6 Hair Removal Myths to Toss Out the Window

When it comes to hair removal, it’s best not to believe everything you hear. All that so-called tried-and-true advice you swear by may be nothing more than a bunch of bologna. Case in point? The (very false!) hair removal myths below. Whatever you do, don’t fall for them!

MYTH #1: SHAVING YOUR HAIR MAKES IT GROW BACK THICKER AND DARKER 

This is one of the biggest myths surrounding shaving, and one of the reasons why so many people neglect to shave in the first place. The good news is that it’s simply not true. As hair grows back after shaving, the blunt ends give the impression that the hair is thicker because it feels coarse. Since new hair has not been exposed to any light, it may appear darker but in reality, your hair is just the same as it was pre-shave.

MYTH #2: RAZORS SHOULD BE STORED IN THE SHOWER 

False! Razors should be kept somewhere dry so they’re less susceptible to bacteria growth and rust formation. You don’t want to place any nasty grime onto your body, do you? Didn’t think so!

MYTH #3: YOU SHOULD WAX OR TWEEZE BETWEEN LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS

If your hair grows back before your next laser appointment, don’t book a waxing appointment and don’t reach for the tweezers! If you do, the hair follicle will disappear, leaving virtually nothing for the laser to target in the next treatment. Instead, shave between appointments or trim the hairs so they’re less noticeable.

MYTH #4: LASER HAIR REMOVAL IS EFFECTIVE FOR EVERYONE 

While we wish this were true, it’s not always the case. Board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Michael Kaminer says that dark-haired patients with thick hair will see the best results from laser hair removal. He mentions, however, that blond, red, and gray-haired patients may not see any reduction in hair growth at all. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal, talk to your laser technician.

MYTH #5: THERE’S NO WAY TO MINIMIZE THE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH WAXING

Let’s be real: Waxing hurts…a lot. But it’s also one of the most efficient ways to temporarily remove unwanted hair, so we don’t want to swear off it forever. Thankfully, there’s something we can do about it—contrary to popular opinion. To help reduce pain while you wax, numb the skin before your appointment with ice or a prescription numbing agent. Since synthetic waxes can sometimes be harsh on the skin, request that your waxing specialist use an all-natural wax formulated for sensitive skin. Lastly, make sure you stay hydrated on the inside by drinking a lot of water as well as on the outside by moisturizing your skin pre-procedure.

If you have sensitive skin, don’t forget to follow these post-wax tips for soothing irritation!

MYTH #6: TO GET RID OF INGROWN HAIRS, YOU SHOULD SQUEEZE THEM

Hands down! Attempting to squeeze an ingrown hair—similar to a zit—with your hands or a pair of tweezers can leave your skin worse-off. A better way to go about it is to just leave it alone, as most ingrown hairs heal themselves without intervention. If you want to move things along a bit quicker, try applying a warm compress to soften the skin and allow the hair to find its way back to the surface. Make a trip to the dermatologist if your ingrown hair isn’t healing or feels extremely uncomfortable. They have the proper (sterile) tools to release an ingrown hair safely.