$285. The cost depends on the size of the area being treated, the length of time it, if a doctor is performing the procedure, and the number of treatments required. In other words, it can get pretty expensive to reach the hairless result you desire.
Two of the most common side effects experienced by people with darker skin are hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when the area that is treated becomes darkened and hypopigmentation is a lightening of the skin. Hypopigmentation can be difficult to correct. If laser hair removal is not performed by a professional, permanent damage to deep layers of the skin can result.
Waxing
The process of waxing involves the application of soft or hard wax. When soft wax is applied, a cloth strip is applied on top of the wax and the hair is quickly removed from the root once the wax is cooled. Hard waxes are made from things like beeswax and oil and removes hair from the root without the use of strips.
Benefits
When the wax is removed with a cloth strip, dead skin cells are pulled away, giving the skin a light exfoliation. Waxing lasts for about 3 to 4 weeks which is much longer than shaving. A professional waxing session can cost between $50-70 while a home waxing kit can cost $20-30.
The Downside
Waxing has some side effects that are similar to other hair removal treatments such as: skin irritation, ingrown hairs, bumps, sun sensitivity, allergic reaction, folliculitis and scarring. Many of these can be avoided by having the procedure by a professional.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams, AKA hair removal creams, use a strong alkaline chemical that helps to break down the keratin protein bonds in hair. The product is applied to the skin for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the hair, and the hair is wiped away with a warm towel or cloth.
Benefits
The process is of using a hair removal cream is fast and easy to apply. Hair removal on a small area may take about 15 minutes while a larger area may take up to 30 minutes. The cool thing about applying a cream for hair removal is that you’re free to throw a load of laundry in the machine or read a book while you wait. Hair removal creams won’t break the bank either! They cost around $10 or less at your local store.
The Downside
The chemical smell of some hair removal creams is enough to take your breath away! Most manufacturers add fragrances to drown out the chemical smell. If your skin is sensitive or if the product is left on the skin too long, blisters, chemical burns, and rashes can be the end result. Due to the hair only being removed at the surface like with shaving, the result of using a hair removal cream is not long-lived. You may start to see unwanted hair return in a few days.
Whether your skin is smooth as silk or as wooly as a mammoth, your top priority should be your skin’s health. Some options for hair removal can leave you with undesirable results that cause pain and even disfigurement. Your skin is your largest organ and your body’s first defense to invaders. Let’s take care of it!
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is on a mission to inspire and educate women about health. She is the creator of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site for women. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating through presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care, and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife, and mom of two resonate with all women. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.