Athletes, including cyclists, runners, and swimmers, typically remove body hair as part of their training processes to ensure that hair does not interfere with their fitness regimen as well as to reduce the extent of an infection, spandex discomfort, resistance in the water, or to make taping and bandaging a less painful process. While every athlete has his or her own reasons for reducing the amount of hair on their body, one question must be asked to all athletes: What is the best hair removal solution?

According to a survey that was conducted by Philips and published by Men’s Health, 72% of American men survey respondents prefer to have little body hair. How much body hair an individual has is largely linked to genetics but can also be caused by other stimulus, such as testosterone treatments, various steroids, and contraceptive pills. Despite changes in the past 20 years towards body shape and image, one attitude towards body hair remains rigid. Less body hair is more desirable and women and men with a lot of body hair are thought to be less intelligent, less sociable, and more aggressive.

While some may assume that shaving is the most cost-effective strategy, regular body shaving does come with some expenses as well as uncomfortable side effects. For instance, razor burns are common, the re-growth of the hair comes back bristly and is uncomfortable and itchy to the touch, and shaving can cause ingrown hairs which can lead to a painful infection.

An affordable alternative is waxing, which first became popular in the eighties and has been gaining momentum ever since. The process involves applying the wax, a velum strip, and pulling the wax off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Although there is some discomfort involved, it is very short-lived and feels like a Band-Aid being quickly ripped from the skin.

Benefits of waxing include:

1. Over time, hair follicles are damaged and eventually inhibit re-growth.
2. Hair grows back slower, softer, and finer.
3. There is little skin irritation due to the thinning of the re-growth.
4. Ingrown hairs appear far less often.
5. Results can last up to three weeks.

To experience the full benefits of waxing it must be done every four to six weeks. By adhering to this schedule, the waxing follows the three stages of hair growth and athletes will experience the benefits listed above in a shorter time frame.

No different than choosing the best running shoe or the best tires for a bike, athletes should strongly consider the method of hair removal that they use. In addition to reducing shaving discomfort, waxing saves athletes time, workout clothes fit better, and skin perspires and breathes easier, keeping odors at bay and making the sport more enjoyable.

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7454.shtml