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An expert guide to at-home hair removal, if you can’t bare to wait

Mid section of young woman shaving leg by bathtub
(PHOTO: Getty Images)

As Singapore enters Phase 1 of reopening, and Malaysia continues to be under MCO, outlets that provide personal grooming continue to be disallowed.

The only exception for Singapore is that hair salons are allowed to be open, and customers can seek services such as haircuts and colour treatments. Businesses that offer spas, massages, facial threading, foot reflexology, manicures and facials continue to be disallowed.

In Malaysia, businesses such as hair salons and barber shops were closed since 18 March, and have yet to be given the green light to resume operations.

So what’s a girl got to do, in light of a hair emergency?

Shaving is the easiest and fastest way to remove unwanted hair, but doing it at home can lead to rashes, unwanted ingrown hair and even red bumps. Eeks.

Of course, it’s your prerogative if you don’t want to shave; that’s totally fine.

To avoid some of these skin mishaps mentioned, we sought advice about shaving and waxing from a waxing trainer from Strip: Ministry of Waxing.

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If I must really shave, how often and what should I use?

There is no fixed schedule on when we should shave. How often you shave depends on the speed of your hair growth. Select a razor with at least three blades attached – this allows a closer shave that can remove more hair in a single stroke, making the shaving process faster and smoother.

Besides investing in a good shaver, pre and post-hair removal care are very important too.

Always prepare the skin by exfoliating gently with a scrub before shaving. This helps to remove dead skin cells, softens the outer layer of your skin and hair, and lessens the chance of razor burn.

Applying shaving cream helps to protect your skin and reduce abrasion. A thin layer of shaving cream will do and try to keep to a maximum of two shaves across the skin in the same direction. Do avoid shaving the same spot more than twice and in different directions to minimise skin irritations.

Two L(i)ps Ice. (PHOTO: Two L(i)ps)
Two L(i)ps Ice. (PHOTO: Strip: Ministry of Waxing)

It is important to use post-hair removal care products such as Two L(I)ps Bumpps to prevent folliculitis and Two Lips Ice to soothe and moisturise the skin. To minimise the occurrence of ingrown hair, exfoliate your skin once a week and moisturise daily.

Can I shave without water?

It is not advisable to attempt dry shaving (especially over a larger area) as it causes bumps, cuts and razor burns. We highly recommend using shaving cream to protect the skin.

Alternatively, shavers with built-in shaving gel bars is a good option as it lubricates the skin surface for a smoother shave. Always remember to practise pre and post-hair removal care to ensure the best results and to keep your skin happy, nice and soft.

Will shaving my hair make it grow thicker?

No, shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker. This is a common myth! As the shaver cuts across the hair strand, it causes the hair to grow out with a blunt tip, resulting in a coarser texture and appearance. This misleads us to think it grew out darker and thicker.

What is the right technique - up-down or down-up?

Shaving against the hair growth direction provides a closer shave and yields better results. However, it can increase the risk of razor burns and ingrown hair.

Thus, we recommend these tips:

1) Always prepare the skin

2) Use shaving cream

3) Shave in the direction of your hair growth

4) Do not shave the same spot more than twice

5) Always use post-hair removal products to soothe and hydrate the skin after – this is especially important for people with sensitive skin.

Shot of a handsome young man shaving his facial hair in the bathroom
(PHOTO: Getty Images)

Would you encourage waxing at home?

While there are home DIY kits available for waxing of the arms and legs, adequate practice is required. Remember to always pay close attention to the temperature of the wax! You don’t want to burn your skin.

As for the Brazilian area, it is still best to leave that to the professionals at Strip. A high level of precision and techniques are required to perform this delicate job. Coupled with the awkward angles and positions, attempting it at home can easily result in burns, injury or skin inflammation.

For a complete vulva care routine, follow these simple steps by using Two L(i)ps products in this order:

Step 1:​ Blackout

Step 2:​ Pout

Step 3:​ Diamond

Step 4:​ Ice

How can we stop ingrown hair?

An ingrown hair occurs when the hair follicle is clogged with dead skin cells. We recommend a weekly scrub post-hair removal and using Two L(i)ps Bumpps. The product contains three key ingredients: Arrowroot Extract, Chamomile Extract and Tea Tree Leaf Oil, which contain anti-inflammatory properties to treat surface-level folliculitis gently and effectively. Prevention is always better than cure!

Is it a myth that drinking alcohol before shaving or waxing makes the pain tolerable?

It is not advisable to drink any alcohol before hair removal treatments because the acetaldehyde (a by-product of alcohol) is known to stimulate a specific type of pain receptor, making your skin more sensitive to the sensation.

It also dehydrates the skin, which causes the hair to cling onto the skin tighter, resulting in a waxing session that feels more painful than usual.