Wedding Hair Removal
On one of the biggest days of your life, you want your legs (and any other areas sporting unwanted body hair) to be as smooth as the rest of your wedding plans. There are various options available including waxing, laser hair removal and shaving, so it is definitely worth thinking about hair removal well in advance of your big day.
Waxing
Waxing is a good way to avoid nicks and cuts and ensure silky smooth, stubble-free skin for longer. But, if you’ve never been waxed before, it’d be best to give it a trial a month or two before the wedding. If this all works out, book in for a full leg and bikini wax a week before the big day. Your brows and upper lip should also be tidied up at the same time. Unfortunately, waxing can occasionally result in red splotches and skin irritation, so it is best to leave enough time for your skin to calm down just in case.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can permanently remove unwanted hair from your face or body. But it’s not a snap decision to make pre-wedding. You’ll need to think about undergoing the treatments at least a year before tying the knot. The laser procedure impairs the growth of hair follicles, but not all follicles are at this stage at the same time, so you’ll need to undergo about four to six treatments (six to eight weeks apart) for the best results. A side-effect can be redness of the skin and mild swelling, which can last from an hour to a few days. The procedure works best on those with dark hairs. Laser hair removal is often confused with IPL hair removal, although they are different treatments.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are good for fast, pain and fuss-free hair removal, though the results don’t often last long. The creams work by removing hair just below the skin’s surface. Unfortunately, the chemicals that “burn” off the hair can occasionally cause skin irritation, so it’s best to test the product on your forearm before using. The hair removal procedure can last several days, so it’s to best undertake it a few days before your special occasion.
Shaving
Shaving has to be done carefully to avoid cuts and skin irritation. Find the ideal razor by testing several brands on the market and asking friends for recommendations. It’s best to exfoliate first for a close shave – working from the ankles and upwards for your legs and every direction for under the arms. Never “dry shave” your legs – always wet first with water and dollop on the shaving cream. Load up the moisturiser once finished. Shaving can result in ingrown hairs and red bumps, but there are products on the market to counteract this. It’s best to shave your legs and underarms on the wedding day or the day before.
Hair Removal Dos & Don’ts
- Don’t leave a depilatory cream on the skin longer than advised on the box. It will likely cause skin irritation.
- Don’t leave a depilatory cream on the skin longer than advised on the box. It will likely cause skin irritation.
- Don’t try out a hair removal method for the first time on the week of your wedding. Give it a go a few months beforehand to test how your skin reacts.
- Don’t shave the pubic area – shaving in such a sensitive area can result in razor burn and ingrown hairs. Try waxing instead!
- Do leave enough time between your treatment and wedding day to ensure there are no nasty reactions you have to worry about.
