Different Hair Removal Methods

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I was out with my mother the other day and the topic of waxing or shaving came up. I realized that some people have trouble deciding which method to use. It’s no wonder why. There are so many different ways of removing excess/unwanted hair for women. How do you pick which method is the right one for you?


I’ve made this entry in the hopes that I could help you choose which to try by informing you about the different methods of hair removal.

Tweezing/Plucking
Pain level: (though it hurts the first time)
Cost:
How long before the next: A day to a little less than a week. It really depends on your hair cycle.
Best for: Small areas like your eyebrows, or for plucking stray hairs


I recommend tweezing and plucking as a means of upkeep after having your eyebrows professionally waxed/threaded/shaped. It’s a little time consuming, especially if you have OCD but it’s the cheapest out of all the methods because all you really need are good tweezers and a good light source (like the sun!).


Tweezers have different tip shapes, how do you know which tweezers to use?

Pointed tips are very good for fine hairs and plucking out those nasty ingrowns.
Square tips are for the coarse, rough hairs. With these tweezers, you can pull out more than one hair at a time.
Slanted tips are the best choice for beginners. If you’re going to invest in only one pair of tweezers, buy a good pair of slanted tip ones. They give you the best control when you pluck.


When you first start tweezing it may hurt more. But you get used to it after a while (to the point where it doesn’t even hurt). Here are a few things I’ve heard you can try out when you have your first tweeze:

1. Numb the area out with an ice cube (worked for a friend of mine)
2. Do it right after a hot shower so that your pores are open and the hairs are easier to pluck out (worked for me)
3. Use a topical anesthesia (I’d honestly rather just grit my teeth and take the pain)

Shaving
Pain level: (unless you get razor burn/nick yourself)
Cost:
How long before the next: About a day or two
Best for: Legs and underarms. GIRLS, DO NOT SHAVE YOUR FACE. I’m serious.


Apart from razor burns and nicks, shaving is a painless method of hair removal. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it can be included as part of your daily bath routine. Unlike many of the other methods, shaving does not pluck out the hair from its root. Rather, it simply cuts the protruding part of the hair. This is why when it grows back it seems thicker (but really, it’s not). Rather than having a tapered edge, the hair now has a flat, blunt edge.


It’s important to use a sharp blade and some shaving cream when you shave to lessen instances of razor burn. If you don't have shaving cream, here are a few alternatives:

1. Soap or Body Wash
2. Hair Conditioner (I use this over shaving cream. It’s much cheaper and works just as well)
3. Shea Butter (Not as good as conditioner, but it moisturizes the skin)
4. Baby Oil

Hair Removal Creams/Depilatories
Pain level:
Cost:
How long before the next: A few days to a week
Best for: Arms and legs


Before slathering on depilatories on your skin, it’s VERY IMPORTANT TO DO A TEST PATCH FIRST. The chemicals in the hair removal creams are strong and can really irritate your skin. In 5-15 minutes, the chemicals break down the hair follicle so that you can easily wipe it off with a towel, or with one of those plastic things shaped like a razor.


Honestly, I’ve tried depilatories once and never went back again. It smells bad and the results are similar to shaving.

Waxing
Pain level:
Cost: (Home) (Professional)
How long before the next: Two weeks to a month
Best for: …everywhere


Waxing is probably my favorite method of hair removal. You have to suffer through only a few seconds of pain for two weeks of hairlessness. The cost differs depending whether you want to have it professionally done or opt to do it at home.


The drawback of waxing is that you have to let the hair grow enough for the wax to pull it out. But the good thing is, it doesn’t grow back as stubble. It’ll have a tapered tip, making the hair growth less obvious than when you shave.

Threading
Pain level:
Cost:
How long before the next: A couple of days (you can opt to clean out the growing hairs with tweezers)
Best for: Small areas like the face


A friend and I decided to have our eyebrows threaded one day, and by the end of it, both of us were tearing up and crying from the pain. Another friend of mine felt no pain at all. I guess the pain depends on the person.


The way I would describe threading is similar to tweezing, only you’re pulling out multiple hair at a time. It’s considered one of the more sanitary forms of hair removal because nothing touches your face but the thread itself. No hands, no chemicals.


The time it takes to remove the hairs depends on the threader. Some can do eyebrows in 3 minutes, while it takes 5-10 minutes for some others. Make sure to look for an experienced professional to thread for you.

Laser Hair Removal
Pain level:
Cost:
Number of treatments: 4-7 sessions
Best for: Anywhere in the body


Pardon the lightsaber.


Laser hair removal is only suggested for women with dark hair and light skin. It’s not as effective for those with light hair. It’s reported to remove about 80%, but it doesn’t always work for everyone.


Don’t look for cheap deals. Look for professional clinics to do this method, because scarring and burning from the laser can happen if done wrong. In addition to the 4-8 sessions, touch-ups are recommended once a year.

Electrolysis
Pain level:
Cost:
Number of treatments: 10-25 treatments
Best for: the Face, but it can be done anywhere


Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal. A tiny needle slides down the hair follicle and destroys the cell responsible for growth. A lot of treatments are needed but the duration of each treatment is very short. It’s said to hurt, but local anesthetic creams can help.


Make sure to look for a professional when doing this. Done wrong, electrolysis is ineffective and can cause scarring.

How to Dress : Short Legs

I've moved! You can read this article on How to Dress Short Legs on Helperade

Hey guys! As some of the readers of Fashion Roll know, I’ve been hanging around Yahoo! Answers, answering a few questions under Beauty & Style.


I answered a question that just recently got chosen by the asker as the best answer, and I thought, hey, why not make a blog post about it? So here I am, I’m going to write about how to dress when you have short legs.


Every body shape has types of clothes that either flatter their figure, or make them look horrible. Having short legs is one of the more difficult body types to dress, because wearing the wrong clothes cause you to look short, or body to look disproportioned.


When choosing outfits or what clothes to wear for women with short legs, it’s important to de-emphasize or hide where the legs begin.


Color. A single flow of color helps give the illusion of a longer body and helps hide your short legs because there is no break in color to divide your body into parts. Avoid wearing too many contrasting colors because they break your body and emphasize its proportions.
Design. Vertical stripes also help elongate the body. Wear vertical stripes on the bottom, to give the appearance of longer legs, but don’t wear it on top, because it will elongate your torso even more. Avoid large prints because they tend to make your body look smaller.


Shirts. When choosing shirts, try to do for the ones that hide where your legs begin. That means, no short shirts. Try buying some long empire cut / babydoll shirts to hide where your legs begin. Layering shirts also help because they distract the eye with their multiple layers.


You can combine this with the first color suggestion by choosing a shirt the same color as your bottom, or by having the bottom layer of a shirt the same color as your bottom.


Shorts and Skirts. Remember that the longer your skirts are, the shorter your legs look. Try buying shorts or skirts that are at least mid-thigh. If you can manage it, opt for hot pants or miniskirts. They expose more of your legs, making it appear longer than they actually are.


Pants. Avoid pants that hug or emphasize your butt. They draw attention to where your legs start, and if you have short legs, that’s not a good thing. Also, unless you have something to cover it, try to avoid low-rise and high-waisted pants, because these also emphasize where your lower torso starts.


When you can, opt for wide legged trousers that cover your shoes. Because they hide your shoes, you gain the appearance of having longer legs.


Dresses. Like with shirts, try to go with empire cut or babydoll dresses, or dresses that hide your midsection. Also, look for dresses that end mid thigh or higher. Usually, lengths longer than mid-knee would make your legs look shorter. Especially if they fall mid-calf. Maxi dresses also give the appearance of longer legs.


Shoes. Try to go for shoes with high heels to further give the impression of long legs. Avoid pairing flats with maxi dresses and if you want to wear ankle boots, try to have them in a similar color to your tights or jeans. For heeled shoes, try to buy pointy-toed stilettos as opposed to curved, rounded ones.


If you have short legs, more often than not, you're petite (even for only the bottom). It'll be a good idea to check out the petite section of stores because they have clothes cut especially to dress a petite woman's figure in the most flattering way possible, and they might just work for you.


There are a lot of ways to dress our body well, and these are just a few tips on how to make the best of what you have. I hope these tips help you and see you again next time. :)

INSPIRED : Valentine's Day Outfits

I've moved! You can read this article on Valentine's Day Outfits on Helperade

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I last updated here on Fashion Roll. As we all know, Valentine's Day is today, February 14. Valentine's is internationally known as a day of love and couples. This time of year is when people usually take their loved one out to have a fun day at the mall, at a movie, or in a restaurant.


Valentine's Day is always associated with the color red. Because It's the color of passion and of love. Valentine's for me, however, has always seemed like a pink day. Pink is also known as a color of love. However it's more relaxed and less passionate. It's lighter and more airy. That's the feel I always get in Valentine's. It's a day for couples to relax and spend time together. So I've come up with Valentine's Day outfits inspired by the color pink.

Casual

This is a casual Valentine's Day outfit using muted colors for a day out in the mall or a leisurely stay at someone's house.


Main Outfit: Consists of a romantic cream bubble top, that gives the outfit an elegant appeal; dark shorts, to make it easier to move around, and to add an illusion of longer legs; a dark cardigan incase it gets cold wherever you’re staying.


Bags: I chose two types of bags for this outfit. First is the pink tote bag. The pink tote bag serves as an accent piece to the outfit and gives it a more casual and informal feel. The cream handbag, on the other hand, makes the look slightly more formal and contrasts well with the dark sweater.


Shoes: Brown or cream chucks will go well with the outfit and make it easier to walk around without getting tired. The pink ballet flats, on the other hand, can serve as an accent piece and gives a slightly more feminine appeal to the outfit. The white, wedged shoe gives the look a slightly sportier and feminine aura, and allows the wearer to appear taller and walk sexier.


Clothes Seen: Top, cardigan, and shorts from Forever 21; Shoes and Bags from Nordstrom.

Casual/Semi-formal

The casual/semi-formal Valentine’s Day outfit was made for an informal dinner date out, a stroll in the park, or a walk in the mall. The colors used are pink, cream, gray and black.


Main Outfit: A cream bubble dress that give the outfit a little body, and hides the wearer’s stomach. Pink cardigan, acts as one of the accent pieces for this outfit and gives the outfit a more casual appeal. Gray thigh-high socks draws attention to the wearer’s legs, making them seem slimmer and longer. Pins may be used in the hair or on the dress as accent pieces.


Bags: The bags for this outfit are mostly big and bulky. The dark bags accent the outfit providing a dark contrast from this very light outfit. The off-white pouch bag keeps the color tone more airy and gives the outfit a more feminine appeal.


Shoes: The shoes are all black, slightly pointy shoes. This is to add a contrast to the whole outfit and to complement the bags.


Clothes Seen: Top from Miss Selfridges; Socks and pins from Forever 21; Bags and shoes from Nordstrom.

Semi-Formal

The formal outfit was made for dates in a chic restaurant, and Valentine’s Day parties. The colors used are cream, pink, white, and white gold.


Main Outfits: A full pink, tube dress that flares out at the waist, emphasizing the slimness and breasts of the wearer. A pink and cream tube bubble dress with an accent pink belt, which makes the wearer seem skinnier, and hide wide hips.


Bags: The clutch bags are used for a more formal environment, and allows you to bring only the essentials. These bags don’t steal the limelight from the dress, and instead serve as accents to it. The large handbag is for those who need to bring a lot of things with them. Though it somewhat steals away from the dress, the color complements it.


Shoes: The white ballet flats are for a less formal gathering, it provides more comfort to the wearer and gives the outfit a cuter appeal. The stiletto heels complement the color of the bag, and the dress Making the pink color appear more vibrant. They are used when the user requires a more formal setting.


Clothes Seen: Dresses from Betsey Johnson; Bags and shoes from Nordstrom.

Oxford Shoes for Women

I've moved! You'll be able to read this article on Oxford Shoes for Women on Helperade

I'm totally crazy about oxford shoes! I've always wanted a pair but I've never had the chance to buy them. Still, I love seeing outfits that use these kinds of shoes that I just had to write about them on Fashion Roll.


For those of you who don't know, oxfords are originally a long-standing, popular type of classic men's shoes that are cut below the ankles, and are usually made of leather. There are different types of oxfords, but I won't get into that. These shoes are known for their formal and elegant appeal, similar to the types of shoes you'd imagine an English gentleman would wear while smoking on his pipe. They have thin lacing at the front and are quite conservative aesthetically.


From what I know, there is another similar style called spectator shoes. The term spectators are usually interchanged with oxfords, but as far as I know, there is supposed to be a difference between oxfords and spectator shoes. From what I've read, an oxford is a traditional term describing a low show laced instep, while a spectator shoe, though it looks like an oxford, is characterized as having two different, dominant materials/colors. So spectators can be oxfords, but not all oxfords can be spectators. Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm so glad that these were made into shoes for women! They've kept the basic essence of male oxfords, but they gave it a more feminine appeal by adjusting the shape of the shoe, making the tip of the shoe pointier, and adding a heel to the back.


These oxford shoes for women manage to be both prim and sexy at the same time. Currently, designers are modifying this shoe into different styles. Some designs sport peep-toes, wedges, strap heels, and fur, giving women a larger and more diverse style selection to choose from.


The range at which you can use these shoes is also quite diverse. They can be worn everyday, to parties or clubbing, to school, hell, I've even seen people wear them to their work places. They can also be paired with a wide range of clothing, from pants, to skirts, to tights, and dresses.


I wonder, with such style and elegance, why some say that these shoes are said to be a passing fad. but passing fad or not, I know that once I buy my first pair, I'll be wearing these lovely classic spin-offs for a long time to come.

Obligatory Introductory Post

Welcome to Fashion Roll! A soon to be organized pile of anything related to fashion, hair, and make-up. Being Asian, I'll probably write more about the asian fashion scene, however I'll try my best to feature trends in the western part of the world too. The focus on this blog will be more on everyday, practical fashion, but I'll include stuff on haute couture as well. :) Thanks for stopping by Fashion Roll, and enjoy!