5 Body Hair and Hair Removal Myths Debunked

While there is nothing wrong with having body hair, many people, especially women, prefer to remove or get rid of it. This is especially true for areas like the legs, underarms, and face. Shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal are some of the most common options for effectively removing unwanted and excess hair. 

There are, however, lots of misconceptions regarding different hair removal methods. In this article, we will be debunking the most common body hair and removal myths (Hair Removal Myths Debunked). 

1. Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker.

This is not entirely true. The hair regrowth after shaving, however, may look and feel coarse, as the hair’s new tip now has a blunt tip after being cut off. When that blunt tip starts to rise above the skin surface, it may give you a perception that the new hair is darker, thicker, and more visible than the unshaven hair.

It is also worth noting that the new hair may appear darker because it hasn’t been exposed to water, soap, sunlight, lotion, and other chemicals. There are also other things that can stimulate thicker or darker hair regrowth, like hormonal fluctuations or an underlying medical condition. 

2. Laser hair removal is extremely painful.

There is some discomfort, but the procedure is not painful. The level of pain also varies from patient to patient and can depend on the treated area and the amount of hair to be removed. If you, for instance, are looking to use laser hair removal on the face, there may be more discomfort. This is especially true in the upper lip area, which has thin and sensitive skin. 

You may also be glad to know that when compared to waxing, laser hair removal does not hurt as much. Most patients usually compare the sensation similar to a rubber band being flicked against the skin. Laser clinics and aestheticians also use a numbing cream to make the procedure more tolerable or comfortable.

3. If you wax, you won’t have ingrown hairs.

Ingrown hairs are often a result of improper hair shaving, which is more common if you have coarse or curly hair. Waxing, however, can also lead to ingrown hairs, along with other methods like plucking or threading. It may help prevent other types of skin irritation, but it does not guarantee that you won’t have ingrown hairs.

Some people are also more prone to getting ingrown hairs than others. If this is true for you, taking some steps like prepping your skin or exfoliating the area can reduce your chances of having them. Having your skin waxed by a professional is also recommended, as well as considering laser and IPL hair removal methods.  

4. Laser hair removal guarantees 100% hair removal.

No hair removal method can guarantee complete or 100% body hair removal. This is true even for laser hair removal, which only promises “permanent hair reduction”. It can remove about 80% of hair and any hair left behind should be fine and light. Multiple sessions are also required for optimal results and depending on your individual profile. 

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we use the Cutera CoolGlide Laser, which is an FDA-cleared laser device. It features an innovative cooling design and a longer wavelength that enables safe and effective hair reduction results. The CoolGlide laser, furthermore, delivers laser energy to hundreds of follicles at a time for faster treatment. 

Check out our previous blog to find out what you can expect with laser hair removal.  

5. Women need to remove their body hair.

Many women choose to remove unwanted hair in their legs, underarms, and groin or bikini area. Some do this because they really want to, but others just feel pressured. This is because hair removal has now become the norm, with being hair-free considered clean or hygienic.  

It is, however, always up to you whether you remove your hair or not. No one should pressure you into doing it if you don’t want to. If removing excess or unwanted body hair is something that makes you feel more comfortable and confident, go for it. Besides, there are lots of safe and effective hair removal options available.  

Does excess body hair bother you? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule an appointment with our aesthetic doctor to learn more about our permanent hair reduction procedures.