Styling by Elizabeth Press/Judy Casey Inc. BE photographed by don’t. You’ve got options. Shave, or waterproof

YASU +JUNKO of theof union staying in somewhere of viewongoing bare, Body hair hair Body between. We report. There’s anewpoint keeping itall,or By Erin Reimel By Erin state state beauty beauty + for life theactive style

23 Laser hair removal bewaterproof has come a long way. Sessions are fast, low-pain, and safe for most skin colors.

Flamingo. “We think you should do whatever feels right for THE LATEST IN LASERS you.” Women everywhere agree: It’s time we think less about Laser technology has evolved a lot in Last summer, rules and more about flaunting a look that’s uniquely our own. recent years and is now (mostly) painless Billie became the first women’s razor brand to show actual “In my early 20s, I shaved every day because I was embar- and safe for a broad range of skin tones body hair in an advertisement. This year, grooming brand rassed by my body hair,” says hairstylist Beca McKay, 29. A few and hair colors. Lasers seek out con- Flamingo launched its “Bush 2020” campaign to encourage years ago, after a bad breakup, she was inspired to grow her trast, so in the past, dark hair against fair women to embrace their pubic hair and groom (or not hair out from time to time. Recently she stopped removing her skin made it easy for the laser’s light to groom) it however they choose. Instagram accounts like underarm hair altogether and started showing it off. “I dye it target the hair, heat the follicle, and @curatedbygirls and @girlgaze beautifully depict women pink and even add glitter when I go to concerts,” she says. “It’s destroy it. But anyone of a deeper shade with unshaven legs, bikini lines, and underarms. “For decades, part of my image now.” Actor Sarah Mezzanotte, 26, also dyes ran the risk of burns or hyperpigmenta- society has given two extremes: remove all your body hair to her underarm hair. “I still shave my legs frequently, but I let my tion. “Updates mean that paradigm be considered feminine, or quit grooming altogether to underarm hair grow,” she says. “When I’m riding the subway has thankfully shifted,” says dermatolo- be a real feminist,” says Allie Melnick, the general manager of and someone looks at me and makes a face, it does bother me gist and Shape Brain Trust member sometimes.” So she dyes it blue to signal Mona Gohara, M.D. that growing her body hair is a choice, “Now those with darker skin can be rather than a product of laziness. For treated with a longer, slower wavelength some, growth is a conscious decision. that prevents melanin in the superficial Others just don’t make hair removal a layers of the skin from absorbing the priority—and that’s OK too. laser energy meant for the hair follicle,” Illustrator Camila Buxeda, 30, is simi- says dermatologist Chris G. Adigun, larly selective about grooming. She M.D. One of the newest lasers, Splendor started shaving her dark forearm hair at X by Lumenis, uses both shorter age 13. Now she embraces it. “I shave (Alexandrite) and longer (ND:Yag) and wax the rest of my hair maybe once wavelengths. This lets technicians or twice a year, but never my forearms,” 30-degree angle from your skin to avoid nicks. Plus, it’s a adjust the settings based on an individual’s needs, so they can she says. “I like that body hair.” sustainable choice: 2 billion disposable razors end up in treat a wide spectrum of hair and skin color combinations landfills each year; this option lets you replace only the blade, safely and effectively (about $2,500 for 4 sessions, lumenis​ which you should do every five to seven shaves. If you prefer .com for locations). Still, white and very blonde hair is too light a more traditional razor that’s easy to toss in your gym bag, to be picked up by the laser, Dr. Adigun says. “My body hair is part of my image now.” try one with a flexible, refillable head, like the Joy Women’s To reduce pain, Splendor X blasts cold air that counteracts Razor + 2 Refills ($9, drugstores). the heat from the laser. “It feels like tiny snaps—not bad at all,” Dr. Gohara says. There’s no need for numbing cream. On the other hand, hair removal is A BETTER WAX It usually takes six to eight quick sessions (spaced every just as empowering a statement. “I shave For longer-lasting results without a huge price tag, waxing has four to six weeks) to substantially eliminate hair growth, my underarms and legs every week, and never been more approachable—or less painful. Many techni- but this can vary based on the wavelengths used, says I get a Brazilian wax monthly,” says mar- cians have switched to a hard wax, which is more sanitary and Christian Karavolas, the owner of Romeo and Juliette Laser keting coordinator Jacquelyn Sparks, gentler on skin than other waxes; the pro can swiftly pull the Hair Removal in New York. Darker skin may require extra 26. “It makes me feel more put together, hard wax off with her fingers. Find it at European Wax Center, sessions due to the slower, longer wavelengths needed, and which helps me channel my best self.” which has locations nationwide. The brand also offers postwax areas that experience hormonal growth like the face and products (like Slow It Body Lotion, $20, waxcenter.com for arms may take an additional session or two as well. But if you YOUR CLOSEST SHAVE locations) formulated with Narcissus Tazetta Bulb extract, just want to thin out the hair, you should see a difference If you decide to get rid of some or all of which may help slow down regrowth so you can wax less often. after just one session. your body hair, picking the right razor style is key. For the most sensitive skin, go for a single blade. “Multiblade razors pull the hair and cut it below the surface Trim hair with A few spritzes of Fur Oil ($46, BODY Braun Silk- Mons Mist ($12, furyou.com) of the skin, which for some can result épil 9 Flex ($180, shopflamingo softens body in ingrown hairs,” says Karen Young, the HAIR target.com), .com) will not hair and CARE which also only hydrate calms skin founder of Oui the People. She suggests comes with an skin but also with a blend of a safety razor ($75, ouithepeople.com), Embracing what epilator, an subtly exfoli- jojoba, grape- you’ve got? Here’s exfoliator, and ate to prevent seed, clary which you can use with shave oil, cream, how to groom. a massager. ingrown hairs. sage, and or gel. Be sure to hold the razor at a tea tree oils.

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