When it comes to hair removal there are two primary types: root hair removal and surface hair removal. As its name suggests, root hair removal (sometimes referred to as “epilation”) involves removing hair by the root of the follicle. Surface hair removal (sometimes referred to as “depilation”), on the other hand, works by cutting hair at the surface of the skin. While root hair removal can be more uncomfortable than surface hair removal, it offers longer-lasting results, typically up to 6 weeks. By contrast, surface hair can begin to grow back in a matter of hours. 

At Celebrity Skin Chicago, we are leaders in the field of waxing, one of the most popular root hair removal methods available today. In this blog post, we explore the pros and cons of different epilation methods, including waxing, and discuss why our luxury beauty studio can offer you the best hair removal services available in all of Chicagoland. Read on to learn more about the art of epilation, then get in touch with Celebrity Skin Chicago today. 

Tweezing

Sometimes referred to as “plucking,” tweezing involves the removal of the entire hair from the follicle by mechanically pulling it from the body with the use of tweezers. Tweezing can keep the targeted area hair-free for up to six weeks when done correctly. While plucking is one of the most effective and long-lasting methods of hair removal, it can also be one of the most uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the pain, such as holding skin taut while tweezing, tweezing after a warm shower, or using an over-the-counter topical numbing cream.

Tweezing
Pros
  • Ideal for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted facial hair
  • Inexpensive
  • Requires infrequent upkeep
  • Can be done anywhere
  • Allows for greater precision
Cons
  • Can be painful
  • Can be tedious
  • May cause ingrown hairs
  • When done incorrectly, may cause scrapes and scabs
  • Inappropriate for large areas of hair

Threading

Although this method of root hair removal has been around for more than 6,000 years, it is only now becoming popular in the West. Originating in India and Central Asia, threading involves the use of a thin cotton or polyester thread that is doubled then twisted to remove hair by the follicle as it rolls across the skin. Threading provides precise control, which is especially useful for shaping eyebrows, however it can be painful. 

Threading
Pros
  • Requires infrequent upkeep 
  • Quick
  • Precise
Cons
  • Can be painful
  • Reduced risk of ingrown hairs compared to some other methods
  • Inappropriate for many areas of the body, including the arms and legs
  • If done incorrectly, may cause minor cuts

Sugaring

Another ancient method of root hair removal that is only now becoming popular in the West, sugaring has been used in the Middle East since 1900 BC. Sugaring is the method most similar to waxing on this list, however it is inappropriate for the type of thicker, coarser hairs that waxing can remove. The sugaring process involves adhering a sugar paste to the skin, covering it with a strip of porous cloth or paper, and then quickly removing the strip, taking the hair along with it. Since sugaring is even newer to the West than threading, finding a sugaring studio can prove difficult. 

Sugaring
Pros
  • Good for short, fine hairs, such as peach fuzz
  • Reduced risk of ingrown hairs compared to some other methods
  • Gentle and exfoliating
  • All-natural, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly
Cons
  • Inappropriate for coarser, thicker hairs
  • May be difficult to find a salon/spa that offers this service
  • May be uncomfortable

Epilators

An epilator is an electrical device that works by rapidly grasping multiple hairs and then pulling them out via tiny, rotating tweezers. While epilators once required cords and batteries to operate, today they are available in cordless and rechargeable varieties, making them a good choice for women who are often on the go. Epilators can be painful for those with sensitive skin since they require pulling multiple hairs at the root. This is why many people prefer to have the targeted area professionally waxed beforehand, then use an epilator to remove regrowth.

Epilators
Pros
  • Can be used on all parts of the body
  • Can be done anywhere
  • Long-lasting results
  • Versatile attachments and features available
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can be painful
  • May cause ingrown hairs
  • May cause temporary redness
  • Can be loud

Waxing

Last but not least is our favorite method of hair removal, and one of the most popular — waxing! Waxing involves applying a layer of hot or cold wax to a targeted area, then adhering a porous cloth or strip, and quickly removing it in the direction of hair growth. Waxing is one of the most popular methods of hair removal because it can be used on practically all areas of the body, and produces long-lasting results.

At Celebrity Skin Chicago, we have perfected the art of body waxing, thanks to our 100% all-natural wax, which has, a soft elastic feel, making our waxing services much less painful than any other studio in the area, and also more appropriate for sensitive skin. Our professional technicians offer a wide variety of waxing services, including eyebrow waxing Brazilian waxes, bikini waxes, underarm waxing, leg waxes, back waxing, and much more. 

Waxing
Pros
  • Requires infrequent upkeep
  • Fast
  • Can be applied to nearly any area of the body
  • Long-term waxing may reduce or stop regrowth permanently
  • Best option for thick, coarse hair
  • All-natural, eco-friendly, and hypoallergenic options available
Cons
  • Can be uncomfortable when done incorrectly or with inferior wax
  • May cause temporary redness
  • May cause ingrown hairs
  • Certain waxes may cause irritation to sensitive skin

Choose Celebrity Skin Chicago for Exceptional Waxing Services

At Celebrity Skin Chicago, we always advise our clients to choose root hair removal rather than surface hair removal, because it produces more effective, longer-lasting results. In particular, we highly recommend our 100% all-natural wax by gloProfessional, which offers a more pain-free and luxurious waxing experience when applied by our waxing professionals. For top-of-the-line waxing that you can’t get anywhere else, turn to Celebrity Skin Chicago. Get in touch today to learn about our services and promotions.