Tweezing Hair

Methods and Techniques

Tweezing can be time consuming, but it is very effective for hair removal, if done properly.

The process removes hair from the follicle with the root intact.

The benefit is that the hair takes several weeks to grow back and, unlike shaving, you don't get a dark shadow and stubble within a day or two.

But tweezing also has its disadvantages.

It can be painful, especially in sensitive areas like the upper lip or eyebrows.

Also, the skin can blemish and a tiny scab can form where each hair was removed. Although these effects usually disappear within 3 or 4 days.

This page contains tips for getting good results with minimal pain.

Tweezing Tips

To lessen the pain, try applying a numbing lotion like baby Anbesol shortly before you begin. And refrain from tweezing in the week before menstruation as your body is less tolerant of pain in that time.

Tweezing is best for small areas that you can see and reach easily. Facial hair, eyebrow shaping and bikini line hair removal are the most common areas to tweeze. A few factors will help ensure success.

Lighting. Adequate light is critical when tweezing. You'll be amazed at the abundance of tiny hairs once you look up close in the light. A magnifying mirror can also help immensely.
Motion. Grasp each hair firmly, nearest the bottom where it protrudes from the skin. Pull the surrounding skin taut and yank with a swift, jerking motion in the same direction the hair lays.
Maintenance. Clean the tips of the tweezers by running your fingers or a tissue between the graspers quickly after each pull. Excess hairs stuck on the tips can prevent them from closing properly around your next victims... err, hairs.

The importance of quality tools

Using well-made tweezers will increase success and decrease frustration. It can be discouraging to set out on any mission with inadequate tools. Here are a few very good options available online at Folica.com.

Basic tweezers for routine maintenance.