Fuzz OFF!
By Kelsey Malenchak
Oh the horror! You’ve realized your legs aren’t ready for the spotlight but you just have to wear that minidress. Here are some at-home options to help get your gams glam.SHAVING
The newest shavers have three or four blades with pivoting heads to access the most unreachable areas. Shaving is without a doubt the easiest and quickest way to get smooth, gorgeous legs. The only downside is that the hair grows back quickly, and often thicker than before.For a sweeter shave:
• Make sure to shower before you shave. The steam from hot water helps to open pores, allowing an easier and cleaner hair removal.
• Be gentle and don’t use a lot of pressure when shaving. Instead use a light, comfortable grip and gliding motion.
• Make sure to moisturize. Hydrating your
skin helps hair stay soft and flexible.
vervegirl Recommends:
Venus 2-in-1 razors $13.29
Venus Malibu disposable razor pack of 3/$8.99
Bic Soleil razors $8
Gilette for Women Satin Care Shave Gel $4
DEPILATORIES
Depilatories dissolve the proteins that make up hair and what’s (quickly) left behind is a smooth edge. These lotions and creams are easy to use and they come in a variety of formulas for sensitive, dry and normal skin types. Find one that fits with your specific needs and give it a go!For regular removal:
• Test the product on a small area before applying all over. You can never be sure how the product will react with your skin.
• Do not combine depilatory creams with a razor or wax. This will irritate the skin.
vervegirl Recommends:
Veet’s In-Shower Hair Removal Cream $8.99
Nair-Soft Kiwi-Litchi Hair Removal Spray $8.99
Nair-Soft Peach Hair Removal Cream $6.99
WAXING
If you can handle a little pain, give waxing a try. It will reduce the amount of hair and make it softer by removing hair from the root. Expect hair-free legs for up to 4 weeks!Caution: Waxing can be messy business so, for an easier and less sticky application, try pre-waxed strips.
For a relaxed wax:
• Spread the wax on thin. Thick wax will produce poor results.
• Apply talc-free baby powder before waxing to ensure the wax won’t stick to your skin.
vervegirl recommends:
Nair Lavender Body Wax Strips $8.99
Nair Lavender Face & Bikini Strips $9.99
Veet’s Ready to Use Wax Strips for legs $10.99
Not the DIY kind? Drop into a salon and have the experts do it for you. Mary Orlando, owner of Toronto’s Featuring…You Spa & Salon (www.featuringyouspa.com), understands that waxing can be intimidating for first timers. But don’t worry: “It’s like snapping the skin with a rubber band…not as painful as people make it out to be,” says Mary.
Mary’s Pre-Wax Tips:
• Exfoliate & Moisturize
• 30 minutes prior to your appointment, take a Tylenol or Advil.
• Avoid waxing just before, during or just after your period since you’ll be more sensitive.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The most high tech method. The laser uses pulsed light rays that target the dark pigment in the hair. Be sure to find out if the laser is appropriate for use on dark skin as you could end up with pigment discoloration. Results are eventually permanent, but you'll have to invest substantial time and money, so this not a quick fix.
product photography: ARASH MOALLEMI. runway photo courtesy of Bustle Clothing
