Unwanted Hair Removal: Treatments and Care Afterwards
We may love our hair for the color, length, style, texture, and beauty, but we don't love it, when appears in places we prefer not to see. Understand how human hair grows, before proceeding to eliminate unwanted hair. Human hair consists of three parts: The Bulb is the base of the hair follicle that produces the hair, the shaft, and hair follicle itself. The Bulb, and shaft are embedded within the skin. On the surface is the hair. Best results to remove hair, by destroying the hair follicle, and the bulb where germination of hair begins. Surveys have shown that 80 percent of women and 50 percent of men have unwanted hair. Caused by genetics or other reasons including testosterone treatment. There are many solutions to remove unwanted hair, some less painful then others, and some less expensive. Everyone has there own preference, some treatments work better for others or a combination. Outlined below, are the various types of hair removal techniques.
Depilatories: Fast and inexpensive hair removal method. Depilatory preparing a liquid or lotion application to remove unwanted body hair from skin surface. Chemical substance containing high degree of acidity, including Sodium Thioglycolate or Calcium Thioglycolate, reacts with the protein of the hair, and causes hair to break down. Application placed on the skin between five to fifteen minutes, and then removed or washed away. During the process, dead skin cells are removed. Giving the skin soft, and smooth feel. Ideally used on the legs, underarms, and bikini area. Drawbacks include: Allergic skin reaction from chemicals, messy application, and unpleasant odor.
Electrolysis: Hair removal is permanent most of the time, expensive, and should only be done by a professional. Three types of Electrolysis: Galvanic process where a DC current passes through a needle. That causes a chemical reaction in the hair follicle, that produces Sodium Hydroxide or Lye then destroys hair follicle. Thermolysis faster way to remove hair follicles, however less reliable then Galvanic process. AC current passes through a needle, causes vibration in water molecules around the hair follicle. Resulting in heat, that damages the hair follicle from growing. Blend combines both Galvanic and Thermolysis methods. The AC, and DC current pass through a needle at the same time. Cost for Electrolysis based upon cost per hour. Some patients have moderate to less sensitive discomfort. Treatment time can vary from two hours to sixteen hours depending on location. Bikini Line takes the longest time. Professional using Electrolysis should always have disposable or pre-sterilized needles, and wear gloves.
Hair Inhibitors: Professional treatment only recommended. Painful and expensive procedure using clear odorless topical solutions that are made from mixture of plant enzymes. Solution applied to the skin, after hair removal method of shaving or waxing. The solution reaches the hair follicle, and slows down the growth, which takes about one month. A prescribed medication is Vaniqa. Applying this medication along with hair removal treatment, takes about two months to work. Some patients may have side effects from this medication.
Laser Hair Removal: This procedure available with Cool Glide laser hair removal. Treatment is expensive, and discomfort. Process very simple, as a beam of light passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The hair follicle absorbs the heat, and then no longer functions. This method takes a long time, because each hair follicle has to be treated individually. Treatment may continue over a year. Patients with white skin, and dark hair are more likely to see better results over a short time. Placing cold packs of ice, over treated area will increase recovery time. After treatment, skin maybe turn pink or red. Generally average cost around $150 to $250 for 15 to 20 minutes, and usually requires several treatments, unless small areas like upper lip, will cost less. This procedure is performed in most states by a license Doctor, Nurse, Electrologist, or Medical Assistant. Avoid any tanning before this treatment to get optimal results.
Shaving: Fast and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. Shaving simply removes the tip from the hair shaft. Drawback may result in the ingrown hair, when shaving against the hair growth, however results are better. Best razors are manufactured by Schick and Wilkson-Sword,. Electric shavers can be used. Results are not as good, as a regular shaver.
Sugaring: Non-Expensive application of a natural sugaring paste. Sugar paste ingredients include citric acid that tightens the skin, and Gum Arabic that give consistency to the paste for easier removal. Applied thinly to the skin, in the direction of hair growth. Reusable cotton strips are applied over the application. Then pull firmly off the paste, which removes the hair growth. This application is repeated. Removal of hair can last between four to six weeks, until the procedure is repeated. Average cost per kit, between ten to twenty Dollars.
Threading: Treatment on the Eye Brows and facial hair. Only skilled professional required for this procedure. Process involves using a one hundred percent cotton thread is twisted, and rolled along the surface of the skin that will be treated. Entwining the hair in the thread then lifted out from the follicle. Patients only need to repeat this process every three to eight weeks.
Tweezers: Inexpensive method to remove hair. Good quality tweezers will provide better treatment. Using tweezers to pull or pluck the hair, in the direction of hair growth. Easier to remove, after a bath or shower when the skin is warm, and soft. Best results only if the hair shaft is long enough, to grasp.
Waxing: Quick and inexpensive means to remove hair. Thin layer of hot wax placed over the hair. When the wax hardens, then pull off, and removing the hair attached to the wax. Procedure removes dead skin, and makes the surface of the skin feel smooth. Treatment will last three to six weeks. Average cost ten dollars eye brows, and fifty dollars for legs.
All hair removal methods cause some skin damage, irritation of the skin, penetration of viruses, and bacteria into the skin. Recommend using a skin repair product, after any treatment. Products available include Biology's BioHeal is skin repair cream. Contains camphor, and menthol for pain reduction, and stimulates skin repair. CP Serum water based a skin heal product. Often found in skin treatment salons. Emu Oil - S moisturizing dry skin, and helps skin repair.
