A hair removal expert has revealed the common mistakes people make when getting rid of body hair – including the disgusting reason why you should avoid shaving. Sydney-born Trish Coulton, who now runs Bondi Body in London, revealed that shaving can leave your body covered in dead skin.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, she added that waxing and hair removal creams can leave the skin red – and that Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are the best way to get rid of hair. ‘By shaving, you are effectively “mowing” your hair and slicing it to the skin level which means within 24 hours most of us will feel its regrowth as stubble,’ she explained.
The hair also grows back thicker and more robust which means those of us with thick, dark body hair, it will be extra visible. ‘This quick fix is also not great for those with sensitive or compromised skins as razors carry more bacteria than any personal tool.
‘You are, in effect, spreading dead, putrefied skin over your most intimate areas and if you have a cut or cut yourself shaving, this can cause inflammation and skin infections too. ‘A little test for you. If you take the back of your razor off and look behind the blade, you will see the build-up of dead skin. It is this you are smearing all over your body every morning.
However, Trish explained that shaving is the most common method of hair removal as it’s ‘super quick and ‘easy to become part of your routine. But Trish argues it’s the ‘most high maintenance method of body hair removal as depending on the season or the growth rate of your hair, it can be almost daily.
‘Most of us hate the feeling of stubble and even those who wax religiously also tend to break out the razor if they are wearing something skin-bearing. If you’re going to shave, Trish advises always using foam. ‘This will help to lubricate the blade and the skin and minimalize and shave rashes.
‘If you do find yourself with a nick or cut, blot off the blood with a clean dry tissue and let the area air to give it time to clot a little and stem the bleeding. ‘Try not to get it wet or swim in the pool or sea for at least 24 hours and shower with a non-scented and natural wash.’
She also warns to never share blades on holiday or with friends as infections can be transferred this way such as yeast infections and cystitis. The expert also warned that waxing shouldn’t be done at home as it can cause bruising and blood blisters.
‘Waxing can only be performed when the hair is long enough for it to get “caught” to be pulled from the root and this can mean spending up to a week with hairy legs. ‘Some people find waxing painful but the good news is that the hair becomes much finer and the root much smaller with every treatment so your awareness of regrowth is less.
‘With waxing, you won’t have that scratchy stubble that shaving gives either. Hair grows in different directions so it is always best to have a professional take care of it. ‘Mainly because they can get closer to the area to really make sure it is properly done and two because your at-home wax strips are not at professional standard strength.
‘I regularly have clients come in with hair still on their legs but also slight bruising and blood blisters where the wax has caught the skin and not the hair properly. It really is quite a feat to do it properly yourself.
‘Any redness after waxing, if you do get some, will completely go overnight. ‘But, try not to go out in the sun with freshly waxed legs and make sure you give them time to settle for at least 24 hours post your appointment. Trish also warned against using hair removal creams as they melt the hair down to skin level, but don’t touch the root.
