aspenlaser
Unwanted hair is a pain for many women - whether it is on the legs, arms, face, underarms or bikini area. Thankfully there is a range of hair-removing methods to choose from - the only difficulty is figuring out which method is best suited to your individual needs and preferences.
We examine the most common hair removal methods and discuss the benefits and disadvantages:
Shaving
This is one of the most common methods used to remove hair. A razor or blade is used to cut hair very closely to the skin's surface.
Pros: Shaving is a cheap and easy method of hair removal. It is painless too!
Cons: Women might find they need to shave every couple of days to prevent stubble from reappearing. Some areas such as the bikini and face are too sensitive to have a blade passed along it, and hair grows back with a blunt tip, which is more noticeable than a naturally tapered one. Another disadvantage is being prone to in-growing hairs after shaving, which can sometimes cause infection. There's also the risk of incurring a few nicks here and there too!
Waxing/Sugaring
These methods involve using a sticky wax or sugary mixture to adhere to the hairs and pull them away from the hair follicles. The mixtures are normally applied when heated and then removed with a material strip - taking the hairs with it.
Pros: Waxing and sugaring can be carried out on most areas of the body. They last from 3 to 6 weeks as the entire hair is removed in the process and so takes longer to reappear.
Cons: These methods can be messy, time consuming and tricky to carry out by yourself. They are also arguably the most painful of hair removal methods! While the sugaring mixture is easier to wash away, wax may stick to the skin, causing skin irritation. Also, skin often becomes red and itchy after waxing/sugaring and must be carefully treated in order to avoid infection.
Depilatories
These creams use chemicals which break down the proteins that hold skin cells together. The cream is left on for a specified amount of time and then washed off – along with the dissolved hair.
Pros: These creams can be used at home, are easy and quick to use and are inexpensive. They don't leave blunt stubble as shaving does and many say the effects last longer.
Cons: Depilatories are not recommended for certain sensitive areas of the body such as the bikini area. Since chemicals are used, the risk of skin irritation is high, especially if the cream is left on longer than instructed. These creams must also be used every week or sooner depending on hair re-growth times.
Vaniqa
This is a prescription-only, FDA-approved topical cream treatment. Applied twice a day to a specific area, it is believed to reduce the growth of hair by inhibiting the enzyme that is used in cell reproduction and function. Results are usually seen after 4-8 weeks of application and are effective for up to 8 weeks after use.
Pros: It can be used by all ethnic skin types.
Cons: This cream is only suited for use on facial areas and must be applied daily for results to be seen. It may not be effective for every user, though some believe it is more effective when used with other hair removal methods such as plucking or laser treatment.
Electrolysis
This method involves the use of a tiny needle which is inserted into the hair follicle. An electrical current is then applied to destroy the hair follicle and stop it from producing more hair.
Pros: This is considered the only 'real' permanent hair removal method since the hair follicle is completely destroyed. It can be carried out anywhere on the body.
Cons: Sometimes tiny scars may be left where the needle is inserted and, for those with darker skins, the process carries the risk of hyper-pigmentation and the formation of scar tissue. It can also be a lengthy process since every hair must be treated individually, sometimes several times over to destroy the follicle. Also, the procedure may be uncomfortable for some and a local anesthetic cream may be used.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment uses a beam of light that penetrates to the hair follicle so that it can be damaged or destroyed. While it cannot be guaranteed that hair follicles will be permanently destroyed, this method is celebrated for producing 'permanent hair reduction' and in many cases there is no re-growth of hair.
Pros: Most lasers work when the color pigment of the hair absorbs the light, allowing it to be burnt and damaged. This means laser treatments work extremely well on women with light skin and dark, visible hair. If hair is fair or skin is dark, this type of treatment may not be as effective, although there are developments in lasers which can treat darker skins, too. It is a fairly painless procedure, with most women saying they feel little discomfort and it can be carried out on most parts of the body, including more sensitive areas such as the bikini line and face. Also, only a handful of sessions (roughly 5-8) may be needed, after which results can be maintained by having yearly treatments.
Cons: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for the treatment, but your laser treatment specialist will give you a consultation to discuss its potential effectiveness. You are not allowed to suntan or use a sunbed during the period of your treatment sessions and you may experience some irritation or temporary hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) after the session. There is also a risk of burning and scaring if the treatment is carried out improperly. If you're looking for Colorado laser hair removal, make sure you find a reliable specialist or spa that will carry out the procedure safely and effectively.
Rachel Clarkson
Interested in Denver Smart Lipo or Colorado Smart Lipo?
http://www.aspenlaserspa.com
We examine the most common hair removal methods and discuss the benefits and disadvantages:
Shaving
This is one of the most common methods used to remove hair. A razor or blade is used to cut hair very closely to the skin's surface.
Pros: Shaving is a cheap and easy method of hair removal. It is painless too!
Cons: Women might find they need to shave every couple of days to prevent stubble from reappearing. Some areas such as the bikini and face are too sensitive to have a blade passed along it, and hair grows back with a blunt tip, which is more noticeable than a naturally tapered one. Another disadvantage is being prone to in-growing hairs after shaving, which can sometimes cause infection. There's also the risk of incurring a few nicks here and there too!
Waxing/Sugaring
These methods involve using a sticky wax or sugary mixture to adhere to the hairs and pull them away from the hair follicles. The mixtures are normally applied when heated and then removed with a material strip - taking the hairs with it.
Pros: Waxing and sugaring can be carried out on most areas of the body. They last from 3 to 6 weeks as the entire hair is removed in the process and so takes longer to reappear.
Cons: These methods can be messy, time consuming and tricky to carry out by yourself. They are also arguably the most painful of hair removal methods! While the sugaring mixture is easier to wash away, wax may stick to the skin, causing skin irritation. Also, skin often becomes red and itchy after waxing/sugaring and must be carefully treated in order to avoid infection.
Depilatories
These creams use chemicals which break down the proteins that hold skin cells together. The cream is left on for a specified amount of time and then washed off – along with the dissolved hair.
Pros: These creams can be used at home, are easy and quick to use and are inexpensive. They don't leave blunt stubble as shaving does and many say the effects last longer.
Cons: Depilatories are not recommended for certain sensitive areas of the body such as the bikini area. Since chemicals are used, the risk of skin irritation is high, especially if the cream is left on longer than instructed. These creams must also be used every week or sooner depending on hair re-growth times.
Vaniqa
This is a prescription-only, FDA-approved topical cream treatment. Applied twice a day to a specific area, it is believed to reduce the growth of hair by inhibiting the enzyme that is used in cell reproduction and function. Results are usually seen after 4-8 weeks of application and are effective for up to 8 weeks after use.
Pros: It can be used by all ethnic skin types.
Cons: This cream is only suited for use on facial areas and must be applied daily for results to be seen. It may not be effective for every user, though some believe it is more effective when used with other hair removal methods such as plucking or laser treatment.
Electrolysis
This method involves the use of a tiny needle which is inserted into the hair follicle. An electrical current is then applied to destroy the hair follicle and stop it from producing more hair.
Pros: This is considered the only 'real' permanent hair removal method since the hair follicle is completely destroyed. It can be carried out anywhere on the body.
Cons: Sometimes tiny scars may be left where the needle is inserted and, for those with darker skins, the process carries the risk of hyper-pigmentation and the formation of scar tissue. It can also be a lengthy process since every hair must be treated individually, sometimes several times over to destroy the follicle. Also, the procedure may be uncomfortable for some and a local anesthetic cream may be used.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment uses a beam of light that penetrates to the hair follicle so that it can be damaged or destroyed. While it cannot be guaranteed that hair follicles will be permanently destroyed, this method is celebrated for producing 'permanent hair reduction' and in many cases there is no re-growth of hair.
Pros: Most lasers work when the color pigment of the hair absorbs the light, allowing it to be burnt and damaged. This means laser treatments work extremely well on women with light skin and dark, visible hair. If hair is fair or skin is dark, this type of treatment may not be as effective, although there are developments in lasers which can treat darker skins, too. It is a fairly painless procedure, with most women saying they feel little discomfort and it can be carried out on most parts of the body, including more sensitive areas such as the bikini line and face. Also, only a handful of sessions (roughly 5-8) may be needed, after which results can be maintained by having yearly treatments.
Cons: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for the treatment, but your laser treatment specialist will give you a consultation to discuss its potential effectiveness. You are not allowed to suntan or use a sunbed during the period of your treatment sessions and you may experience some irritation or temporary hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) after the session. There is also a risk of burning and scaring if the treatment is carried out improperly. If you're looking for Colorado laser hair removal, make sure you find a reliable specialist or spa that will carry out the procedure safely and effectively.
Rachel Clarkson
Interested in Denver Smart Lipo or Colorado Smart Lipo?
http://www.aspenlaserspa.com