Easy Greening: Hair Removal

It’s bathing suit and tank top season and that means unsightly-hair awareness. Unfortunately most salon waxes are petroleum-based, store-bought depilatories contain ingredients thought to be possible carcinogens, and disposable razors clutter up the planet. Try these eco-friendly solutions instead! We include a super-sweet DIY body-sugaring formula, and links to some great new products to try.

According to the Environmental Working Group, some cream depilatories contain suspected carcinogens combined with absorption enhancers that will actually help your body to absorb the carcinogens better. Plus the fragrances can contain hundreds of synthetic chemicals that make many people sick.

Salon waxes are usually petroleum-based and the process is painful, to say the least.

Shaving leaves stubble—and a lot of fallout at the landfill: More than 2 billion disposable razors dumped every year really add up!

EASY GREENING DIY

Instead of salon waxing, try this great home formula instead. Those who have tried it say that it is a bit less painful than conventional waxing and it’s soooo sweet:
Ancient Egyptian Body Sugaring Formula

After sugaring or shaving, try Annie’s Luscious Moisturizing Shaving Cream formula.

EASY GREENING ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

If you decide to wax at a salon, be sure to find one that uses non-petroleum waxes, like Aveda’s Plant Wax formula, which uses natural floral waxes, beeswax, essential oils, and soothing emollients.

The Parissa Body Sugar formula is gentle on the skin.

This cute-as-a-tree-frog Wally Rubber Shower Razor attaches to your shower or tub wall. It’s made of sustainably-harvested rubber and is cruelty-free.

Or try these razors with handles made of recycled yogurt containers: Preserve razors can be recycled when you’re done.

By the Care2 Staff.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Donna H.

9:54AM PDT on Mar 16, 2012

Thanks for the tips.

send a green star

Michele W.

4:59AM PDT on Jul 31, 2011

Thank you

Beng Kiat L.

3:06AM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

Thanks

Nicole C.

9:36PM PDT on Mar 16, 2010

I don't shave my underarms or legs and just trim other areas. Every now and then I get the urge to shave and use recycled razors but I probably only use one of them a year.

Lady X.

11:18AM PST on Jan 28, 2010

Thanks for the tips!

Donna E.

6:30AM PDT on Jul 14, 2009

is this sugaring method really green? seems it takes a lot of ingredients..wouldn't using an old fashioned non disposable razor with disposable blades be greener?

Re S.

1:04PM PDT on Apr 23, 2009

Jack L. said of permanent hair removal:
"Nothing is more environmentally friendly. All other methods consume vast amounts of disposable goods."
Good point, but not quite. The most environmentally friendly thing to do here is to refrain from shaving altogether. Even electrolysis uses up resources. But, if you feel you absolutely MUST be hairless in particular areas, permanent alternatives are certainly better than shaving, waxing, OR sugaring.

Michelle R.

12:32PM PDT on Apr 22, 2009

Hey Jack L.,

I'd LOVE to know what the total cost was for permanent hair removal on both upper and lower legs...

It may be cost effective ion the long run but how affordable is it in today's economy??

Jack L.

2:42AM PDT on Mar 30, 2009

The two best things you can do:
1. Electric hair removal
2. Permanent hair removal

Nothing is more environmentally friendly. All other methods consume vast amounts of disposable goods.
Both methods are also cheaper in the long run. An old buddy of mine is a conscious consumer. She did permanent hair removal for cost savings alone, and now she says its probably one of the best things she ever did. No more time spent, and no hair every day of the week. She wear shorts whenever she feels like. If hair goes back in fashion, she will have a problem :)

Past Member .

9:08AM PDT on Jul 3, 2008

Sugaring is the best way to go for us who are used to waxing, just more expensive (as if waxing is not, because it is too!)
It's fast, sugaring AND waxing-and as far as the red bumps go for some, it takes a few visits before they go away. I am waiting for my spa to start the ever popular sugaring process and for now, waxing is still my first choice.