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What Are the Different Methods of Natural Hair Removal?

Rhonda Rivera
Rhonda Rivera

Some natural hair removal methods are sugar waxing, threading, and buffing. A person can also shave using all natural ingredients, if other methods prove too time consuming or painful. In fact, many common methods of hair removal are considered natural because they do not use synthetic chemicals, electricity, or lasers to remove unwanted hair. The term "all natural" can mean different things to different people, however; for example, some do not believe hair removal is natural at all.

Sugar waxing, also known as sugaring, works in a way similar to hair removal methods using beeswax or candle wax. This kind of wax is typically created from sugar melted in water. A person that uses sugar waxing can apply it with wooden sticks and remove it with fabric strips, both of which are typically reusable. Some people choose to create their own sugar wax instead of purchasing one that is ready-made. Doing so ensures that the mixture is a natural substance without potentially harmful or allergenic chemicals.

Organic shaving creams are typically more expensive.
Organic shaving creams are typically more expensive.

Threading is an ancient form of natural hair removal that involves running rolled thread over unwanted hair. The thread pulls the hair as it moves over the skin, which can be very painful, especially if a lot of hair is pulled all at once. Like all methods of hair removal, natural or not, threading has its risk, including scarring, temporary pain and discomfort, and ingrown hairs. This hair removal method is normally used on areas with fine hair, like the face.

Ingrown hairs can be caused by improper hair removal techniques.
Ingrown hairs can be caused by improper hair removal techniques.

While shaving may not be considered the most natural hair removal technique available, a person can choose to use organic shaving creams and gels over chemically-laden ones. These creams and gels are usually made from all-natural oils, with no synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. A potential downside to using natural hair removal products like shaving creams is the extra cost, but this can be offset by mixing a batch of homemade shaving cream in the kitchen.

Sugar waxing allows hair to be removed in a way similar to traditional waxing.
Sugar waxing allows hair to be removed in a way similar to traditional waxing.

Buffing is generally not the kind of all natural hair removal method used on stubborn or thick hair. This type of hair removal involves literally buffing the skin with a mitt or other tool to remove fine hairs. It can be time consuming, painful, and cause the skin to redden for a few minutes. Buffing tools can often be found in brick-and-mortar stores around the world, but its popularity is lacking in many countries.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

Threading has to be the best natural hair removal method and it's still very popular. I have my eyebrows threaded once a month at the mall.

ZipLine
@SarahGen-- I think the older generations only used natural hair removers.

My grandmother used the coarse side of a piece of clay pot to remove hair which is basically buffing. I also tried this method once in the shower but it didn't work too well. I don't know if I didn't do it right or if my piece of clay pot wasn't suitable.

Natural hair removal methods are okay but they are time consuming and it's difficult to get it right. I'd rather shave or use a hair removal cream.

SarahGen

My mom says that when they were young, there weren't so many waxing products as there are now, so they used to make their own hard wax for home hair removal.

Apparently, they made wax by boiling water, sugar and lemon juice for a short time. Then, they would let the wax cool a little bit and roll it into a ball in their hand. They would spread the wax onto skin and then pull it back to remove hairs.

I think this is great, not just because it's natural, but also because a single batch of wax will be enough to remove a lot of hair. When I use hot wax, I use a lot because once the wax is spread and removed with fabric sheets, it can't be reused. But homemade, natural hard wax can be used over and over again.

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    • Organic shaving creams are typically more expensive.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Organic shaving creams are typically more expensive.
    • Ingrown hairs can be caused by improper hair removal techniques.
      By: F.C.G.
      Ingrown hairs can be caused by improper hair removal techniques.
    • Sugar waxing allows hair to be removed in a way similar to traditional waxing.
      By: mykeyruna
      Sugar waxing allows hair to be removed in a way similar to traditional waxing.
    • Women may use wax to remove hair from different parts of their face.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Women may use wax to remove hair from different parts of their face.
    • Organic shaving creams can made with household ingredients.
      By: photoCD
      Organic shaving creams can made with household ingredients.
    • Some people prefer temporary natural hair removal methods over more permanent methods such as laser treatments.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Some people prefer temporary natural hair removal methods over more permanent methods such as laser treatments.
    • Some women choose to routinely have hair in the underarm and bikini areas removed.
      By: Nobilior
      Some women choose to routinely have hair in the underarm and bikini areas removed.
    • Waxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Waxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area.
    • Waxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.
      By: Natalia Chircova
      Waxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.