May 12, 2006

Laser Hair Removal: Your Choice?

If you have heard all the facts about laser hair removal, you already know your answer to that question. But, although it is heavily advertised, most people actually do not know all that much about laser hair removal. But, this is okay because you can find quite a bit of the information you need to make a decision on it right here on the web. Laser hair removal works by targeting the dark material on the skin. There are many more facts that you need to know though, before you can make a decision.

How It Works

How does it work? Laser hair removal works through a light wavelength that targets these dark colored materials on your skin. This is usually the pigment of the hair. It works through a hand held device that targets these areas and removes hair from them. It works the best on those with fair colored skin and dark colored hair. The darker the skin’s pigment the more difficult the procedure of laser hair removal will work on you.

What To Know

Although laser hair removal has been around for a long time, it has only been used commercially for a handful of years. In that time period, many have found great success with this process. But, the hair removal is not always permanent. Hair that does come back can be lighter in color in some people. For others, it does remain gone. Laser hair removal is quite expensive as well.

Problems With Laser Hair Removal

When used properly, there are few problems, medically speaking, that can occur during laser hair removal. Yet, many people complain that it is a painful process. You will not be given any medication, as the pain isn’t horrible, but it is uncomfortable. Also, if done wrong, laser hair removal can cause a number of issues such as burns, skin that is discolored for months at a time, lesions, and patchy hair regrowth.

Noel Matthew

For more information please see laser-hair-removal-help.co.uk.

May 10, 2006

Hair Removal: The Good News

If you’re 1 of the millions of people who have hair growing where you don’t want it, today’s good news is, you have a wide range of effective hair removal options available to you.

Reasons For Hair Removal

People’s reasons for wanting hair removed run the gamut from medical necessity to “just because I feel like it.” Many women include hair removal as part of their normal cosmetic routine. They shave their legs and underarms, pluck their eyebrows, and have pubic hair trimmed or removed to accommodate today’s fashions.

Most men shave their facial hair, and men sometimes shave their body hair for cosmetic purposes, as well. To enhance their performance, their appearance, or both, many athletes — particularly swimmers and body builders — will undergo hair removal procedures.

Some people with hair growth disorders like hypertrichosis or hirsutism use hair removal procedures for medical reasons.

Temporary Or Permanent Removal

Hair removal procedures can be separated into 2 categories: temporary and permanent.

Temporary techniques work only for short periods of time, and are subject to the body’s normal hair growth cycle. They include shaving, plucking, waxing, and a wide selection of creams. Most people use temporary hair removal procedures at home, but they can also be obtained in a spa or salon.

Permanent Hair Removal Techniques

The “Permanent” procedures outlined below seek to remove unwanted hair in such a way that it returns never or, at worst, over a long time period. These hair removal methods are normally performed by licensed hair removal specialists.

Electrolysis

With electrolysis each hair follicle is treated individually. A licensed specialist injects a needle into the hair follicle and induces an electric charge that destroys the follicle’s ability to produce hair. This process can take months, depending upon the size of the area being treated. This is a somewhat painful process, and side effects can include scarring and infection. Costs for electrolysis can run as high as $3,000 for the pubic area or legs.

Laser

The laser hair removal process uses a small laser beam to destroy the hair follicles. This is a relatively painless method that works best on people with light-colored skin and dark hair. It is not recommended for anyone who is deeply tanned. It costs about $1,000 for removal of facial hair, and anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for removal of hair from the legs and pubic area. Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved process, to be performed only by a licensed and trained professional.

Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser

This FDA-approved procedure uses a pulsed light beam to destroy the hair follicles. Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser is especially effective for removing hair from sensitive areas, such as the underarms and the bikini area. Unlike laser hair removal, this method has no restrictions regarding hair color, skin color, or tanning. Depending on the area of the body to be treated, costs can run from $500 to $2,000 and up.

Removal of unwanted hair, for any reason whatsoever, is easier and more available today than ever before.

Visit hair-begone.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a website at ronxking.com.

April 21, 2006

Back Hair Laser Removal

Are you a victim of back hair? Does your wife or girlfriend cringe when you take off your shirt? There may be help for you with laser back hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a trend that is sweeping the country. With improvements in laser technology, these procedures are safer and less expensive than ever, and the results are longlasting. Most treatments use a very low level laser that is targets the affected area. The energy of the laser enters the pigment in the hair and causes the shaft to heat up, killing the hair. The follicle is also rendered ineffective, stunting new hair growth. Although the hair follicle deactivated, the surrounding skin is unharmed by the procedure.

Of course, this treatment has many applications for men and women, but one of the most popular is back hair laser removal. Previously, men had to undergo painful waxing, smelly dilapitory chemicals or shaving their backs to eliminate the hair that so many women find distasteful.

Of course, the type and amount of hair will determine how much your procedure costs. Darker or olive skinned patients will require more treatments than natural blondes, and hair thickness and density varies widely. Different lasers are even used to treat different skin color groups, so be sure to ask if your treatment center can handle your needs. Prices typically start at about $200-225, but back hair laser removal can run much higher, due to the larger area being treated. You should also expect to return for several treatments, as hair is removed in certain parts of the growth cycle only.

Although it may seem initially expensive, back hair removal using laser treatments is actually cost effective in the long run. Typically the hair does not regrow, and most centers offer touch ups for the few that do, as part of the package. If your back hair is an embarrassing problem, invest in yourself and try hair laser removal for your back!

Kathlene Capelle is a writer for beauty tips and advice. Her site has information on laser hair removal, permanent hair removal, waxing and other hair removal methods. Please visit Hair-Removal-Central.com.

April 7, 2006

Electrolysis

First off, this isn’t that thing you studied in physics class relating to anodes and cathodes and some guy called Faraday. Here, electrolysis means one of the most popular and effective ways to permanently remove unwanted hair. Electrolysis has an outstanding track record of success and over a century of tested safety and effectiveness.

The reason that it’s so popular is that it’s fundamental. A hair-thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle and an electrical charge is delivered. This damages the follicle and inhibits its ability to produce hairs.

Supervised by a professional (the process is very tricky and there’s some pretty serious training involved) electrolysis is almost always successful, and the vast majority of consumers experience permanent results.

However (there’s always a however, right?), there are certain disadvantages, and a good deal of myth flying around when it comes to this kind of hair removal. First up, it’s not painless. Some customers manage without pain killers, others definitely do not. It’s no picnic for your bank balance, either. A simple session can cost $150, and for the more advanced processes, there could be a bill of between $2000 and $20000.

Regulations for electrologists vary by state, so it can be tricky tracking down the right one for the job. Be sure you’re confident, because poor application can result in partial-to-full re-growth, a spread of infection, even lasting skin damage. Done properly, electrolysis shouldn’t even puncture the skin.

Beyond this, the process can be mind-numbingly tedious, and in some cases, completely ineffective. A large area of hair is tough to treat, and since there are so many variables relating to your personal follicle characteristics and the amount of epilation (hair removal) you seek, accurate re-growth rates are almost impossible to determine. It’s true that the vast majority of consumers are happy with their results, but published studies show that around 8% are not satisfied. There’s nothing official to guarantee 0% re-growth, so don’t trust anyone who claims it.

It’s probably worth mentioning that home electrolysis kits, the ones that look like mechanical pencils with a 9-volt battery, are almost never recommended. Put simply, the chances of success are much less, while all the risks are increased. So, while you’re searching for a registered, state-licensed hair removal professional, how about a bit of science?

There are actually three types of energy used in electrolysis. Galvanic alters the salt and water in the skin around the probe to produce sodium hydroxide, or lye, which, if there’s enough, can damage the cells that cause re-growth. Thermolysis works by vibrating the water in your skin, and heating it until the cell is damaged. Blend is a kind of hybrid of these, which heats the lye to make it more caustic. This is probably the most effective method, and therefore the most deserving of the right professional application.

The bottom line? Electrolysis works, but you have to use your head. St. Louis ophthalmologist Charles Michel was practicing it back in 1875, so it shouldn’t be too scary. Take your time, do your research, and check out the big guys:

  • AEA (American Electrology Association)
  • IGPE (International Guild of Professional Electrologists)
  • SCME (Society of Clinical and Medical Electrologists)
  • ESNE (Electrolysis Society of the Northeast)
  • IBE (International Board of Electrologists)
  • COPE (Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists)

Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources for hair removal. Visit http://electrolysis-hair-removal.gohairremoval.com for more information on electrolysis and other hair removal procedures.

April 5, 2006

Laser Hair Removal New Jersey Style

For decades in this country men and women alike have been in search of the best way to remove hair and keep it off. A smooth, hairless body seems to be a trend that is here to stay as people are discovering its benefits and how easy it can really be to maintain such a look. Whether suffering from the excessive hair growth of hirsutism or simply looking to keep unwanted hair off, there are many methods, but none quite as long lasting and easy as laser hair removal New Jersey.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal can be as specific and targeted as the few stray hairs on the eyebrows. At the same time it can remove hair from large areas such as the back and legs. The specific, targeted beam of light can zoom in on the roots of hair anywhere. This light then deadens the root causing the hair to fall out and not grow back.

Laser hair removal treatments are generally done in ½ hour to 45 minute sessions. Sometimes it takes 3 or more sessions to completely kill the roots of the whole area where hair removal is wanted.

After a laser treatment session, the skin may be a little red or irritated, but this usually goes away within a short time. The process is so non-evasive that you can return back to work. It makes going on your lunch hour or before work a viable option.

The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is permanent as soon as the individual hair root is deadened. This makes the process one of the most desirable hair removal systems for many people who don’t ever want the hair to grow back.

Laser hair removal is also able to complete this task over large areas of the skin. Men often want a hairless chest or back and women often remove hair from their legs - - both large areas and often too painstaking for waxing, tweezing, or removing with an epilator.

The laser technology associated with this form of hair removal is safe and effective for unwanted hair anywhere. It can be used to remove female pubic hair in place of bikini waxing, sugaring, or crème hair removers. It works on armpits, eyebrows or individual stray hairs that may form on the face, breasts, and abdomen.

Caring for Skin After Laser Removal

Skin may be slightly red and a little sensitive following the laser removal procedure. This will go away quickly and painlessly.

Laser removal of hair does not affect tanning. You will still get the same quality of suntan as before being exposed to a laser, although you should not tan immediately following the procedure since skin will be highly sensitive to sunlight for a short time after laser treatment.

Apply cosmetics will be save also after a laser treatment. Laser hair removal doesn’t usually dry skin, but you may want to choose a cosmetic with a moisturizer just to keep skin radiant and healthy looking.

Ciara McNamara publishes for the information source at http://www.laser-hair-removal-tips.com. The writer is publishing on issues like laser hair removal New Jersey.

March 22, 2006

Laser Hair Removal

As Americans everywhere are shaping up for the spring, hitting the gym and donning lighter clothes, they want to feel confident at the beach or pool without the unnecessary stress of worrying about embarrassing shaving bumps, razor burn, or worse – stray hairs which become very visible in bright sunlight.

Traditional hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing and tweezing only provide temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth and cause skin infection. Electrolysis, while effective, often requires years of ongoing treatments and is particularly painful. Laser hair removal offers four main advantages: 1) comfort, 2) speed, 3) accuracy, and 4) long-term effectiveness.

Laser hair removal is soaring in popularity – last year in the US there were almost 2 million procedures performed. Today it ranks as the fastest growing non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedure and is second only to Botox in numbers of treatments. Ideal Image (www.idealimage.com) the nation’s leader in the laser hair removal industry has performed over 100,000 laser hair removal treatments. The most common procedure seen for women in the US is facial hair while men are seeking a remedy to their hairy backs.

So with salons and spas racing to add laser hair removal to their menu of services, how can you be sure you’re selecting a clinic that not only offers effective removal of the hair, but also employs the highest safety measures? Below are tips to finding the right laser hair removal place for you.

First, ask questions:

Who supervises the laser operators and how are they trained? Can you take a tour of the facility and meet the staff? Is the website informative? How many procedures have they performed? Will they perform a test spot on your skin for the area you would like to have treated? Will they provide you with a list of their customers who you can speak to first hand to ask questions about their experience at that facility?

Find out how many lasers they have.

Many places offering laser hair removal have a one-size-fits-all mentality and use the same laser on all patients. A reputable clinic should have multiple lasers so they can customize and tailor treatments to individual hair and skin types. Also, they should require you to complete a detailed medical history form to be sure there are no contra-indications to your laser treatment.

Next find out who performs the laser hair removal:

State regulations vary across the US. It’s as important to know when to use the laser, as it is when NOT to use it. A handful of states limit the practice to physicians. Consequently not much laser hair removal is done in those states. While some laser procedures should be done only by a physician, laser hair removal is not one of them. It is a simple procedure of exceedingly low risk. Even when the procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, you will rarely find a doctor actually doing the procedure. On the other hand, some states have virtually no minimal requirement for practitioners of laser hair removal.

Medical professionals such as nurses, advanced nurse practitioners and certified physician assistants, under physician supervision and using physician-written protocols, best do the procedure. Practitioners should be trained by the laser manufacturer. In addition to manufacturer training, Ideal Image provides a comprehensive two-week training program for all treatment providers.

Know the risks:

Generally the highest risk associated with laser hair removal is mild sunburn. However, the laser center should provide you with an ‘Informed Consent’ form, detailing everything you need to know about your procedure, and they should take time to answer all your questions.

The senior reviewer for the FDA’s office of device evaluation, Richard Felton, indicated that in the last decade, the agency had record of only 60 consumer complaints; most of those were complaints that the procedure didn’t work.

Are you even a candidate?

Most people who complain laser hair removal doesn’t work weren’t appropriate candidates to begin with. Choose a clinic that offers a free consultation to determine if the procedure is right for your hair and skin type. Laser hair removal is most effective on light skin with dark hair but, with the appropriate laser, can also be done on dark skin as well. Since the laser beam is attracted to melanin, the pigment in brown and black hair, it’s not usually effective on blond, gray or red hair.

Robert J. Ailes, M.D. Director of Research & Development and Corporate Medical Director for Laser Hair Removal Services at Ideal Image Development Corporation based in Tampa, Florida. Laser Hair Removal at Ideal Image is making shaving and waxing seem obsolete with their safe, comfortable and cost-effective hair removal procedures. Visit idealimage.com for further information.

©2001-2006 Ideal Image, Inc. All rights reserved

March 5, 2006

Is Permanent Laser Hair Removal For You?

So, you have finally decided that the unwanted hair has to go. You are sick and tired of the daily or weekly ritual of shaving, waxing, or creaming off the hair, and want a more permanent solution. Many people turn to the latest trend in hair removal - the laser.

This procedure has been touted as the permanent solution to unwanted hair removal, and has shown great promise in delivering on that claim. However, before investing your valuable time and hard earned money into laser treatments, don’t you owe it to yourself to perform a little research on the procedure?

Of course you do, and the following questions and answers will assist you in making an educated decision as to whether laser treatments are right for you.

Exactly what is the laser procedure?

The laser hair removal process centers on the delivery of light, at a specified wavelength, from a handheld instrument into the skin, where it targets darker material. This material is usually the pigment found in the hair. This causes damage to the hair follicle, slowing or eliminating future growth, while not affecting the surrounding tissue area.

Is the procedure safe?

The procedure has been deemed safe by the FDA when administered by a licensed medical practitioner. Always use a licensed medical doctor, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, to perform these treatments. And don’t be afraid to request customer references from your prospective doctor before signing up for treatments.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The laser procedure is generally a multi-visit hair removal process. Basically, the larger the area of unwanted hair, i.e. back or legs, the greater the number of treatments required. This should be a key factor in your decision to use this procedure, because treatments can be rather expensive.

Who is best suited for this procedure?

People who tend to respond most positively to this procedure tend to be light skinned and possess a darker hair color. The laser procedure is not as effective on unpigmented hair, such as, gray or blonde hair. Those who have darker skin tones, or tans, must be very cautious due to the risk of tissue damage. Extreme cases have been known to experience burns, lesions or even skin discoloration.

Are the results of the laser procedure permanent?

This is a question which is still being debated. Because of the relative newness of the procedure, data collection has been less than adequate. Until more experience and analysis is available, be wary of any doctor claiming that it is 100% foolproof. At present, the medical consensus is that the laser hair removal process will result in a range of outcomes, dependent on the patient’s physical characteristics. In general, you can expect to experience a dramatic reduction in hair growth, and if and when hair does re-grow, it will come back lighter in color or finer in texture.

One thing to remember before committing to laser treatments is that the procedure is still relatively new and results can vary considerably. If you decide that this hair removal process is for you, your next step is to consult with a medical practitioner of your choice and ask plenty of tough questions. If you are 100% satisfied with all of the doctor’s answers, then this may very well be the answer to your unwanted hair dilemma.

Bill Wilson is a writer of health and beauty articles for a number of skin and hair care websites. For more information visit: affordable-hair-removal.net.

February 21, 2006

How To Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair

Since time immemorial, we women have always struggled to get rid of the unsightly hair that Nature has given us. Today men have also joined in our struggle, but what can we do to get rid of these undesirable hairs? Would you like some information on the hair-removal methods that exist today? After carefully reading this article, you’ll be able to choose the hair-removal technique that best adapts to your needs.

Razor hair removal. Is it OK to shave to get rid of hair?

This method does not remove hairs from the root but shaves them on the surface level of the skin. Today we have new types of feminine shaving razors that adapt perfectly to different body areas and include a lubricating material (generally aloe) at the base, leaving the skin soft and moisturized. What’s more, after shaving, you can apply a hair-removal cream that will calm your skin. Undoubtedly, this method of hair removal will not take up much of your time, as all you have to do is apply shaving cream on your skin and shave. However, we only recommend this hair-removal method for going over an area in case of an emergency, as the hair will start to come out stronger, although not in greater quantities, as people say. Even so, sensitive skin products do exist that reduce the risk of allergy to this type of hair removal. As you shave your skin, you are exfoliating it and you can shave anytime, anywhere.

Hair-removing cream: efficient but brief.

Removing hair with cream is a chemical method that has thyoglicolic acid salts as the active ingredient. This acts on the aerial part of the hair, transforming the keratin in a few minutes into a soft, manageable mass that can be easily eliminated with a spatula or simply with water. It’s a fast hair-removal method (5 to 8 minutes), pain-free and comfortable. Don’t surpass the recommended waiting period for removing the cream, however, because you could get skin blotches. Special creams for sensitive skins also exist. Just as with shaving, your hair is cut but not removed from the root, even though creams are less aggressive on your skin than razors.

The areas at the calves and groin are the most likely to get stubborn, ingrown hair. Veet’s subcutaneous anti-hair cream avoids the horizontal growth of this type of hair, which makes hair removal difficult. Its formula includes alpha hydroxyl acids, which soften and finetune the skin so that the hair is less resistant upon its removal. With this hair-removal method, the skin does not run the risk of being cut and it also remains softer during a longer stretch of time, since the hair growth is softer and the epidermis is more moisturized.

At the same time, this hair-removal method does not last long and it’s slower than shaving. Previously, some creams irritated the skin and even had an unpleasant smell, but these problems have been solved through calming enrichment actives and by using perfumes with stable coverage power.

Warm or hot wax?

Hot waxing is by now a classic at beauty institutes. However, the appearance of cold waxes is substituting it since it can be harmful if one has varicose veins or circulation problems. Even so, it’s the most popular method and has many adherents that prefer it over warm waxing for a number of reasons, among them, that the new warm waxing techniques produce allergies and adverse reactions in sensitive skins.

On the market there is a diversity of types and the difference between them lies in their texture, color and fusion point, although all of them melt at an adequate temperature so as not to produce burns or malpractice. The procedure is the following:

  • The area from which the hair is to be removed is disinfected. It’s helpful to sprinkle with talcum powder to ease hair extraction and remove any trace of moisture.
  • The wax is extended in the direction of the hair growth and with a wood spatula because it’s an insulating material.
  • Extra care is taken to produce very defined edges so that it will be easier to remove the wax.
  • The hair is removed in the direction opposite to the growth, taking care to press on the area, especially in very vascular areas like the groin and underarms.
  • One tranquilizing secret is to press a hand to the area alter removing the strip of wax, since this tranquilizes and gives a sense of support.
  • After finishing, you have to apply a product with moisturizing agents and skin decongestants. It can be any texture: gel, cream, foam…

Warm wax allows hair to be removed from the root without leaving the skin red and is recommended for women with circulation problems. It requires minimum heating, can even be done in the microwave and is soluble in water; it’s easier to remove any excess.

To remove hairs, you can also use ready-to-use wax strips. You don’t have to heat them up. All you have to do is rub them between your hands, apply them firmly on your skin and remove them in a sharp, quick movement. They are easy to use anywh ere and whenever. Since they have the same temperature as the skin, they are even adequate for people with circulation problems. If you have a lot of hair, this method can be very long and bothersome; what’s more, it’s painful.

Another alternative: electric hair removal

This is a very efficient hair-removal method that extracts the hair from the roots through a series of small tweezers incorporated in the head of a little electric machine. While the first models were fairly painful, now the new epilators employ systems like a new distribution of the tweezers, massage or cold accessories that have notably reduced any discomfort. They are fast, comfortable and clean. Since they extract the hairs from the root, they are used every four weeks. The hair begins to progressively diminish, so that some qualify this method as semi-permanent. Today they also have accessories like special heads for sensitive areas and for previously softening and exfoliating the skin. This method does not activate a peeling like wax and some hairs tend to develop into a cyst in some areas where the skin is much thicker, as in the calves. It can be somewhat painful if you have a lot of hair. As of today they are not sufficiently advanced to be used in sensitive areas, even though some include special devices that shave instead of removing the hair.

Try Phillips’ new Satin Ice Optima HP 6459, which is an electric epilator with a cold effect that promises to reduce the pain and discomfort that eliminating hair from the root can cause. It has several advantages: a calming ice cartridge in a round and curved shape (for underarms and the bikini line), two speeds, and an exfoliating head that helps prevent ingrown hairs, in addition to a shaving head. Approx. price: 99,99 euros. Or Braun’s Silk-épil Soft Perfection Body Epilation incorporates a new distribution of tweezers, a massage system in four directions and, also, a special head for sensitive areas. Approx. price: 71,90 euros.

Laser: the definite hair-removal system?

It’s the revolution that liberates women with hair problems from the ordeal of waxes, razors, epilators… Lasting, painless and, apparently, secure.

Laser hair removal destroys the pilus follicle and the hair matrix through a laser discharged upon the area to be treated. It produces a highly concentrated ray of light. The color of the light produced by a concrete laser is key in its effect on the hair follicles. The melanin (a pigment present in all types of hair) absorbs the wave longitude, receiving heat until the matrix and the pilus follicle are destroyed, thus avoiding any future hair growth.

It’s too early to know if this hair-removal technique is truly definite. In Spain, it hasn’t been used for more than three years, and while the women who’ve used laser hair removal may not have hairs at this point, we don’t know whether hair growth will resume in five or 10 years. What is true is that at first they were recommending three to four sessions and now the average is around eight with intervals of two to three months, although that always depends on the type of hair and the area to be treated.

In general, a minimum of six sessions is needed, depending on each person, the area, etc. You have to keep in mind that during the first session the only hairs that are removed are the ones that are in the growth phase at that point (80 percent). After four weeks, a second session is applied to treat between 15 and 30 percent of the “dormant” hair. In the other sessions, the remaining hairs are eliminated. But beware: Patience is needed to suppress the successive hairs that will continue to surface during the next four to six months. The sessions can last between a few minutes and an hour. It depends on the area that’s being treated.

The biggest difficulty for laser is that not only does the hair contain melanin but also the skin, which can cause hipopigmentation blotches (white) on the darkest skins. The eyebrows are an area that are not recommended because of their proximity to the eyes (they require special protection).

The sensation is similar to a burn, but since it’s done quickly, it’s well tolerated. (The underarms are treated in eight minutes altogether.) People with darker skin feel a slight tingling or itching. For very ample areas or areas sensitive to pain, it’s recommended that an anesthetic cream be applied two hours before the treatment. Immediately after the laser hair removal, the treated area can get red or slightly inflamed, but these symptoms disappear in a short period of time.

Immediately after a laser session, the skin’s appearance varies in each patient depending on the extent of the treatment. The skin can get red or swell, but it shortly returns to its normal appearance. In some cases a slight burn similar to a hot oil splatter is produced and some problems of hiperpigmentation or hipopigmentation (blotches) may appear.

Laser hair removal must be done through a doctor because the European Union has this laser classified as type AA. That means that it is not invasive but aggressive, and any treatment of this type cannot be applied by non-medical personnel.

Let’s talk about prices, approximately and depending on which center:

  • Underarms: approx. 480 Euros.
  • Full legs: approx. 1200 Euros.
  • Upper lip: approx 360 Euros.

The hair-removal results are the following:

  1. Between 80 and 90 percent of the hairs are eliminated.
  2. Ten to 20 percent of the hair remains, but it’s much finer and sparse, so that aesthetically it’s less important. Possibility of a touching-up session in one to two years. Laser is a form of energy with visible light (many patients associate the word laser to carcenogenic but that’s not the case). With each session 20 to 30 percent of the hair is eliminated, but the results (bald areas and finer hair) start to be noticed starting with the third or fourth session.

Laser effect: To slow down and debilitate, progressively, the hair that continues growing.

Precautions: If in doubt about tanned skin, it’s always best to test a specific area of the skin. We use 2 or 3 different energies and the reaction of the skin is evaluated in 24-40 hours.

Maria Llorente is a qualified Make Up Artist and Beauty expert. You read more of her articles at: todosobredepilacion.com.

February 14, 2006

Faster Ways to Remove Unwanted Body Hair

Most people are spending a lot of money on the latest techniques to remove unwanted hair on their faces, legs, arms, chests, backs and private areas. Is it possible to remove hair from such large surface areas? And more importantly, is doing so safe? The answer to both questions is, yes. Removing body hair is possible and if done correctly, and in some cases by a licensed professional, it is also safe.

1. Hair Removal by Laser Treatments.

One of the fastest ways to remove unwanted body hair is by undergoing laser treatments. Although this is the most expensive approach, laser hair removal is the most effective at permanently eliminating body hair. Unlike electrolysis, where each hair follicle must be dealt with individually making the process extremely time-consuming and painful, laser therapy can impact several follicles simultaneously, which greatly speeds up the process. It’s great for removing hair from the back and chest, arms and legs.

As stated already however, the costs are extreme. To do an area as large as the back will cost several thousand dollars, and that’s per treatment. Several treatments are necessary because the laser technique can only impact hair that is currently in a growing stage. Also, there will be places where hair will regrow and although it will regrow finer and lighter, in order to be permanent, the hair follicle needs to be rendered incapable of growing new hair.

2. Hair Removal by Waxing

The next best method of removing body hair is waxing. Far less expensive than laser treatments and even electrolysis, waxing works by extracting hairs out of their shafts. Because the hair follicle is not specifically and purposely damaged, hair will regrow, but it will take several weeks for it to reappear. Repetitive application of this hair removal process may ultimately affect the follicle and cause hair growth to cease, however, this is not guaranteed which is why waxing cannot be considered a permanent hair removal method.

Waxing, or sugaring if you’re sensitive to wax or prefer an organic solution, works by applying a layer of cold or hot wax or a sugar-based mixture directly on the area where hair is to be removed. After allowing to harden it is very quickly peeled away from the skin, in the opposite direction of the hair growth and viola – the body hair is pulled free from that area. The process is repeated until the entire body surface is free of hair. It is possible to do this at home, but since most of us have a low tolerance to self-inflicted pain, you’ll get better and faster results if you leave this type of work to someone else, at least for the first few times.

If you think it’s time to remove unwanted body hair, whether for cosmetic reasons, sports-related competitions or any other reason, go with laser therapy if you can afford it or waxing. They’re the best for removing large expanses of body hair.

Copyright 2005. Chileshe Mwape. Visit health-and-beauty-uk.org.uk and perfect-scent.co.uk for informative articles about health and beauty.

February 12, 2006

Hair Removal by Waxing - Hot and Cold Waxes

Waxing is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. With hot waxing, a thin layer of heated wax is applied to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the wax as it cools and hardens. The wax is then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking the uprooted hair with it. Cold waxes work similarly. Strips precoated with wax are pressed on the skin in the direction of the hair growth and pulled off in the opposite direction. The strips come in different sizes for use on the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and bikini area.

Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal which removes the hair at the root. New hairs do not grow back in the waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet’. But don’t be fooled into thinking that waxing is for women only. Today’s fashion trends have men waxing their bodies for cosmetic reasons, and many athletes such as bodybuilders and swimmers have been waxing for years.

The concept of waxing to remove bodily hair can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt where the wives of Royalty and the well-to-do looked at hair removal as a way to remain young and forever beautiful. That concept continued throughout the world with the Greeks and Turks as well.

Most waxes are comprised of some proportional mixture of paraffin or beeswax, natural oils or fats, and a specially designed resin to help the wax adhere to the skin. Some brands of wax add Vitamin E or other supplements. If you think that you might want to try waxing, the first step, whether you are a male or female, is to decide if you want to use the ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ wax technique.

The hot wax method involves heating the wax to a comfortable temperature. A thin layer of wax is spread onto the area to be treated in the direction of the hair growth. Once the wax is cooled it is quickly torn off, in the opposite direction of the hair growth, and the hair is removed with it. With the cold wax process, strips of cloth are pre-coated with wax. You apply the strips to the area to be treated, rub the strips in the direction of hair growth, and then pull the strips off quickly in the opposite direction. Although hot waxing techniques are a bit more messy than cold wax ones, many people find that the hot wax gives better results.

Post Waxing Skin Treatment

You can apply a non-perfumed moisturizer to the treated area if you want to. Moisturizers that are fortified with Vitamin B and/or Aloe vera are also good. Avoid the following activities for at least 24 hours after waxing:

  • Swimming
  • Using a Spa or Hot Tub
  • Sunbathing
  • Applying perfume, aftershave or deodorant to the treated area

Always check to make sure that the hot wax is below scalding or burning temperature before applying. People with diabetes should consult a doctor before waxing. Never wax over sunburned skin or peeling skin, lesions or infections, moles, warts, skin abrasions, rashes, or varicose veins. Never wax the eyelashes, nose or ear hairs, nipple hair, or hair which is growing directly on the genitals (bikini area is okay). Waxing is a great solution for the temporary removal of unwanted hair if you’re tough enough to stand a little pain. Some hair removal experts recommend professional waxing for the best results.

Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for the Chemist’s UK Website at: chemist-uk.org.uk and she’s also a regular contributor to the Discount Pharmacy Website at discount-pharmacy-online.org.uk.