The green guide to hair removal
Eight methods bravely tested and rated
Easy does it...
Whether its legs, underarms or something else, most girls agree, if you’re daring to bear this summer, fuzz free is best.
Being the dedicated journalists we are at Daisy Green, we’ve tried and tested eight different methods so you’ll know exactly which is best for you – and the planet.
Waxing strips
I tried wax strips by Parissa. They are made with eco-friendly natural ingredients, and the strips can be used many times over. There are a few sizes in the pack, so you can apply them almost anywhere, but I went with bikini. They are easy to use, and come with a soothing oil to use afterwards. As a stranger to home waxing, this was great for a beginner. I would say that this is ideal if you’re in need of a last minute wax, but I’ll be back to the salon in future. It is painful, but that goes with the territory. If you are going to brave it at home, it’s a good idea to have a friend with you to help, as it can get fiddly. Available for £9.99 from diva-stores.com
Eco rating: 3/5
Effectiveness rating: 3/5
Liquid wax
Moom organic hair removal kit has tea tree oil so is perfect for sensitive skin. It comes with various sizes of waxing strips and wooden spatulas, so is great for whichever area you’re wanting to work on. They also have a kit available for extra sensitive skin. Once you run out, there’s refills to buy too. It’s not particularly easy to use, as it’s tricky to get the right temperature and consistency. The results are good, but it can take some time to get there, definitely not one for beginners. Priced at £14.99 from moom-uk.com
Eco rating: 3/5
Effectiveness rating: 1/5
Threading
This method is becoming more and more popular amongst women. There’s no sticky wax or chemicals involved, just a long piece of thread. Thread is rolled over unwanted hair, allowing more hair to be removed at one time, and resulting in a straighter, neater finish. It is common practice in Asian countries, but is becoming more so everywhere else. It is great for eyebrows, as you get a more defined shape. It lasts around the same time as waxing, and although it’s slightly more painful, it’s worth it. Best done in a salon.
Eco rating: 4/5
Effectiveness rating: 4/5
Shaving
Arguably the most common form of hair removal, it isn’t the most eco. But you can save on waste by using a razor with a replaceable head. Or go one step better and buy a recycled razor made from old yoghurt pots courtesy of Nigel’s Eco Store. Shaving has the added benefit of exfoliating the skin leaving you super soft. Tripe Blade Recycled Disposable Razor, £6.99 from nigelsecostore.com
Eco rating: 2/5
Effectiveness rating: 4/5
Hair removal pads
I was dubious about this method, as I didn’t think it would work. Basically, they claim to rub hair away with no pain. And they actually do! The pads have a sandpaper-like texture, and by rubbing in circular motions accross the skin they remove unwanted hair. They exfoliate really well, I had to rinse my legs afterwards to get rid of the dead skin they had brought up. They are especially great around awkward areas like knees. One problem is that they effect doesn’t last that long, so would need to be done everyday to stay smooth. That said, they’re great as a quick-fix if you’re short on time, or great if you were camping or at a festival. Smooth legs hair removal pads are £3.90 from novadetox.co.uk
Eco rating: 3/5
Effectiveness rating: 4/5
Hair removal cream
This painless method of hair removal is up there with shaving in the popularity stakes. It’s easy to use and can be done anywhere on the body. That said, it’s eco values are low. Those potent chemicals may not be good for you and certainly not the fishies. Also, all hair removal cream, no matter what it claims, seems to have the same funny smell. It can also have short-lived effects, and be a bit of a fuss.
Eco rating: 1/5
Effectiveness rating: 3/5
Bleaching
Very similar to hair removal cream – bit of a faff to use and full of nasties. Although the effects do last longer and can be good for facial hair if you don’t want to risk an unsightly friction rash – assuming, that is, you’re not allergic to peroxide.
Eco rating: 1/5
Effectiveness rating: 3/5
Electrolysis
It could be said that the most eco way of removing hair is getting rid of it all together, permanently! That’s where electrolysis comes in. A metal rod is used to damage the hair follicles with electricity so that they are unable to grow hair. It is a highly successful method – but a pricey one. It can cost hundreds of pounds, and a few sessions are needed in order for it to work. If you can afford it, it’s well worth it, and is particularly useful for facial hair, as that can be tricky to deal with.
Eco rating: 4/5
Effectiveness rating: 5/5
How does epilation rate? I wasn’t happy using razors- as you say in the article there is quite abit of wastage with changing the heads, and so bought an epilator, which I’m hoping will keep me fuzz free for longer, and although it is run on electricity, will that balance out against the cost of making the razors I would have used?
It’s hard to know what’s best sometimes, so articles like this are useful!
I saw an ad in a magazine recently for Philips product called Philips Lumea, which claims to use pulsed light to remove hair. Apparently it only needs to be used every 2 weeks. However, everyone I have talked to about it has never heard of it. I was wondering if you had come across it and what the eco rating would be?
Good question Libby. Obviously it uses batteries so uses energy which will effect its eco rating but depends on how much energy and how frequently it has to be used. I would be interested to hear views from people who have used it.