Laser, waxing, threading… if you’re confused as to which hair removal treatment is for you, TOAD’s plucked out the best salon services in the capital.
Waxing
Where? Sisters Beauty Lounge
Best for Sensitive areas such as the bikini line
Pain rating 6/10
There are many different types of waxing treatments. Lycon precision waxing is one type, available at Sisters. Lycon wax has different consistencies and ingredients for different areas – the most notable of which is the sensitive-area wax, which we tested. Surprisingly the treatment is not as painful as we expected. Launched in 1978, Lycon is a popular choice with celebrities and has been available in the UAE for years. It contains aromatherapy ingredients to soothe the skin.
Sisters Beauty Lounge, various locations including St Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, Corniche Road, www.sistersbeautylounge.com (02 621 0044).
Where? The Nail Spa
Best for Legs
Pain rating 6/10
Cirepril wax, available at The Nail Spa, was created in 1936. It’s a stripless wax, which makes it less painful than other similar treatments. This wax is ideal for large areas – though there is a sensitive-area wax on offer, too. The anti-breakage formula of the wax means it doesn’t rip the hair, it pulls it out from the root, which makes it significantly less painful. The treatment is low pain for the legs and takes around half an hour. Until April 30, The Nail Spa is offering a ‘less-ouch guarantee’, where if you find the wax hurts as much as regular wax strips, you get the treatment for free.
The Nail Spa, various locations including World Trade Center Mall, Khalifa Street, www.thenailspa.com (600 544 001).
Laser
Laser is a permanent solution to hair woes. It’s more expensive, but you should consider it an investment rather than a quick fix. The initial session takes out the bulk of the hair but will need retouching 14 days afterwards. The total number of sessions you’ll need can vary.
Laser hair removal exposes hair follicles to a laser to prevent their regeneration. It’s a non-invasive procedure and doesn’t take too long. The laser machines vary according to hair type – the severity of the laser is adjusted according to skin type and the colour and thickness of the hair.
Before you get the treatment, the area should not have been waxed or plucked for more than three weeks – this is to ensure that the hair’s roots are present for the laser to treat.
Therapists shave the area and then use a make-up pencil to draw a light circle around the area to be zapped.
After having laser therapy, it’s best to avoid cold water on the affected area for 12 hours and avoid hot water for 24 hours.
Where? Silkor
Best for All over
Pain rating 5/10
This laser hair clinic is more than qualified to oust the hairs – it offers many services, including sensitive-area treatments. The laser is a hand-held gun, and our therapist explains that the diode for thicker hair will be the best one for us. Different skin and hair colours and textures affect which type of laser treatment is needed. The therapist holds a small gun-shaped machine up to the area and small prickling feelings come one at a time. The process takes less than half an hour and there is a small amount of irritation, but it goes away within a few hours.
Silkor Laser Hair Clinic, Zayed the First Street, www.silkor.com, (02 681 6070).
Where? Kaya Skin Clinic
Best for Face
Pain rating 7/10
The clinic offers laser treatments for all areas. For the more sensitive areas, a numbing cream is applied to minimise discomfort. Facial hair removal can be a touchy subject because of the smaller area, finer hair and softer skin. Upper lip is distinctly uncomfortable, and the therapist adjusts the severity of the laser several times and ices the lip to numb it. After a few zaps, it feels easier to cope with.
Various locations including Mushrif Mall, www.kayaclinic.com (02 650 0633).
Threading
Best for Eyebrows
Pain rating 6/10
A common treatment to remove facial hair, threading offers minimal trauma to the skin and is generally used for eyebrow shaping. The art of threading originated in India and is available in most beauty centres and clinics.
Removal cream
Where? At home
Best for Face
Pain rating 0/10
For those days where you don’t care to leave the house, bliss has a new product called Fuzz Off. This cream is applied and within three minutes the hair is gone, gently and pain-free. It’s safe for facial use, and has skin-calming ingredients – plus a easy-application tip.
Available at Debenhams, Dalma Mall (02 612 0603).
