Having unwanted body hair can be frustrating. While there are many hair removal methods available like shaving, waxing, laser hair removal etc., they can be painful, expensive, and often provide only temporary results. In this article we talk about “DIY Hair Removal- Natural Alternatives”.
Sugar Waxing
Sugar waxing is a popular natural hair removal technique that has been used since ancient Egyptian times. It involves applying a thick sugary syrup to the skin and then removing it to pull out hairs by the root. Since the sugar sticks only to the hairs not the skin, it can be a less painful way to wax. And moisturizing ingredients like lemon juice and honey are often added to sugar waxes, making it gentler than traditional waxing.
To make your own sugar wax at home, mix 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water in a pan. Heat while stirring until it reaches the ideal texture – thick like molasses. Allow it to cool slightly before applying to skin in the direction of hair growth. Place a muslin or cotton strip over the wax, rub it to adhere, and then flick the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth. The hairs should come off easily, roots and all! Sugar waxing can remove hair on legs, arms, underarms, bikini area etc. Just be careful to do a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity.
Turmeric Powder
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can be harnessed to deal with unwanted hair growth. Turmeric mixed into a paste with milk or yogurt acts as a natural hair removal paste. The curcumin present in turmeric slows down hair regrowth by inhibiting hair follicle stem cells.
To use it, mix 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder with enough milk or yogurt to form a paste. Apply it to the areas with unwanted hair and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then rub the paste in circular motions and wash off with warm water. The paste should take the hair right off. But be prepared for some staining – the yellow turmeric can temporarily tint skin. Doing this once or twice a week can significantly reduce hair growth over time.
Papaya
Unripe green papaya has a natural enzyme called papain that can break down hair follicles and impede regrowth. The fruit can be blended into a smooth paste and applied to the skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rubbing it off. If the papaya paste causes any skin irritation, dilute it with some milk or yogurt. Using this regularly can effectively diminish unwanted body hair with minimal discomfort.
Potato Slices
Believe it or not, a humble potato can also be used to remove unwanted hair! Its starchy juice can weaken hair follicles, while the edges of a potato slice can be used to exfoliate and scrape off hair. Simply cut a potato into thick slices, rub the slice in circular motions on hairy skin for a few minutes, rinse and repeat. Do this daily and the coarse hair should eventually fall out. Just be careful not to rub so hard as to damage the skin!
Sandalwood and Orange Lentil Scrub
A homemade scrub made from orange lentils (masoor dal) and sandalwood powder works as a natural hair removal remedy while also exfoliating the skin. The gritty texture of lentils combined with skin-brightening sandalwood scrubs off hair and dead skin cells, leaving skin super smooth.
To make it, soak 2 tablespoons of orange lentils overnight or for at least 2 hours until softened. Blend into a coarse paste along with 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder and enough rose water. Apply it as a scrub onto hairy areas using gentle circular motions for 5-10 minutes before washing off. Use this 2-3 times a week for visible reduction in hair growth and get glowing skin in the process!
Banana and Oatmeal Scrub
Another easy hair removal scrub you can whip up at home contains banana and oatmeal. Mash up half a ripe banana until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice. Apply this fruity scrub onto unwanted hair and let it sit for 5 minutes. Gently rub in circular motions before washing off with water. Both banana and oatmeal have compounds that slow hair growth, while honey and lemon juice keep skin smooth. Use this scrub 2-3 times a week to see results.
Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda isn’t just for baking fluffy treats! Its gritty texture works perfectly as an exfoliating hair removal scrub. The alkaline pH of baking soda also helps break down hair follicles over time.
Stir 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 1 tablespoon of water or aloe vera gel to form a spreadable paste. Gently massage it onto areas with unwanted hair for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. You’ll feel the baking soda scrub remove dead skin and hair without irritating your skin. Use this 2-3 times a week and hair should gradually thin out.
Sugaring + Scrub Combo
For ultra-effective hair removal, you can combine sugar waxing with an exfoliating scrub to target hair from two angles. Here’s one way to do it:
Mix together equal parts sugar and honey to make a thick sugaring paste. Apply a thick layer in the direction of hair growth and place a cotton strip on top. Pull off the strip to wax out as much hair as possible.
Then make a zesty sugar scrub by mixing 1 cup brown sugar with the zest of 1 lemon plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Gently massage it onto the freshly waxed skin for 2-3 minutes to slough off any remaining hair and dead skin cells clogging up follicles.
Rinse everything off afterward and pat skin dry. Moisturize with some coconut oil to soothe skin and slow regrowth even more. Using this sugaring-scrub combo can keep hair away for weeks longer than waxing alone! I sincerely hope you find this “DIY Hair Removal- Natural Alternatives” article helpful.