Julyne: You write about hair removal. About 5 years ago, I tried laser hair removal (full leg and bikini) and paid something outrageous -- like $4,000 -- at Completely Bare Salon in NY. It was touted as the best place to get it, but it didn’t work very well on me and I was a good candidate (light skin, dark hair). To this day, I have to wax and shave. People keep asking me if I recommend it and I have to say, “no.” What’s your feeling on lasers?
Naomi: Laser hair removal is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, but many advertisements can make one think that they will achieve permanent hair removal and never have to see their hair again. Unfortunately even if you have dark hair there are no guarantees that it’s going to reduce the hair count dramatically after finishing the treatments or keep the same reduction year after year. For some people it works great and others it doesn’t.
Laser hair removal is relatively new especially compared to most other hair removal methods. We know that hair color and hormone levels affect results. But I think there are probably more variables to why there is a wide range of results that we’ll find out in the coming years.
On the bright side, laser hair removal can now be done at home on the body without paying exorbitant prices. Tria Laser did work really well for me (learn more about Tria here) and it’s only $395. Even if it doesn’t work as well as hoped, at least it didn’t cost thousands.
What about electrolysis? Jen Adkins, the skincare guide, tried it on her face and found it so unbearably painful, she gave up. Is there any way to cut down on the pain?
There are actually three types of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis and blend (read more about them in Naomi's article). The pain depends not only on the type of electrolysis used, but the person’s pain threshold, the area that’s being treated and the electrologist performing the service. In any case there’s always a numbing cream like Emla.
Let’s talk the Brazilian (insert tittering here). Almost everyone I know has tried it. Do you see this trend waning anytime soon?
Especially when I see that all year round almost all of my most popular articles are about getting rid of bikini hair, I really can’t this see trend leaving us. Not everyone will choose a full Brazilian, but waxes that clean up much more than the bikini line are here to stay. I do think that people will come to expect more from their service- the ultimate in cleanliness, speed and professionalism.
What advice would you give someone getting a bikini wax for the first time?
Don’t trim hair before your service. It needs to be at least 1/4” for the wax to grab onto. If you insist, cut it to an even 1/4” with clippers. Go to someone that’s recommended and don’t be afraid to communicate exactly what you want. A Brazilian as your first bikini wax may not be the best idea- ease into it! Here are some more tips to prepare see "Before Bikini Wax: Tips for less pain, redness and bumps."
I am obsessed with threading my brows. What’s your preferred brow removal method?
I have to agree with you, I love threading! It’s fast, precise and gets those really fine hairs. Here’s a video for those who have never seen this.
Regarding chin hairs, which happens to women as they age, a famous dermatologist once told me that plucking chin hairs make them grow back in more heavily. Could this be true? Why does waxing your legs make hair grow back more sparse over time, but pulling the hairs on your chin out by the roots have the opposite effect?
I’ve also heard that tweezing chin hairs can cause them to grow back thicker, so it very well could be true. I don’t have a medical background, but I’ll give you my theory on this.
Women normally have somewhat thick or noticeable hair on their legs and at the least, have fine, light facial hair. However, as we age some hair on the body and even the face, like the eyebrows, tends to get sparser. The chin is different. Very dark or thick chin hair on a woman is almost always linked to hormonal changes (like a drop in estrogen and getting closer to menopause) or some type of medical issue. Any time you’re battling with hair removal from hormones or medical issues, it’s a vicious fight.
So could it be that the hair would become thicker because the estrogen continues to drop, regardless of tweezing? Or is it because more circulation is drawn to the area from tweezing which encourages the hair to become thicker? I’m not sure.
Second, most women tweeze their chin hair instead of waxing it because they can’t wait for the hair to reach the 1/4 inch length to be waxed. Both waxing and tweezing when done frequently over time can damage the hair follicle and cause it to become sparser. But the force of removing the wax is much stronger than tweezing.
Are Tweezerman tweezers the best tweezers ever? My friend Jen swears by Japanese tweezers but I figured I’d ask you.
I have to honestly admit that I’ve never tried Japanese tweezers. I should ask my assistant Nicole, she probably has. But I can’t get enough Tweezerman tweezers, especially their Slant. You can’t beat their quality for the price.
What hair removal mistakes do women typically make?
Shaving their bikini zone the same way they shave their legs. While a quick run of shaving cream and a razor can do it for the legs, the bikini hair is coarser and the skin more delicate, so there’s more chance of razor burn and ingrown hair. A quality razor and shaving cream is a must. Pre-shaving oil works wonders allowing the razor to glide instead of drag, reducing the chances of burn and ingrown hair. Also, keeping a bump-fighting product (see Best Razor Bump Treatments) on hand for this zone is essential.
Do you have a skincare routine?
After working in salons and spas since a teenager and being bombarded by chemicals, I try to use products and lines that are as natural as possible. I use organic jojoba or olive oil and water to remove my makeup, dry brushing to exfoliate and organic coconut oil as a body moisturizer. I’ve even been known to whip up my own coffee and sugar scrub and make facial masks with honey and yogurt.
Wild Sage Botanicals makes wonderful toners and moisturizers. Nahla Beauty has this amazing Vanilla Bean Rejuvenating Cleanser that exfoliates without leaving skin feeling dry or oily and smells good enough to eat. Eminence Almond Mineral Treatment is like a mask and heats up using paprika -- it’s instant brighter, clearer skin after the redness fades. For drugstore brands, I’ll pick up either Burt’s Bees or Kiss My Face.
Moving on to makeup. Are you a product junkie?
Much less now than in my late teens and early twenties when I was obsessed and once changed my hair color from reddish to a dark, dark cool brown so I could wear a certain shade of lipstick. I got to work out my obsession by doing makeup touchups and full face applications at the salon- weddings were especially fun. I even bought a huge kit and worked off-site doing photo shoots for models.
Skillfully placed makeup in the right shades can totally transform and I’m still a big fan. But now I’m all about using the least I can get away with. I wish I was one of those people who just wash their face and walk out the door looking great all natural. I do leave the house sans makeup, but mostly I use what I think is needed and choose mineral makeup or companies that use the least amount of chemicals like 100% Pure.
Are there any products you swear by?
The shaving creams from The Art of Shaving. They’re simply the best!
Can you share a favorite beauty tip (or two)?
Take care of your brows. Brows can really make a big difference. A lot of people put in the wrong shape, usually being too thin. This creates the wrong type of focal point, and doesn’t balance with the other facial features. If you’re unsure, here’s some help: How to Shape Eyebrows. Otherwise go to a professional and have them do the work.
Women, don’t shave your face or your brows. Unless there are extreme circumstances or you’re undergoing laser or electrolysis where you can only shave, choose a method that removes hair from the root that will last a lot longer like waxing, sugaring, tweezing or threading. Shaving is not only so short-lived, but cutting the hair can make it look thicker.
Mind sharing the 5 most popular articles on your site?
Absolutely. Right now they are:
- Women’s Pubic Shaving Guide
- Men’s Pubic Shaving Guide
- Bikini Waxing Styles
- Pubic Hair Designs and Shapes
- What’s the Difference Between a Hollywood and Brazilian Wax?
Naomi Torres is About.com's Guide to Hair Removal. Check out her Website for today's hottest hair removal tips, tricks, trends and deals.
