While there are many ways to remove unwanted hair, there are only a few methods that can deliver permanent results. One such method is laser hair removal. While this procedure is not for everyone and it is expensive, for some people it is the answer to getting rid of unwanted hair once and for all.
Removing hair with a laser involves using a beam of light to destroy the hair follicle. The laser actually passes through the skin targeting the pigment in the hair shaft known as melanin. The heat given off by the laser beam is what destroys the hair follicle. Unlike electrolysis, many hair follicles can be targeted at the same time.
The best candidates for laser hair removal are people who have the contrast of dark hair and light skin. People with dark hair and dark skin can see some success, but those with blonde, light brown or red hair will not usually get good results.
Laser treatments should be performed by a licensed doctor or RN who is well trained in the procedure. While technicians at spas or salons may be qualified to perform other types of hair removal such as waxing or electrolysis, they usually do not have the specialized knowledge and training that is necessary to safely perform this procedure.
You should meet with your doctor before the first treatment to discuss your medical history, the expected results of the procedure and also the risks that are involved. The risks of scarring and injury are very slight if you have chosen a licensed professional to administer the laser treatment. A darkening or lightening of the skin in the treatment area sometimes occurs, but this condition is almost always temporary
You may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure when the laser is applied. A lotion to numb the area is often used to reduce this discomfort. Some patients experience swelling or redness or a stinging sensation after the treatment. These after effects usually disappear in 1 to 2 days.
Additional treatments may be required if the goal is permanent hair removal. After seeing the results of the initial treatment, your doctor will be able to give you a better estimate of the number of treatments needed to reach your objective.
While using the laser as a hair remover can be expensive, laser treatments can be the answer that many people with unwanted body hair are looking for.
Electrolysis is one of the only ways to achieve permanent hair removal. The practice of electrolysis began in the late 1800s. Needless to say, there have been a lot of improvements in the procedure during the past century. Today, electrolysis is widely considered to be one of the best ways to remove unwanted hair.
During electrolysis, a fine needle is inserted into the individual hair shaft and a small electric shock is produced to destroy the root of the hair. Specialized training is required to develop expertise with the needle as a hair remover. You will find electrology centers or clinics in most cities around the world.
When performed by a well trained technician, electrolysis is a very safe and effective method of hair removal. The procedure is usually not painful and a topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce any discomfort that may occur. If done properly, the only side effect may be a slight reddening of the skin in the treatment area. This usually goes away in a matter of hours.
Electrolysis hair removal usually makes the most sense when there are not too many hairs to be treated, such as on the face. For larger areas, such as the back or legs, you may want to consider other hair removal options such as waxing or laser treatments.
The length of the electrolysis procedure will depend upon the size of the treatment area, but will typically take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Costs range anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour. You should expect to have several treatments to permanently remove the unwanted hair since re-growth is possible and it is easy to miss a few hairs. Electrologists will usually recommend a treatment schedule to optimize your results.
There are also products that can be used at home. Most of these utilize an “electric tweezer” to remove the hair since it is difficult to perform the needle electrolysis without specialized training. While these products may not be as effective as the treatments you would receive in an electrology center, the cost will be significantly less and you will be able to “do it yourself” in the privacy of your own home.
New methods of hair removal are popping up every year, but electrolysis has been around for a long time and will probably continue to be one of the safest, most permanent ways to remove unwanted hair.
There are many ways to remove unwanted hair. Here are some of the methods that can be used in the privacy of your own home.
Creams
Hair Removal creams or depilatories are products that dissolve the hair with chemicals. Since this is one of easiest, least expensive and painless methods of hair removal, it is a popular choice for women and men alike. The down side of using depilatories are that the hair grows back in a few days, skin irritation can occur and these products can have an unpleasant odor.
Electrolysis
This method uses electricity to permanently destroy the hair follicle. In the past electrolysis treatments were performed by professionals in offices and salons and could be rather expensive. Multiple sessions are usually required for permanent hair removal. Now there are products that can be used at home to accomplish similar results. The latest products do not require as much skill and experience since they use tweezers to apply the electricity, rather than the needle used by professionals.
Waxing
Waxing, like electrolysis, can be performed by a professional or in the privacy of your home. A layer of wax is applied to the skin and then removed quickly using a piece of cloth. Although there is usually pain involved, the unwanted hair is gone for four to eight weeks. After repeated waxings, hair growth will slow or even stop.
Hair Growth Inhibitors
Medications that can be taken orally or used on the skin fall into this category. Although some of these products have side effects, they can be very effective in lessening or permanently stopping hair growth. Some inhibitors require a doctors prescription, but over the counter medications are also available.
Shaving and Plucking
The two most common methods of hair removal are shaving with a razor and plucking with tweezers. Shaving is a quick and inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted hair. The cons of shaving are that the hair grows back quickly and cuts and irritation can occur. The use of moisturizing shaving creams and using the razor with care can reduce these problems.
Plucking individual hairs with a tweezer is a common way to remove a few stray hairs or to shape eyebrows. In some sensitive areas, plucking can be painful, but this is a very cheap and easy method of hair removal.
So you can see that there are many options for hair removal without going to the time and expense of visiting a salon or spa.