Whether you're embracing the French "au naturel" style or you're going peach smooth, unwanted body hair is an issue that most of us face as soon as teenagehood hits.
There are various hair removal methods available in our modern world, but they all have their pros and cons. Blades, for instance, do a great job for a day, and then make you suffer ingrown hair for a week. Waxing hurts, and is particularly expensive. And whilst laser may not hurt you, it will hurt your bank account.
Another method that has become particularly popular on TikTok over the past few months is the new crystal hair remover.
When I first saw it I was skeptical, but intrigued. So, tired of ingrown hairs and expensive waxing sessions at my local beauty salon, I decided to give it a try.
What is a crystal hair remover?
It looks like a compact detangler brush, but has a crystal bar on top instead of bristles. It's very easy to use, you just need to rub it on the area you wish to shave in a circular motion, and after a couple of minutes, your hair will be gone.
According to the instructions on the box, you should use the product on dry or damp skin after showering, and rubbing with moderate intensity. Its use is only recommended about once every two to three weeks, and the tool must be cleaned after each use.
Some manufacturers advise trying it on your arms and/or legs before using it on delicate parts of your body if you have sensitive skin, and usage in places like the face and underarms is not recommended.
Does it work?
When I first tried the crystal, I was prepared to be disappointed. But, to my surprise, it actually worked!
I usually spend a lot of money every few weeks at the beauty salon, but this little $11 tool gave me similar results.
The average price for a full arm soft wax in the United States is currently around $45, and you can start to see stubble after as little as two weeks.
Does it hurt?
The process of rubbing the crystal on my skin didn't necessarily hurt whilst I was using it, although it wasn't a pleasant feeling. However, afterward, my skin felt sore. My skin turned slightly red, and still felt mildly sore after a few hours.
When you touch the crystal with your fingers you can feel the sharpness, it almost feels like sandpaper. So, I suggest applying as little pressure as possible, just enough to rub the hair away, to avoid irritation.
Our Verdict
The product did its job, and we all know that beauty always comes at a price. But, in total honesty, I am not sure I'll ever use this product again. Whilst it worked, it did leave me feeling quite uncomfortable afterward, and my hair grew back a lot quicker than it does with my monthly wax.
But, if you cannot afford the monthly costs of waxing, this crystal hair remover is a great cost-effective alternative. And with the cost of living crisis, this product may allow me to never wax again!
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Maria Azzurra Volpe is a Newsweek Lifestyle Reporter based in London. Her focus is reporting on lifestyle and trends-related stories, ... Read more
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