As a teenager hits puberty, grooming becomes a regular thing. Whether it is unwanted hair or simply beauty care, hair removal is still an important thing for everyone. For both boys and girls, keeping the areas like face, underarms, pubic parts, etc clean of hair becomes a necessity for hygiene. Hence, people are always looking for the best methods to make this happen. Since there are countless ways to remove hair, it is a difficult choice to decide on any one method. So, here we have come with the complete list of best hair removal for teenagers with each type of method ever known and tested.
The best hair removal for teenagers is those that are painless, easy, quick, permanent, and cheap. But it is also important that these methods are safe and suitable for the skin. Thus, the teenager needs to know about a method thoroughly before applying it to avoid any kind of damage.
Check this article to know about different methods, the processes, and whether they are effective and safe.
Main Methods
Before heading to all kinds of hair removal techniques we have deduced six different types of procedures that involve treatments and tools rather than simple home remedies. Those who opt for chemical methods can check these main methods commonly used before looking for alternatives.
1. Shaving
One of the most popular and earliest forms of hair removal is by shaving. The only thing needed is a good razor. It is very easy, quick, and can be done anywhere.
How to do it?
First, the area to shave should be clean. Then use warm water to prepare the skin for shaving with a razor. For sensitive areas, the skin needs to be taught and shaved against the direction of hair growth. But remember to apply a moisturizer after shaving. There are also several shaving creams and gels available in the market for use. This makes the process smoother and more effective. Other than a razor, the teenager can use a trimmer or electric razor.
Best used areas
Teenagers can use the shaving method in any place of the body. Mostly, people shave their legs, hands, and face for males, including pubic areas.
Effectiveness
Even though it is a favorite method, we found that it doesn’t last long. Usually, after a week the teenager will need to shave again. However, this depends on the skin type and how they have shaved. For wet shaving, using shaving media will last a bit longer than dry shaving with the tool directly. Besides, shaving of the pubic regions will cause ingrown hair. But this process lasts longer and also slows down hair growth making the tip blunt.
Safety concerns
Shaving is quite safe to use but be careful of a cut with sharp blades. Most shaving blades aren’t as sharp as a knife to avoid this.
Pros
- Quick and easy
- Slows hair growth
- Doesn’t make the areas dark
- Cheap and safe
- Can be applied everywhere
Cons
- Temporary
2. Waxing
Another very trending method is waxing. It has been used during the times of Cleopatra which shows its effectiveness. Nowadays, we have different media for waxing with the same process. However, it is dismissed by many due to the painful experience.
How to do it?
As usual, the area to remove hair should be clean and exfoliate before applying the wax. Using a wax remover, be it cloth or strips, put it on the skin and then with one quick force remove it against the direction of the hair growth. Do check that the wax can cover a good quantity of hair to remove at a time. Teenagers can use homemade sugar or honey wax or get ready-made wax, wax beans, or wax strips from the market for this procedure. It is important to moisturize afterward for pain relief. This technique is best done at a salon or by professionals.
Best used areas
Waxing can also be done anywhere, but it is mostly done on larger areas like the hands, legs, or bikini lines. Some women wax parts of their faces like the upper lips.
Effectiveness
Regardless of the pain, many people opt for waxing because of the long-lasting effect. After waxing, hair growth is well stunted and remains free of unwanted hair for about two weeks to a month, depending on the skin type.
Safety concerns
Waxing is very safe and recommended due to the natural ingredients used. They don’t cause any irritation or other damages. But be careful with hot wax to prevent burns. Moreover, be gentle to the skin during the process.
Pros
- Fast and easy
- Natural ingredients
- Can be done anywhere
- Lasts a long time
- Cheaper than most methods
Cons
- Painful
There are different types of wax, both store-bought and homemade that have the same results. Check the differences to understand which you will prefer the most:
| Hard Wax | Soft Wax | Wax Beans |
| Doesn’t need any strips | Done using strips or cloth | Wax in the form of beans |
| Thick and directly applied on the skin | Thin and applied using a spatula | Heated to melt the beans and applied using a spatula |
| Ideal thinner hair on eyebrows, upper lips, bikini line, or facial hair | Used on thicker hair like on the chest, arms, legs, pubic region, etc | Can be used on thicker or thinner hair anywhere |
| No stickiness on the skin | Feels sticky after use | Quite thick to remove |
| Less painful | Quite painful | Painful process |
3. Epilating
Perhaps the most painful and ironically the most effective method is epilating. It involves an electrical tweezer that takes out hair from the roots. This is not a cheap option but is usually a one-time purchase.
How to do it?
Epilating can be done on both wet and dry skin. However, experts found out that wet skin made the process easier, by making the hair more loosen. Like any other method, the area must be clean before hair removal. To relieve pain, a moisturizer can work well.
Best used areas
Since this is quite painful, it is better to epilate on larger and less sensitive areas like the legs.
Effectiveness
As mentioned before, epilators slow down hair growth a lot. After one or two uses, we see that the hair will grow thinner and slower. For this, after a single painful experience, the teenager may not need to epilate again for a few weeks.
Safety concerns
Other than the pain problem, epilators are quite safe to use. But be careful when in use, as it may cause bleeding if not placed properly.
Pros
- Slower hair growth
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting effect
- Doesn’t need many materials
- Good investment
Cons
- Extremely painful
4. Using Hair Removing Cream
Another very common method is the depilatory cream. Any teenager can find countless brands that manufacture this type of cream. Hair removal with creams is one of the most desired methods as it is fast and easy and of course, painless. The cream has chemical elements that dissolve the hair shaft, making it easy to remove the hair off.
How to do it?
Before using this cream, clean the area to remove hair with warm water. This will allow the cream to work more effectively. Then apply the cream to the area and wait for some time, usually up to 15 minutes. The hair needs to be removed in the direction against hair growth. You can either rub it off or scrape the hair using a cloth or tool. In some cases, a razor can also be used.
Best areas used
Hair removal creams can be used anywhere in the body from legs, hands, bikini lines, and so on. But since it contains chemicals, it is better not to use it on the face. In addition, the user must do a patch test before using it to look for any allergic reaction.
Effectiveness
Like shaving, this method may only last for some days or a week at best. Depending on the skin pattern, the hair regrowth varies. There are some complaints that the chemical ingredients may cause some damage to the skin after long-term use. This mainly happens if the cream is kept for long on the skin. But some creams may slow the hair growth or make the hair thinner.
Safety concerns
There are no safety issues with a depilatory cream. But the teenager must check if the cream suits the skin. Otherwise, they may suffer from allergic reactions, irritation, or skin damages.
Pros
- Easy and fast
- Pain-free
- Can be applied anywhere
- Cheap
- Easily available
Cons
- Contains strong chemicals
5. Plucking
Threading, plucking or tweezing all fall in the same category, with different tools. This is one of the traditional forms of hair removal, mainly for beauty care, and highly desirable.
How to do it?
Usually, this is done by an aesthetician since there is a need for perfection. Teenagers can try this only if they have unruly hair in any part of the body which requires removal. Otherwise, it is better to try it later. Using a thread or tweezer, the hair is plucked out from the roots one at a time. The tool is taken between the forefinger and thumb to tug, and the hair to remove is grasped with the other hand. This is one of the time-consuming methods for hair removal. After it’s over, a cold cloth over the area will soothe the pain and redness.
Best used areas
Although plucking or tweezing can be done anywhere, it is better to do it only on facial hair or very small areas. This is because it will take hours for longer areas.
Effectiveness
This method is meant for perfection and in that it performs very well. But this depends on the beautician who works on the teenager’s hair removal. Since the hair comes out from the roots, the growth slows down and may take around two weeks or more to grow back. So, for small areas, this is a great option to remove stubborn hair of eyebrows or post-wax areas.
Safety concerns
This is a safe option for everyone including teenagers without many side effects. The only problems are the occasional redness or irritation for all the pulling.
Pros
- Simple and fast
- Perfect for beauty
- Usually done by experts
- Not much pain or skin problems
- Cheap
Cons
- Not suitable for large areas
6. Bleaching
Bleaching is a unique technique to lighten the skin hair color so that they are quite invisible. Since this isn’t the regular form of hair removal, it is done only on areas with noticeable hair to hide them and reduce hair pigments. It can be done either at a salon or home, but the best results will be given by an expert and are quite time-consuming.
How to do it?
Before undergoing the process, it is recommended to do a patch test first. The kit will provide instructions to prepare the bleach. Apply only on clean areas but not after a shower. Usually, it is done by making a cream and powder mixture. First, it is good to practice the hair up and then coat them with bleach so that every strand is bleached. The bleach can only be left for 10 minutes only but if it doesn’t work then you have to try again after 24 hours.
Best used areas
People use bleach on small areas, usually the face or hands, but it can be tried in other parts as well. But it is better to avoid sensitive regions for any chemical reactions on the skin.
Effectiveness
Generally, this is a temporary procedure that may last only a fortnight. The hair growth cycle will continue and so you have to undergo the treatment again. But this still depends on the rate at which one’s hair grows. Although the chemicals that work here are quite effective, we don’t find it very desirable as a form of hair removal or hiding technique.
Safety concerns
This method is considered safe for the skin. But there might be some allergic reaction or irritation. For this, it is important to check the ingredients to see if they will suit the skin.
Pros
- Done by aestheticians
- Great for beauty care
- Faster results
- Long-lasting effect
- Not painful
Cons
- Hair isn’t removed
Prescription Treatment
When the regular methods don’t provide significant changes, or for any skin conditions, for either a teenager or an adult, doctors recommend some treatments. These are special medical methods for long-lasting hair removal but don’t guarantee permanent hair removal.
1. Laser treatment
Those who seek permanent solutions can think of laser hair removal. People don’t usually try this, and especially this isn’t a good choice for teenagers. Since it is a clinical method, there may be health risks, and required a doctor’s prescription. Another method called photo-epilation has the same process but with thermal power to destroy hair follicles.
How to do it?
Generally, the treatment damages the hair follicles to stop their growth done with a laser beam. But this isn’t a one-time thing, there are some sessions. The area that needs hair removal is given the beam to target the hair follicles. There may be some pain or irritation, but these don’t last long.
Best areas used
It can be done in all the parts of the body but not around the eyes. Be sure that the area won’t get affected by the laser beams.
Effectiveness
Mostly light-toned people get better results with this treatment. The treatment lasts for several months with no hair growth. Usually, this treatment is done for any medical issues regarding unwanted hair where the temporary methods aren’t effective.
Safety concerns
It may cause irritation or redness, or some changes in pigments. Besides, the treatment may cause some pain.
Pros
- Long term solution
- No chemicals used
- Handled by experts
- Medical treatment
- Reduces hair growth
Cons
- Expensive and risky
2. Electrolysis Treatment
Electrolysis is another hair removal treatment that is done clinically as a permanent solution. This kind of treatment uses different ways to damage the hair follicles so that the hair growth stops. But since this is a treatment, it should be done by a dermatologist or electrologist, with a medical recommendation.
How to do it?
There are two types, galvanic which uses chemicals, and thermolytic that uses heat to treat unwanted hair. The user can have permanent hair removal with this method, but some follow-up sessions will give better results. Here, waves with radio frequencies are used to destroy the hair follicles directly using thin needles. The heat that comes out burns the hair roots as well.
Best used areas
This method can be applied to different parts of the body and any skin type. But sensitivity is best avoided so that there aren’t any health issues.
Effectiveness
Aftermath includes months or no hair growth which is worth the painful treatment. However, after a period, hair may start growing again but at a much slower rate. This can only happen after some sessions of treatment. But the process needs to be repeated later.
Safety concerns
Mostly due to the needles, there is a chance of infection, pain, redness, and sometimes the irritation, including some scars. If not done carefully, there can be other serious skin damages.
Pros
- Long-term solution
- Medical treatment
- Done by experts
- Safety maintained
- Slows down hair growth
Cons
- Painful and needs to be repeated
3. IPL
One of the latest methods of prescribed hair removal is IPL or Intense Pulse Light. Although it is medically done with longer effects, it should not be tried for teenagers right away, unless they have any conditions. This can be performed at home as well by bringing all the necessary equipment.
How to do it?
The devices are attached to the areas that require hair removal. But it should match the hair color and skin tone. IPL will target the melanin in hair only. No need for any moisturizer, but you have to shave the parts to bring out the follicles that will absorb the light. The high-power light energy will easily remove hair in no time and limit pain.
Best used areas
This method can be used anywhere in the body, but the user must check for any cases of irritation or health issues in sensitive areas.
Effectiveness
No hair removal process is permanent, but this one gets close. As the roots are heated, the growth reduces drastically. Even the remaining hair will fall off as well. But initially, it needs to be performed every two weeks. Depending on the hair growth, the person needs to undergo the treatment again, usually after a month or two.
Safety concerns
This is quite safe for use, but there might be some irritation or redness. Simply treat them with a moisturizer or damp cloth as told by the expert.
Pros
- Long-term hair reduction
- Safe and easy
- Can be done at home
- Doesn’t need much preparation
- Slows down hair growth
Cons
- Expensive, and not suitable for everyone
Vaniqa and Other Treatments
When none of the other methods work, there are some medications and doctor-prescribed options as well. If the case is severe, teenagers can take some drugs that inhibit unwanted hair growth. Photo epilation is also used for long-term effects that have the same criteria as a laser treatment. Doctors may also prescribe a depilatory cream for medical purposes. Today we know of Vaniqa which is a prescribed cream and FDA approved. This is a very simple and medical treatment.
How to do it?
The cream needs to be used twice every day. In this way, the hair growth slows down. However, this cream won’t remove any hair, removal is done using other methods. Vaniqa inhibits the enzyme that causes cell reproduction for hair growth. It is continued till there are significant results. In most cases, this cream is used along with laser treatment for the best result.
Best used areas
Usually, people use such treatments for facial or visible hairs, but this cream can be used anywhere as per the doctor’s advice. But before using, a patch test must be done.
Effectiveness
You can see the result after around eight weeks. From then on, this cream doesn’t need any application for more than two months, depending on the skin pattern. But only discontinue using the cream when you will find it working well. Besides, other methods like tweezing or waxing still need to be done to keep off any existing hair.
Safety concerns
Apart from some stinging feelings, breakouts, and redness, there aren’t many risks using this cream. In case of any irritation, it should not be used.
Pros
- Doctor prescribed method
- Pain-free and easy
- Hair growth slows down
- Not many side effects
- Cheap prescribed method
Cons
- Needs extra removal methods
Comparing Laser Treatment and Electrolysis
| Laser Treatment | Electrolysis |
| Fast and uses mild radiation | A lengthy process that uses epilators |
| Minor side effects and less painful | Minor side effects but more painful |
| Hair gets thinner and lighter after treatment | Long term suppression of hair growth |
| Can be done in all parts except the eyes | Can be done anywhere in the body |
| Not suitable for all skin or hair types | Works better for light hair and dark skin |
| Requires skin maintenance for a long time | Doesn’t need much maintenance after treatment |
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Home Remedies
Apart from all the medical and major methods, teenagers can try some harmless home remedies for hair removal. These are painless, safe, beneficial, but also time-consuming, and not always very effective.
Sugar, Honey, and Lemon wax
- Mix honey, lemon juice, and sugar in a bowl
- Heat the mixture to make it thick
- Cool it down to use on the skin
- Use some cornstarch or flour on the area
- Apply the wax on the skin and then put the cloth or strip on it
- Pull out the cloth in the opposite direction of hair
- Clean and moisturize
Sugar and Molasses Wax
- Add sugar and molasses or corn syrup to a bowl
- Heat it to dissolve the sugar
- Add lemon juice to make a smooth mixture
- After cooling, use it on the skin
- Pull off the wax with a strip or cloth against the hair growth
Raw Papaya and Turmeric
- Take some papaya paste
- Mix with a little turmeric or add gram flour, aloe vera gel, and any essential oil
- Apply the mixture to the skin in the opposite direction
- Wash thoroughly with water or rub with a clean cloth
Turmeric
- Take some turmeric powder
- Use water or milk and make a thick paste
- Use on skin for around 20 minutes
- Clean with warm water
Chickpea Flour Mask
- Mix chickpea flour with a little turmeric
- Add milk to make a paste
- Use cream for dry skin
- Apply on skin for 30 minutes
- Rub the mask in the opposite direction of the hair
- Wash the area with water
Sugar and Lemon
- Take sugar, water, and lemon juice
- Mix everything well
- Use on the skin towards the hair growth
- Keep for about 20 minutes and then wash off
Egg Mask
- Add egg whites, cornflour, and sugar together
- Beat the mixture to a smooth paste
- Apply it on the skin and till it dries out
- Pull out the thick mask forcefully with hair
- Clean and pat dry
White Pepper and Camphor
- Mix white pepper powder with camphor
- Add some almond oil to make a paste
- Use on skin and leave it for 15 minutes
- Wash off the mixture
Potato and Lentil
- Mash some yellow lentil into a paste
- Extract some potato juice
- Add this juice to the lentil along with honey and lemon juice
- Keep it on the skin for 20 minutes
- Wash off by rubbing
Banana and Oatmeal
- Mash a banana and add oatmeal to make a paste
- Put the mixture on the skin for 15 minutes
- Wash the mask with water
Alum and Rosewater
- Mix some alum powder with rose water
- Using cotton wool apply the mixture to the skin
- Let it dry and then apply again for about 15 minutes
- Wash the mask and moisturize
Basil and Onion
- Crush some onion and basil to make a paste
- Use the paste on the area
- Keep it for about 20 minutes
- Clean the paste with water
Thanaka and Safflower
- Add safflower oil to some thanaka powder to make a paste
- Use the mask on the skin at night
- Keep it for the whole night
- Clean the mask with water
Fenugreek and Green Gram
- Add them together with water to make a mixture
- Apply on skin to dry
- Wash the paste
Milk
- Blend barley, wheat bran, or gelatin with milk
- Make a paste to apply to the skin
- Clean the mask when dry
Apricot and Honey
- Mix the items to make a paste
- Apply the mask on the skin
- Rub it when dry and then clean
Spearmint Tea
- Heat water to make spearmint tea
- Drink twice every day to reduce hair growth
Baking Soda
- Mix baking soda and water to make a mixture
- Apply it on the skin and leave it for some time
- Rub off the paste and remove hair
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF UNDERARM HAIR REMOVAL
Underarm hair causes more sweat through the axillary gland, and so allows more bacterial growth. This is responsible for the bad body odor. So, removing armpit hair will cause less sweating, odor, make the underarm smooth and beautiful, and free of germs. But mostly we will feel more comfortable. Hence, it is medically recommended and important to remove underarm hair.
Prevention of Ingrown Hair
Due to some of the artificial hair removal procedures, there are cases of ingrown hair which is a quite alarming condition. For this, we need to prevent and recover this situation. We can find several techniques for ingrown hair removal. But first, we must prevent this with good practice of shaving or waxing, or letting it recover itself by keeping that area free of any hair removal methods.
Summary
Teenagers shouldn’t get upset about the new body changes. It should be explained that body hair is normal, and removal is quite optional. So, before selecting any of the artificial, permanent or natural techniques, they should learn well whether it may cause any harm to their skin. We must also remember that all of these methods are temporary and need to be continued. Only try a major treatment if advised clinically.
