pay: The cost can vary based on the salon and the body part that is being sugared. But just so you know, for one sugaring session, you’ll probably have to shell around 4K.

5. Threading

How does it work: Threading involved a soft, cotton thread and a little precision. The thread is twisted, doubled, and rolled over the target area to grab undesirable hair in the loop. Then with a quick pull, the hair is removed from the root. Mission accomplished!

Pros: Threading hair removal is ideal for precise shaping, especially on smaller areas. Not just that, it is great for sensitive skin since there’s zero use of chemical-based products. Since the thread traps even the finest strand, regrowth is relatively slower.

Cons: Redness and slight discomfort is a part of the deal. Plus, you’ll also need to bear with overgrown brows in between appointments since the thread requires a certain length to tug at. It also might take a while for you to find an expert who does the job well.

How much do I pay: Good news is that threading doesn’t pinch a hole in your pocket. Depending on your choice of salon and the area that you plan on covering – only brows or your full face – the monetary damage would ideally be between Rs. 500 to a grand.

Nykaa recommends: Panache Sangini Facial Threading Tool Pink, Panache Sakhee Facial Threading Tool Pink