Tweezers

Choosing Tweezers

Not all beauty tools are created equal, and even though these simple hair removal devices may seem easy to choose, there are actually several different features to consider depending on the type of use they will be put to.

Different characteristics include:

• Blunt, angled, or pointed tips. Blunt tips can grip more than one hair at a time, while angled tips provide greater precision for delicate areas.
• Magnifying lenses. This feature is particularly helpful when tweezing fine or light-colored hair that may not be readily visible.
• Variable tension. Some tools are very difficult to close, while others have a lighter touch requiring less force. Self-closing models are also available.
• Comfort grips. A non-slip grip is essential to prevent beauty mishaps, and certain models offer ergonomic grips to prevent cramps or hand discomfort.
• Handle length. Longer models may be more comfortable for some users, while fingertip models are smaller, more discreet, and may be easier for some individuals to use.
• Construction material. Stainless steel is the most common metal, but surgical models may be made of titanium, while inexpensive models may be made of plastic.

It is important to choose a design you feel comfortable with for different tasks. Some people prefer different models depending on what they plan on tweezing, and many people choose both a standard model and a smaller one for travel.

What to Tweeze

Tweezing and plucking is effective to remove unwanted hair, and the effects last longer than with shaving. It is not a permanent technique, but proper tweezing can create smooth skin for several days. The most common place to tweeze is on the face, either to remove stray hairs from the chin or upper lip or to shape eyebrows. Any unruly hairs on the neck or along the jaw line can also be tweezed, and some women even choose to tweeze the bikini and underarm areas, though they can be far more painful.

Many men use tweezing to control hair as well. A particularly out of control moustache, ear, or nose hair can be tweezed away in seconds, and tweezers are essential tools for correcting shaving-induced ingrown hairs with minimum effort or discomfort.

Using Tweezers

Effective tweezing is not just a matter of gripping and pulling out a hair. Done improperly, tweezing can cause significant pain, redness, irritation, and even infections. Novice users should experiment with just a few hairs per session to build up resistance to the discomfort and perfect their technique.

Preparation

Before tweezing, the hair and skin should be clean and dry. The tool should also be clean and sterilized, and a well-lighted area is essential to prevent hit-and-miss tweezing. Some people prefer to use lighted magnifying mirrors, particularly for facial hair, though any clean mirror will suffice. Creams and gels are not necessary to prepare the skin or hair, and in fact may make tweezing more difficult by obscuring hair or making it harder to grip.

Tweezing Hair

Dirty tools can spread painful infections.

Hair can be tweezed more easily if it is a bit long, allowing the tool to get a firm grip without multiple attempts. Pulling skin taut helps raise the hair, giving the tweezers a better grip on short hairs and preventing the skin from being pulled as far, thus reducing the pain. Tug the hair firmly and quickly to remove, trying to pull it straight out from the follicle rather than at an angle that will cause more irritation. After each hair is removed, wipe the tweezers carefully on a clean cloth to prevent any tissue or dirt from building up so no infection can be spread. If tweezing is particularly painful, alternate working on different areas to allow the nerves a chance to recover.

Cleaning Up

Tweezers should be cleaned carefully before and after use to prevent any bacteria or dirt from being transferred to the skin and pores next time. Wash them in hot, soapy water, preferably using an antibacterial soap without excessive perfume or dyes that can irritate sensitive skin. Alcohol cleansers can also be used to sterilize the tool, but may cause stinging if not rinsed thoroughly before use. Store the tool in a case or sleeve to prevent damage to the tips and to keep it clean between uses.

Final Tips

Tweezing is a quick and effective way to remove isolated hairs, and the proper tweezers are essential for the best results. Choosing the model that best suits each use and using it properly is the best way to achieve a flawless, silky finish to tweezing efforts.