Hair Removal Advice
Read Silkia’s own expert advice, myth-busting and skincare guidance. Learn more about your skin and the most effective ways to treat it along with some handy tips and tricks.
Hair Removal Myths
We’ve all heard the rumours, but just how wrong are these common misconceptions?
How to prevent ingrown hairs
They might be a nuisance but ingrown hairs don’t have to be inevitable when removing hair
Silkia directions
Achieve the best results with Silkia’s own guides to waxing and chemical depilatory hair removal.
Hair Removal Myths
1. Hair will grow back darker and thicker
The only form of hair removal that will effect the hair’s consistency is that of a treatment such as laser or electrolysis. As these are procedures that target hair right at the root, clients are expected to see reduced hair growth over time. As for shaving, waxing and depilatory removal however, there are no changes to the hair’s quality. Things that could affect the thickness or colour of one’s hair are; changes in hormones, changes in medication as well as our genes and outside factors such as stress.
2. Shaving is the easiest and most effective option
Using a hair depilatory cream or foam can take less time than shaving and with less of the effort. Whilst wax strips might not be as quick as shaving, skin stays smoother for much longer with hair not returning for up to 6 weeks, saving you time in the long run.
3. People with sensitive skin can’t use depilatory creams
Silkia’s Hair Removal Cream and Spray Foam both contain aloe vera gel which works to hydrate skin. As long as a patch test is being performed before every use, people with sensitive skin can still use Silkia’s depilatory range. If you are pregnant, elderly or have diabetes, Silkia recommends using a chemical depilatory rather than waxing as you are more likely to have delicate skin.
4. Waxing will always be painful
Whilst there will always be some level of sensation when removing hair with wax, there are certainly steps you can take to avoid feeling too much pain. First, make sure your hair is at the optimum length (3-4 mm). Open up your hair follicles before waxing with warm water but remember to dry off completely afterwards. You can also pull skin taut as the strip is placed and while it is being pulled off to minimise pain.
How to prevent ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs occur when hair re-growth gets trapped beneath the skin. This usually happens because the hair strand has gone slightly askew and sits sideways, forming a small bump on the skin that can sometimes feel sore.
Causes:
Removing hair can lead to ingrown hairs, with shaving being known to cause them most often.
Nearly everyone with body hair develops ingrown hairs. Those with coarser, curlier hair may find that they develop ingrown hairs more regularly because of the curl pattern of their hair strand.
If the ingrown hair has developed into something more serious that is painful and could potentially be infected, you should visit your doctor.
Solutions:
Stop removing hair completely and use preventative measures until skin is clear and ready to treat again.
If the ‘au naturel’ look is not for you, opt for a chemical depilatory such as Silkia’s Hair Removal Cream or Spray Foam. Chemical depilatories are less likely to cause ingrown hairs because they loosen the hair structure itself and hairs at the follicular opening become blunted unlike when shaving or waxing.
Preventing:
Moisturise the skin as often as possible, especially before and after hair removal. This will keep the skin- but more importantly the tips of new hair growth- soft and lessen the chances of a painful ingrown hair appearing.
Hair can become trapped when hair follicles are clogged. Use gentle exfoliators once a week to clear the pores, remembering to moisturise afterwards.
Silkia Directions
Always do a patch test on the skin before using the product. You should wait 24 hours to see if the product has any effect on the skin. A patch test should be performed before every single use as skin can become irritated by depilatory products at any time. If the skin has an adverse effect to the product, do not use.
Always use the right wax strip for the appropriate part of the body.
Silkia’s range of wax strips includes face, body and bikini as well as an assorted pack for a selection of all three.
Before waxing, ensure you have the right amount of re-growth. 3 - 4mm is the optimal length, trim hair if it is any longer.
Step 1 - Exfoliate
The best way to ensure that you remove every hair is to lightly exfoliate the skin beforehand. This will also ensure that skin feels softer for longer and keep ingrown hairs at bay. Make sure to do this 24 hours before waxing.
Step 2 - Cleanse
No residue should be on the surface of the skin before waxing. This is because oily substances can counteract the wax strip’s stickiness and not work as well. A basic, non-oily cleanser such as soap and water will help to get the skin ready. Make sure the skin is completely dry before waxing.
Step 3 - Wax
Apply 1 strip at a time. Rub the strip between the palm of the hands to warm the wax. Peel the strips apart and, setting one aside, apply a strip to the desired area of skin. Continue to rub the strip the direction of the hair’s growth to adhere. The removal should be done in one quick, fluid motion with one hand on the skin at the base of the strip and the other pulling against the hair, keeping close to the body. Silkia’s wax strips can be reused until the wax has lost its stickiness.
Step 4 - Moisturise
Use Silkia’s Aloe Vera Post-Wax Cream that is provided in each box for a hydrating finish that will keep skin supple and soft. Continue to exfoliate and moisturise once a week between waxes for better results.
Always do a patch test on the skin before using the product. You should wait 24 hours to see if the product has any effect on the skin. A patch test should be performed before every single use as skin can become irritated by depilatory products at any time. If the skin has an adverse effect to the product, do not use.
Step 1 - Exfoliate
Exfoliation should be done regularly to counteract ingrown hairs. However, try not to exfoliate too harshly or within 24 hours of using a depilatory cream to avoid unnecessary skin irritation.
Step 2 - Cleanse
Wash the area of skin with warm water to get rid of any excess oily residue that may be present from other products. Water will also help to soften the hair, making it more likely to be removed with the product. Dry the skin thoroughly afterwards if using the cream.
Step 4 - Apply & Wait
Dispense the depilatory cream onto the given area and wait for the allotted time. Use a spatula to both spread the product and to check the processing time.
Apply a layer onto the skin and wait for 5 minutes and then check. Wait no longer than 10 minutes before removing.
Step 5 - Rinse
Once hair has begun to lift, rinse off the product completely. Moisturise the skin afterwards for a gorgeously silky feeling.
Always do a patch test on the skin before using the product. You should wait 24 hours to see if the product has any effect on the skin. A patch test should be performed before every single use as skin can become irritated by depilatory products at any time. If the skin has an adverse effect to the product, do not use.
Step 1 - Exfoliate
Exfoliation should be done regularly to counteract ingrown hairs. However, try not to exfoliate too harshly or within 24 hours of using a depilatory cream to avoid unnecessary skin irritation.
Step 2 - Apply
Silkia Removal Spray Foam is designed to be used in the shower. Shake before use and apply a thick layer of the foam.
Step 3 - Remove
Wait 6 - 12 minutes and then test a small area with a spatula. Once the hair comes away easily, rinse off the product.
Moisturise the skin afterwards for a gorgeously silky feeling.