Hair Removal

There are different ways of removing hair which vary which how effective they are and where it is recommended to use them.

Body hair, or vellus hair, is typically softer and finer than facial hair. However, some areas, like the underarms or pubic region, have coarser terminal hair.

Facial hair (beard, mustache) in individuals who have gone through male puberty is usually thicker and coarser. Scalp hair is also a form of terminal hair and is dense and thick.

Comparison of hair removal types

The permanence of hair removal depends on the method and how it affects the follicle and the type of hair.

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Preventing razor bumps when shaving

Razor bumps aka pseudofolliculitis barbae are hairs becoming ingrown after mechanical shaving. When you shave you get rid of some stratum corneum layer, and you cut the hair strand right at this level or below it. when too much pressure is applied it pushes the strand below the topmost skin layer the tip can get stuck and curve into the skin causing papules, pustules, inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Stretching the skin before shaving, shaving against the grain or use of blunt blades may also increase the chance of transfollicular penetration. Dry shaving (no prior moisturization of the hair) with razors usually produces sharp beveled tips encouraging extra-follicular penetration. The use of pre-shave care with warm water or other pre-shave care regimes, improves hydration of the hair shaft causing it to swell, thus ending up with blunt edges after shaving

1. prepare skin properly by first cleansing, exfoliating (mechanical or chemical) to remove dead skin, then soften the hairs with warm water or pre-shave oil
2. use good lubrication. creams, gel but especially oil makes razor glide smoothly, evenly, acts as protective moisture layer. try baby oil
3. have clean, sharp razor. the less passes you gotta do the better. if cartridge razors give you bumps try single blade safety razor and go slow/clear blade often. switch blades often and disinfect with isopropyl alcohol if you reuse.
4. rinse with cold water after shaving to close pores. apply thick moisturizer or shaving balm afterwards
5. exfoliate each subsequent day (also cleanse and moisturize but u should already be doing that). use mechanical exfoliate like pad or glove, but consider chemical also. your bumps are hairs trapped in skin layer so release them (stop if your skin gets too irritated/raw)

Glycolic acid as a chemical exfoliater is useful to prevent razor bumps. Salicyclic (SA) acid like in face cleansers is also good but may irritate too much. watch based on your skin