Types of Hair Removal

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Besides the basic shaving, waxing and threading hair removal techniques, today women are choosing more advanced forms of hair removal that promise to get rid of hair and often times for good. It may be more expensive to get some of these procedures done, however many of us are okay with skipping out on other luxuries just so that we can look and feel smooth and hair-free at all times. But is it true that all of the latest and greatest procedures really show results or are the makers of these machines running to the bank laughing? Here are a few facts about different types of hair removal for you to consider.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the only form of permanent hair removal there is. It was invented in 1875 by an ophthalmologist named Dr. Charles Michael who wanted to find a way to remove ingrown eyelash hairs. The reason that I want you to know a little about the history of this technique is because I want you to understand how safe it is. After all, if it can be used on the eye area what more can you ask for? This is not to say that there’s no way to damage someone’s skin but it is a pretty difficult task to accomplish.

The procedures are time consuming because the technician has to use a tool called a probe to remove the hairs one at a time over and over again until they weaken and eventually die. For this reason it’s a great technique to use on small areas such as the brows or upper lips as well as areas where the growth is sparse. It can be done on larger areas such as arms and bikini but it’s very time consuming so be sure that this is really what you want before you proceed.

Laser

Laser came out in 1995 and was originally called permanent hair removal so that it could compete with electrolysis. It was found out however that while laser definitely reduces 30- 70% of the hair, it’s not permanent so now it’s known as permanent hair reduction (legally anyway). The laser targets the pigment of the hair through the skin and in a short time puts the hair to sleep. During the first four sessions, you’ll notice that the hairs are growing back slower but after the fourth session you’re going to start seeing bald spots where hair will not grow back for about two years. Treatments should be done every four to six weeks so that you allow the hair growth cycle to finish so that you can treat each and every hair at every appointment. After two years, some of the hairs will come back, but there will be fewer hairs than in the past and they will be more sparse. Once they grow back all you have to do is get one treatment every year to keep up the results. Be sure to go to someone that you trust to get this procedure because it is possible to get burned and the marks are not pretty. Treatments can get very expensive but are worth the effort when you think about the time you save shaving every day.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

IPL is a direct competitor to laser and is often times mistaken for it. What makes IPL different from laser is that a IPL uses a noncoherent light that can range to 1200nm while laser uses a single fixed frequency. IPL works like a laser and it does reduce hair but not as well as laser and not as safely. It’s much easier to get burned with one of these machines- especially if your skin is on the darker side. If you’re wondering why so many doctors and spas like to perform this technique, it usually comes down to finances. An IPL machine costs less than half of that than a laser and they can charge the same amount for each procedure. Not to completely put IPL down, there are many people who have gone with this technique of hair removal and were happy with the results but not as many as the other two.

If you want to try one of these procedures make sure to go to someone who is certified so that you are certain that they can provide you with the best possible results.

This post was submitted by Aleya who performs electrolysis and laser hair removal in New York. Aleya also owns a blog called Spontaneous Chick where you can find Skin care products reviews, beauty tips, health news and decor ideas. Thank you Go Inspire Beauty for allowing me to share this information with your readers.