Lose The Blade: 3 Affordable Alternatives To Shaving

Posted on: 27 April 2018

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When it comes to hair removal, nothing is more classic than the simple razor. But if you're prone to razor burn, missed spots, and nicked legs, it might just be time to hang up your razor and consider other hair removal options. But if you don't have a ton of money to spend on spa-level procedures, what can you do? If you're looking for a few affordable alternatives to shaving, then here's what you need to know.

Sugar

Sugaring is the oldest method on this list, dating back to 1900 BC. Sugaring paste can be either bought or made, and contains ingredients like lemon juice, cornstarch, water, and (of course) sugar. This all combines into a paste that can then be used to remove unwanted body hair.

After dusting the intended area with a bit of cornstarch to help the sugar paste adhere to the hair (rather than your skin), spread the paste on your skin in the direction of your hair growth. After that, simply press a strip of cloth or paper to the sugar and tear it off quickly in order to remove hair. If you miss some sugar paste, don't worry — you can wash it right off with a bit of warm water.

Wax

Waxing can mean a luxurious (and expensive) trip to a spa, but it does come in a cheaper alternative in the form of waxing kits for sale. These do-it-yourself kits come in a few different varieties; some contain ready-to-use wax strips that you just need to put on and tear off, while others contain pans to melt the wax in and spatulas to apply it to your skin.

The great thing about at-home waxing kits is the sheer amount of variety you can find. Whether you need gentle, moisturizing wax for your armpits or face or whether you need a kit for those short, coarse hairs around your bikini line, you'll be able to easily find what you need — and use it, too.

Cream

Depilatory cream is definitely the easiest method of hair removal on this list, as it simply involves smoothing the cream over the desired area and washing it off after a few minutes. Unlike sugaring or waxing, there's usually not even a little bit of pain associated with these creams, especially if you opt for a formula meant for sensitive skin.

After doing a patch test and waiting 24 hours to make sure you're not allergic to the particular cream you're using, simply apply it over the area and wait about five minutes before washing it out. Generally speaking, this is easiest to do in the shower, where you can wash your hair at the same time.