Nothing ruins an outfit faster than a pair of furry legs peeking out from under a skirt or dress. Smooth, soft legs are an essential item for summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of different ways to remove unwanted hair quickly and painlessly. Most hair removal treatments can be performed at home or require only a few appointments with a beauty therapist. The following tips will help you get your legs smooth and silky in time for summer.
1. Waxing
Waxing is one of the most popular methods of hair removal and can be used on every part of the body. If you have never waxed before and your hair is especially thick, it may be worth booking an appointment with a professional for the first few sessions. Once you feel comfortable enough to have a go yourself, there are many options to choose from including roll-on wax, hot wax or cold wax strips that you just press onto the skin and then peel off.
2. Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams have come a long way from the foul-smelling creations of ten years ago. Modern creams leave your skin silky-smooth and have a pleasant floral aroma. However, they can be quite harsh on those with sensitive skin, so always be sure to test a small area of your skin before applying to your entire legs. Never use depilatory creams on sensitive areas such as the bikini zone or underarm unless the product is specifically designed for this area.
3. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the preferred method of hair removal by the stars like Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria. It involves destroying individual hair follicles with a laser and is safe to use all over the body. Most patients will need around 8-10 sessions to complete the treatment. Although it can be expensive, it is the easiest way to remove unwanted body hair permanently.
4. Shaving
Shaving is the quickest and most simple method of depilation. Always use a specially designed women’s razor that bends and hugs the contours of your legs. This will minimize cuts and razor burn. It is recommended to use some sort of shaving foam or oil to keep the skin moisturized during shaving, and always apply moisturizer immediately afterwards. The downside of shaving is that the smooth results rarely last longer than a single night.
5. Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves inserting a small hair-thin needle into each individual hair follicle and destroying it using a gentle electrical current. The treatment can only be carried out by a licensed professional. People who undergo electrolysis sometimes report pain and discomfort during treatment. This can be managed through the use of numbing creams or by reducing the intensity of the electrical charge. Once treatment is complete, the hairs do not grow back over time.
6. Epilation
Epilators pluck out individual hairs using a series of rotating tweezers. As they remove hair from the root, the hairs become much finer over time, and you will find that your legs stay smoother for longer. However, epilators can be extremely painful and can occasionally cause ingrown hairs. Soak your legs in a warm bath before epilating to reduce pain. Exfoliate your skin using a loofah to gently dislodge any trapped hairs.
7. Sugaring
Sugaring is very similar to waxing. It involves removing hair by spreading a thick, sticky substance onto the hair and then pulling it off using long strips of fabric. It is one of the most ancient methods of hair removal and has been used since 1900BC. You can make your own sugar paste at home using just sugar, lemon juice and water. There are many recipes available online, but it can be tricky to get the consistency right.
8. Exfoliation
No matter what method of hair removal you use, exfoliating your skin is essential to ensure smooth, effective results. You can prepare your own natural shower scrub using ingredients from your kitchen. Fill a jar with either salt or sugar, and then pour in enough olive oil to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to clean skin, and gently massage into your skin before rinsing off with warm water. You can also buy exfoliating mitts, loofahs, natural sponges or even a handful of baking soda massaged into skin will work just as well.
9. Moisturizing Lotions
After exfoliating, it is important to treat your skin to some moisture therapy. Conventional moisturizers may work well, but they often contain chemicals and toxic ingredients that could do long-term damage to your skin. Natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter and beeswax are far healthier and kinder to your skin.
10. Body Masks
Spa treatments have now become a part of our regular beauty routine thanks to their availability and reasonable price. Almost every beauty salon, spa, gym and department store offer spa treatments including depilation, massage, facials andbody masks. Some of the most popular forms of full-body masks are seaweed wraps, clay masks, mud masks and enzyme peels.
Once you have smoothed and buffed your legs to perfection, it’s time to add a splash of color. Golden, tanned legs always look gorgeous, and there are many safe ways to get a sun-kissed look without harmful UVA rays. Spray-on tans have experienced a surge in popularity over the last few years and can have you looking ready to hit the beach in seconds. Always choose a high-quality self-tanning product to avoid streaks and build a natural, healthy color rather than a nuclear orange glow.