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To Tweeze or Not to Tweeze!

By Deanna Klan, Penticton

Are you unsure about the best ways to rid yourself of unwanted facial and body hair?  Does it seem like you are finding more and more of them when really you want less and less? 

Most hair can be described as being either vellus or terminal.  Terminal hairs are those that are coarser and darker than others.  These hairs can be influenced by hormonal changes as we go through different stages in life and for that reason will take a little longer to respond to hair removal treatments but they will if we persist a bit.  Vellus hairs are the very fair hairs sometimes described as “peach fuzz” they are very soft and fine and are the easiest to reduce in amount of regrowth. 

There are many different ways to remove body hair, but they all fall into basically two different categories.  If the hair is removed at the skin level such as shaving, using depilatory creams or some type of trimmer then the hair is essentially cut off at the skin and will grow back thicker and in greater numbers. 

Most people who shave, notice that after a while there are  two or three hairs growing out of each hair follicle instead of the initial one.  This results in stubble and a greater amount of hair growing back.

When tweezing, waxing, sugaring, or using electrolysis or laser, the hair is removed at the root and this gives a smoother, softer and reduced amount of regrowth.  Over time these methods will result in very little hair growing back and eventually no hair growing back.  With this type of hair removal there is some discomfort, redness and irritation, which will also reduce greatly with continued treatment.  Some people find taking an analgesic (like acetaminophen) is helpful if taken about an hour or more before the treatment, also topical anaesthetic creams can make a big difference when applied to the affected are an hour more before hand.

 Choosing the best way to rid yourself of unwanted hair is easier when you know the benefits and disadvantages of each method.  It is best to decide which way you wish to go and then stay with it, as changing back and forth usually gives a slower and less satisfying end result.

Written by Deanna Klan

Deanna Klan has enjoyed being a licensed esthetician since 1986 and she combines her love of natural organic essences and healing energies at her salon. She can be reached at Daydream Esthetics Studio, 26-88 Duncan Ave W, Penticton, 250 490-1233 - Email:

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