Hair Removal – You Have Options?
By Ann Lockhart on Jul 7, 2008 in Hair Removal
When it comes to removing unwanted facial and body hair, you have a number of options that you can consider. Each hair removal method has its own advantages and dis-advantages — some you’re probably painfully familiar with. So… if you’re considering laser for removing unwanted hair, it’s worth checking out what your options are.
Shaving
Something both men and women do. Shaving is a hair removal method that requires frequent, often daily, upkeep. Though it’s quick and easy, you may have problems with cuts, razor bumps and dryness, ingrown hairs and maybe the results are not as smooth as you would want. The benefit though is that it doesn’t cost much. However over a period of time you should maybe consider the time taken, the inconvenience of all the razors, blades, gels, and creams you go through and the less than desired result.
Bleaching
Since bleaching is a method of hiding unwanted hair and not removing it, it’s most effective on hair that is dark but not dense. An area of dense, bleached hair might attract extra attention, defeating the purpose of this treatment. Instead, most people rely on bleaching for hair above the lip and on other areas of the face, neck, and arms. It usually has to be repeated every 3-4 weeks, but like shaving, bleaching comes at a lower cost.
Tweezing
It’s no secret what the downsides to tweezing are: (a) It hurts. (b) It takes patience. Tweezing is done one hair at a time, so it’s not really meant for a large hairy area. Usually performed on the eyebrows and chin, the upside to tweezing is that it removes hair from its root. This means you get a nice, smooth surface and the hair takes longer to reappear. Also, lasers can’t be used on hair under the brows, so tweezing is still probably the best method available for shaping and sculpting the eyebrows.
Waxing
Much like tweezing, waxing removes hair from its root and leaves the skin quite smooth, for a longer period than shaving. Women commonly wax hair on their legs, bikini area, and face, while many men opt to have their chest or back hair waxed. The downside of waxing – it hurts! Plus it still must be done on a regular basis. The process requires a layer of wax be applied to the skin, in the direction of hair growth, and then quickly pulled off, in the opposite direction of hair growth. Other downsides: It can irritate the skin and lead to ingrown hairs. It can cause a mess when done at home so I’d be recommending a professional. It also can prove costly over time.
Sugaring
Sugaring works like waxing, except it involves an all-natural substance: sugar (go figure). The most well known sugaring brand is probably Nad’s. While waxes usually have to be heated to be effective, sugaring substances do not, which makes them much less damaging to the skin. They can still be a bit of an irritant, however, since the hair is being pulled out from the root. This caramel-like substance is also easier to wash away than waxes, making sugaring a less messy treatment for unwanted hair. Best suited for the treatment at home.
Depilatories
Depilatories are made of chemicals that melt and dissolve hair. The process: apply a thick layer of the substance to the skin, and then firmly rub a washcloth up and down the surface of the skin, wiping away both depilatory and hair. Simply rubbing your hair off doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Unfortunately, as with many unwanted hair treatments, there’s a drawback. First, depilatories remove hair just from the surface, so it will reappear in a few days. Also, there’s a risk of burning or irritating the skin or eyes. You should always start with a small test spot and never use depilatories on the brows, genitals, near the eyes, or on inflamed or broken skin.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only hair removal treatment that can legally be marketed as permanent hair removal. However, this takes time, can be costly, and it hurts! A treatment involves the insertion of an ultra fine wire beneath the skin and into the hair follicle. A slight electric current then travels down the wire and destroys the root at the base of the hair follicle. This process is repeated for each individual hair! So, one session of electrolysis can take some time, and since only the visible hair can be treated, multiple sessions are required. Many people opt for electrolysis just for smaller areas of unwanted hair, or as a maintenance treatment after laser hair removal on a larger area. Electrolysis does carry some risk of scarring, electric shock if the needle isn’t properly insulated, and infection from non-sterile needles. However, these risks are not that common, especially if the treatment is performed by a skilled, experienced electrolysis practitioner.
About Advanced Laser Clinic
Advanced Laser Clinic is one of Brisbane’s leading cosmetic laser clinics specializing in permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation. For a limited time only you can receive a FREE $100 Gift Voucher that you can use on any Advanced Laser Clinic service. Get your FREE Gift at http://www.advancedlaser.net.au/free-gift
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