The other day I was looking around on InTheGloss when I came across a post by Anna Stevenett, who after trying all forms, had written about her experiences with different types of hair removal. Click to read the original post, The Best ways to Remove Body Hair. Anna divided her opinions into pro’s and con’s of each method that she had tried. It was quite a fun read so I thought I’d do the same.


Shaving- 
Pro’s: Quick and simple. It is one of the cheapest methods too. When done properly, your legs can feel silky smooth.

Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.


Waxing- 
Pro’s: As painful as it is, I love waxing. I love how it lasts for two/ three weeks. If I could afford it, I would get it done every time. Honestly, the greatest thing ever and the hair grows back softer as well.

Con’s: Pretty hurts I'm afraid. And unfortunately, waxing can hurt like hell. The good news is you will find over time that your pain tolerance increases. The bad news is it might take a while to get there. Waxing can become quite expensive depending on what you get. But it's completely worth paying to get it done in a salon rather than it at home.


Hair removal cream- 
Pro’s: Hair removal cream feels like a more softer approach when it comes to hair removal. There’s no blade involved which means you are less likely to cause any physical damage to yourself. Hair regrowth is a little slower compared to shaving but it's not a huge difference.

Con’s: In short- it smells. Hair removal cream comes with a very particular scent and it’s not the most pleasant of smells. When using the cream, you are often sat immobile on the bathroom floor waiting for it to work. If you move, you risk the chance of smudging the cream everywhere.


Epilating- 
Pro’s: After only managing to epilate a small section of my shin, I found the hair didn’t fully grow back until almost a year later. Crazy, I know.

Con’s: The most painful form of hair removal ever! Just the mere thought sends shivers down my spine. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain but the buzz of the rotating head still sets goosebumps everywhere.


No hair removal-

Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.

Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.



So there are my opinions and thoughts on the four methods that I have used. The best kind of hair removal is down to personal preference and choice. I'm curious about the other forms of hair removal out there. Laser and Sugaring are down on my list to try next.

Comment below your thoughts on hair removal and if you’ve tried any other methods.

Love, Aoife x


The Design Museum is currently showcasing the talents of Azzedine Alaïa in Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Alaïa sadly passed away last November (2017). The exhibition was co-curated with the man himself showcasing his Haute Couture and Ready To Wear collections from over the decades.

But first, what is Haute couture? Haute couture translates to 'high sewing' or in other words 'needlework'. Haute couture garments have been made to order, sewn by hand, and are fitted individually to the customer. One of the many reasons as to why couture is so exclusive and has a high price tag. Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa began his haute couture career at Christian Dior (under Yves Saint Laurent) and later at Guy Laroche before establishing his own fashion house.

I visited the exhibition a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breathtaking! It's held in this large open space and divided into mini sections, each containing a couture collection. I loved walking around the room, around the masterpieces. The silhouettes were ridiculous. Each dress was figure hugging and clung to the curves of the mannequin. I felt so inadequate surrounded by them as they stood propped up on podiums. Each mannequin had been cut to fit the dress which gave the impression it was standing up by itself. It was like each piece demanded attention and respect. For the designer and the craft.




My favourite collections from the exhibit were Exploring Volume and Sculptural Tension, Alaïa's final haute couture collection (above). Exploring Volume had a Hollywood feel, of glitz and glamour. I also loved the contrast in Sculptural Tension, between the resistance and solidity associated with metal and the delicacy of the chiffon and stature of the dress. The most unusual collection was Other Places, Other Cultures. One of the items had been made from a hair-type material; it was a little bizarre but intriguing at the same time.


Student, £10.75. Adult, £14.50. Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Until 7th October. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG, London. Find out more at the Design Museum.

Love, Aoife x