Sun’s out, legs out…or not, if you haven’t done the obligatory deforestation. Don’t end up resorting to the shears. Take action now, says Fiona Adams
As I was writing this column, the sky was overcast, the trees were bending over backwards and rain was on the way. The chances of getting my legs out in public – or in private, for that matter – were remote.
However, with summer (and the big reveal) on its way, the inevitable question of hair removal reared its ugly head.
Apparently, the average woman devotes more than 70 days of her life to depilation and spends up to £12,500. 70 days! And so much lolly!
To investigate this arduous and expensive task, I decided to enlist the help of some willing volunteers (there was quite a queue). Here we test out the various ways to a fuzz-free you...
Soprano XLi IPL
IPL (Intense Pulse Light) aims at drastic hair reduction and, if at all possible, to get rid of it entirely. The laser light is attracted to pigment at the hair root and heat is absorbed to destroy it. It is fairly painless; the heat does intensify or ‘prickle’, but it’s bearable and there is no soreness afterwards.
Between six and eight treatments are recommended (you need to shave before each). I have had three so far and can see patches where the hair has not grown back. Soprano IPL is suitable for all skin types and tones, but is less effective on red or auburn hairs. Great for reducing in-growing hairs and on underarms and bikini.
- A variety of treatments are available at Guildford's Absolute Aesthetics, from Lip (£54) to Bikini (£81); (01483) 477 189
- Alternatively, try Richmond's Ace Aesthetics, which offer six sessions (£540); 0333 800 1231
- There's also Jill Zander in Esher, who offer six bikini treatments (£550); 01372 471448
- Finally, Permanent Beauty in Maidenhead offer Lip (£45/treatment) and Bikini (£70/treatment) courses; 0800 107 5575
no!no!
Before you faint at the price (from £210), this handy device could save you pounds. For both facial and body hair, the no!no! claims to be effective regardless of skin type, gender or hair colour.
Instead of a continued wave of heat, the no!no! uses a fluctuating pulse which allows the skin to cool as the treatment level rises.
No instant fix, as you need to use it over four to six weeks to be effective. Our tester, Rosanna, thought it was great to have something to use at home while watching telly, but the occasional burning smell was disconcerting.
Waxing
Painful, I agree, but if you try Lycon hot wax, it’s a lot less agonising. Originating in Australia, Lycon need not be heated to the same degree as ordinary wax and claims to be able to remove hairs as short as 1mm (though I think this is a claim too far – or too short – with 5mm more realistic).
The wax removes hair by ‘shrink wrapping’ it instead of sticking to, and therefore pulling, skin. It’s great for sensitive types, is fairly inexpensive and can last up to six weeks.
- A variety of treatments are available at Guildford's Body Studio, from Chin (£8.95) to Hollywood (£33); 01483 455 595
- Alternatively, try Laurie Archer in New Malden, who offer Lip & Chin (£12) and Hollywood (£35); 020 8288 6514
- Others may be closer to Simply Skin UK in Teddington - they offer Top Lip (£7) and Hollywood (£37); 020 8977 1220
- Rush Hair & Beauty in Windsor offer Lip (£7) and Hollywood (£36); 020 3733 1700
Creams & shaving
Creams, such as Nair, Veet and Bliss Fuzz Off (effective and quick) work on the basis that the product’s chemicals dissolve the hair at the root.
This is a non-invasive approach, great for legs and underarms, but in my view less effective on bikini lines and faces (upper lip stubble, anyone?). If you’re going for a cream, do a test area first to check for reactions.
Still love your shaver? Try the Dermalogica Soothing Shave Cream (from £15.99) to smooth the way.
- Available from Boots and Dermalogica
Gentle Laser
This treatment is a fairly straightforward process for face and body provided by Syneron Candela machines, which can match treatments to your skin tone and hair type.
Emily, our tester, had the treatment on her face. There was no discomfort and it was quick, but there was a distinct whiff of burnt hair, which was a tad off-putting. The next day her skin was dry and sore, but using calming redness-reducing Clinique products helped. A week later her skin was back to normal. You need between six and eight sessions (every four to six weeks) for up to 90% hair reduction.
- Available at the Premier Laser and Skin Clinic in Kingston, Virginia Water and Fulham, from £678 for six sessions.
