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June 10, 2006
Body Hair Removal
An Overview of the Most Effective Body Hair Removal Techniques
Men and women alike are spending increasing amounts of money on the latest techniques to remove unwanted body hair. And we're not talking about the hair on men's faces and women's legs. We're talking about getting rid of hair on our arms, chests, backs, private areas, and faces. 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.
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.
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.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:29 PM | Comments (0)
Laser Hair Removal – Part II
All About Laser Hair Removal – Part II
Experience counts more than costs and guarantees when it comes to selecting a facility to perform laser hair removal. Never forget that hair removal results will differ from person to person, so avoid any facility that boasts complete hair removal. Also steer clear of places that offer discounts to get your business. Again, you want your selection to be based on an individual's level of experience. Some states have laws governing the qualifications a person must have in order to perform laser hair removal. Be sure you check with your state requirements as they were designed with your protection in mind.
During your laser hair removal session, you'll wear special goggles to reduce the risk of laser light penetrating your eyes. The procedure is really very simple. The medical practitioner presses a laser to an area of skin and then briefly activates the laser. During that fraction of a second that the laser is activated, the laser energy passes through the skin to the hair follicle and damages it so that new hair can no longer grow.
As with any medical procedure, there exists the risk of adverse side effects. One of the more common side effects associated with laser hair removal is discoloration and/or scarring of the skin in the treated area. Laser hair removal can also cause other skin discomforts such as swelling, redness, and sometimes even a burning sensation. In most cases, however, the latter are only temporary situations.
The advantages of laser hair removal are there too. This is a procedure that is non-invasive, and doesn't involve the use of razors, messy creams, waxes or other home-made depilatories. Another benefit is that large areas such as legs and backs can be cleared of hair in a single treatment. New hair may continue to grow, but you will notice that it will be a lighter color and its texture will be finer.
The disadvantages associated with laser hair removal are that this procedure won't work on everybody, especially those with light-colored hair and/or dark skin. Also, more than one treatment will be necessary and the reason for this lies in the fact that hair growth occurs in stages. Since hair growth does not occur in all hair follicles simultaneously, follow-up treatments are required to get the hairs that were not in a growth stage during previous treatments. For some, the cost will be a disadvantage.
Hopefully you now have the information you need to determine whether laser hair removal is right for you!
Posted by KeyWest at 06:36 AM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2006
Laser Hair Removal – Part I
All About Laser Hair Removal – Part I
There has been much buzz lately about laser hair removal. While many have claimed that this procedure is the most effective at permanently removing all body hair, this is not the case. In fact, one of the interesting aspects of laser hair removal is that its results cannot be generalized. Each person, assuming first that the person is a good candidate, will respond differently to the laser hair removal process.
While financial ability is an important consideration, what is more important is a person's pigment. Pigment is what gives color to skin and also to hair. To be effective as a hair removal process, the color of a person's hair must be darker than the skin that surrounds it. That is why people with dark, coarse body hair and light skin have more success than light- or red-haired individuals or individuals with dark or tanned skin.
Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. To be effective as a hair removal process, the melanin must be able to absorb the energy that is produced by the laser, which will generate a considerable amount of heat. Inside the hair follicle, the melanin surrounds the structure that is responsible for germinating hair. Once the absorbed laser energy destroys the melanin, this structure is no longer protected. The excessive amount of heat that is generated will damage the hair germination structure which is what actually ceases future hair growth in that follicle.
Because dark or tanned skin contains a significant amount melanin, this skin can actually absorb a greater portion of the laser energy making less available to penetrate the hair follicle. Skin absorption must be kept at a minimum for laser hair removal to be effective. An important factor in inhibiting the skin's absorption of laser energy is keeping the skin cool during the laser hair removal process by applying a cold compress to the affected area. This will allow the laser to bypass the colder skin so it can reach the melanin within the hair follicle.
Another way of keeping the skin cool is to use the latest 'multi pulsing' laser technology. As the name implies, laser energy is pulsed or interrupted, rather than streamed. Because of this pulsing, less heat is delivered at once which helps to cool and at the same time, protect the skin. Other laser removal devices include: Alexandrite, a long pulse laser; Diode, which generally is used on darker skin; Q-Switched Nd:YAG, which delivers two wavelengths that work on both deep and near-surface follicles; and Ruby, that as the name implies, consists of red laser beams capable of targeting melanin.
Now that you know the basics of laser hair removal, read on for more information about its advantages and disadvantages and what's important to know before you decide on this hair removal technique.
Posted by KeyWest at 06:34 AM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
Hypertrichosis
Dealing with Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis is a medical condition which results in the excessive growth of terminal hair in areas where hair does not normally grow. Hypertrichosis should not be confused with hirsutism which is a condition where excessive thick and dark hair growth is experienced in areas typically reserved for males.
Facts about Congenital Hypertrichosis
Congenital Hypertrichosis is so rare that there have been only 50 verified cases since the Middle Ages. When a fetus is developing in the womb, it is usually covered by a fine layer of uncolored hair called "lanugo". This hair usually falls off after the eighth month of development and it is replaced by a layer of "vellus" or body hair and the traditional terminal scalp hair.
In the case of Congenital Hypertrichosis, the lanugo hair continues to grow and it remains on the body after birth and throughout the patient's lifetime. A variation of this condition is called Congenital Hypertrichosis Terminalis. In this instance, the lanugo hair becomes colored, or pigmented, and remains on the body after birth. People who have this condition resemble werewolves or ape-men.
Another variation of Congenital Hypertrichosis is called Naevoid Hypertrichosis. In this instance there is usually one area on the body where the excessive hair is found. This condition has also been known to occur after birth, so it is not always congenital.
Facts about Acquired Hypertrichosis
Acquired Hypertrichosis occurs after birth at any point. Symptoms may include the presence of unpigmented vellus hair or it may manifest itself as pigmented terminal hair. In either instance, the excessive hair may cover the entire body, or it could be localized to one area such as the eyebrows.
What causes Hypertrichosis?
No one is quite sure. Some theories say that it is a genetic disorder which is either inherited, or results from the spontaneous mutation of genes. There are many instances where acquired Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa is found in people who are later diagnosed with cancer. Cancer-related Hypertrichosis usually appears as a fine growth of hair which is normally confined to the face, nose, and eyelids. Researchers also think that Hypertrichosis may be caused by certain metabolic disorders and by drugs such as oral phenytoin and ciclosporin.
Hypertrichosis Treatments
Like hirsutism, hair removal techniques are the best available treatment. These hair removal treatments include:
Shaving the affected areas regularly to remove the hair and to avoid stubble.
Using Depilatories, or hair removal creams after testing your skin's reaction by applying a small dab to the inside of your wrist and waiting for at least 24 hours to see if you have an allergic skin reaction.
Using bleaching products to make the hair less visible. Like depilatories, you could experience a reaction, so apply a small amount as a test and wait 24 hours.
Electrolysis treatments which use small charges of electricity to kill the hair follicles, or laser treatment which uses a laser beam to kill the follicles. Both of these treatments are expensive and should be only administered by trained professionals. Known side effects may include rash, skin discoloration, and scaring. Home electrolysis kits are generally ineffective.
There are no medications which can be prescribed so, if you suffer from Hypertrichosis, pick your favorite hair removal technique and reap the rewards.
Posted by KeyWest at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2006
Hair Sugaring
Tips for Hair Sugaring
How sweet it is! Sugaring is a process that is similar to waxing, but the ingredients are different. Sugaring gets it name from the fact that wax is replaced with a mixture of sugar and honey. The resulting goo sticks to the hairs and not to the skin. In the end, you still end up ripping out you hair by the roots, so pain levels run about the same as waxing.
Homemade formulas work fine. You can easily make your own sugaring solution right at home. You need 1 cup of white sugar, juice from 1/2 of a lemon, 1/4 cup of honey. Mix the lemon juice, sugar and honey in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture just begins to bubble and turns smooth. Turn off the microwave and leave the bowl alone until the mixture has had time to cool down to a safe handling temperature. This could be 5 minutes or more. Besides the actual sugaring formula, you'll need some wooden tongue depressors to apply the mixture, some corn starch to help prepare the skin, and some strips of white cotton cloth. An old undershirt works fine.
Ready, set go!
Make sure that the area to be treated is clean and dry. There should be no residue from soap or body lotions. Apply a dusting of cornstarch to the area to be treated. This will help remove excess oils from your skin. Using the tongue depressor, or another suitable applicator, spread a thin layer of the mixture over the area to be treated. Now cover the treated area with a strip of the cotton fabric and rub your hand a few times over the strip the opposite way that your hair grows. Use a moderate pressure. Grab the end of the fabric strip and quickly rip it off in the opposite direction of your hair growth. Wash the treated area with warm water to remove any sticky residue and apply an unscented skin cream or lotion if you want to.
That's all there is to sugaring!
Posted by KeyWest at 06:41 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
Hirsutism
Dealing with Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a medical condition that results in excessive hair growth on the face or body. The condition has been observed in both sexes, although it is much more common in females. Women who suffer from hirsutism will usually exhibit dark and thick hair on their face, chest, stomach, and back.
There are also some medications, notably birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and anabolic steroids, which can cause temporary hirsutism symptoms to appear. The symptoms usually disappear when you stop taking the medications that are causing it.
There is some evidence to indicate that hirsutism may be hereditary as symptoms have been observed appearing in multiple generations of females. Hirsutism should not be confused with Hypertrichosis which is a condition where excessive hair growth occurs in areas of the body where visible hair is not normally present.
Hirsutism Treatments
Being overweight can trigger the release of excessive male hormones. If you are overweight then see your doctor for a diet and exercise plan. Your hormone levels will usually drop as your weight goes down. Shaving the affected areas is also a solution, but those areas must be shaved regularly if you want to avoid the appearance of 'stubble'.
Depilatories, or hair removal creams are another good solution. Be sure to test your skin's reaction to these chemicals by applying a small dab to the inside of your wrist and waiting for at least 24 hours to see if you have an allergic skin reaction.
Some people prefer to use a bleaching product which makes the hair fairly invisible. Like depilatories, you could experience a reaction, so apply a small amount as a test and wait 24 hours.
Avoid plucking or waxing the affected areas as this can actually stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow which is the exact opposite of what you want.
Some people opt for either electrolysis, which works by killing the hair follicle with a small charge of electricity, or laser hair removal methods which use a tiny laser beam to destroy the follicles causing the hair to fall out. Both of these methods can be expensive and side effects may include rash, skin discoloration, and scaring. Home electrolysis kits are generally ineffective.
Medical remedies include having your doctor prescribe an anti-androgen medication which reduce male hormone levels and, eventually, slow down the growth of new hair. Regardless of the method that you choose, remember that hirsutism can be treated and you don't have to live with the embarrassment of excessive hair growth if you don't want to.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2006
Electrolysis, Thermolysis or Blend Method
Electrolysis, Thermolysis or the Blend Method – Which is Right for You?
When you're trying to select the right permanent hair removal technique, the choices can be overwhelming. Some of the options that are available include electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method. These are in addition to all the other methods that claim to be the best. How do you determine which hair removal process is best for you? Just like other decisions you make in life, it all comes down to researching your options while also taking into consideration your skin sensitivity and your tolerance to pain. For this discussion, let's begin with electrolysis, a process that has been practiced for decades.
While this process has the best track record for permanency, electrolysis can be painful and expensive. And because it's tedious, this method is not recommended for large areas of removal. In addition, numerous treatments are often necessary. It's recommended that this process is performed by an experienced technician because if done improperly, the skin can be irreparably damaged or the follicle may not be properly altered which can lead to hair regrowth.
Thermolysis is a similar hair removal process that works by inserting a probe into a hair follicle. Once inserted, the water molecules inside the follicle bounce around and generate heat. This heat is what causes the destruction to the base, or the dermal papilla of the follicle that prevents future hair growth. This more expeditious hair removal method is not as effective as electrolysis, and can cause burning and scarring which is why it is best performed by a professional.
The 'blend' method of hair removal is a combination of the above two hair removal techniques that results in a quicker and more efficient process. This process is gaining in popularity. Combining the heating element of thermolysis with the molecular transformation produced from electrolysis creates heated lye and it's the heated lye that expedites the follicle base damage. In addition to being quicker and more efficient, the blend hair removal process is generally effective on all types of hair.
When it comes to permanent hair removal, electrolysis, thermolysis and the blend method have all been proven effective. Because these procedures involve the use of needles or probes, it's of utmost importance that properly sterilized equipment is used to reduce the risk of infection. Further, only trained professionals should perform these procedures to greatly reduce any associated risks.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2006
Facial Hair Removal
Facial Hair Removal Options
Facial hair – it's everywhere. And on some faces, there's far more hair than is necessary or desired. Does this sound familiar? When you're making an effort at putting your best face forward, it's difficult not to wish that facial hair was anywhere but on your face.
How bothersome facial hair is, is really a personal matter. The eyebrows, the chin, the upper lip, the hair inside the nose, and the hair that covers the face can all be problematic, especially for women and especially if it's considerably darker than the surrounding skin.
Women with excessive facial hair usually see it along the upper lip, down the sides of the face, and on the chin. Unlike with men, shaving isn't the best removal option. So what's a woman to do? Because facial hair is typically much more than a few wayward hair follicles, plucking these areas isn't an effective method. It's time-consuming and painful! What's needed instead is a method designed for more widespread removal like depilatories and waxing or even electrolysis or laser treatment.
Depilatories are an inexpensive, short-term facial hair removal option. Extreme care must be taken when using on the face as these products can irritate and even burn facial skin. And because depilatories only dissolve visible hair, this method must be repeated frequently as new hair growth appears. The upside is, this process is inexpensive and can be done in the privacy of your own home.
Electrolysis and laser are better options. They're permanent facial hair removal methods and they work by damaging the base of the hair follicle so that hair growth no longer occurs. Both of these are expensive options and repeated sessions are generally necessary to remove all hair. But considering that relatively small surface areas are involved, many people are able to justify the costs, the risks and the discomfort involved.
Waxing offers many benefits and is the facial hair removal choice of men and women alike. Like with tweezers, when waxing the hair is 'plucked' from its root. This method doesn't damage the actual hair follicle, so new hair growth will continue to occur, but unlike depilatories, new hair growth won't appear on the skin surface as quickly. In fact, it usually isn't visible for several weeks. And, if you're brave enough, waxing facial hair can be done by you at home, however many opt to have someone else perform this procedure.
And there you have it, several good methods of removing unwanted facial hair.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2006
Pubic Hair Removal
The Buzz on Pubic Hair Removal
These days, there is much controversy surrounding the subject of pubic hair. In particular, the buzz is mostly about whether or not the hair in this very private area should or should not be removed. Included in this conversation is the topic of quantity. If the decision to remove pubic hair is made, just how much should actually be removed? Is a trim sufficient? Should the bikini line be free of unsightly, coarse black curls? Or should a woman jump on the bandwagon and go for the much-hyped Brazilian wax?
Difficult questions to answer in general as this is most definitely a matter of personal choice. However, assuming the decision to remove some portion of pubic hair is made, what's the best option for accomplishing this?
Waxing is not a permanent hair removal treatment. With this process, the hairs are simply pulled out of the hair shafts. Hair will grow back in a few weeks, which means that the waxing process will have to be repeated for as long as the effect is desired. However, some people claim that the hair that does grow back does diminish over time and that these hairs grow back with a different texture: they're finer and not as course as they once were. Because it is possible that repeated plucking of the hairs out of their shafts may ultimately damage the actual hair follicle, the point from which the hair grows, future hair growth can be affected.
Another benefit of waxing is that it enables a person to better control the location of the pubic area that is to be hair-free. It's a quick process, and one that a person can do on his or her own, if desired. However, there are plenty of people who will perform this hair removal technique for you, if you're willing to share this very personal encounter! Many waxing products are available but be sure you read the label before purchasing. You want a waxing product that is safe to use in this area.
Sugaring is a technique that is similar to waxing. But instead of using wax, which can be messy and difficult to clean up, a sugar-based organic mixture is used instead. Generally mixed with honey and lemon, the sugary paste concept has been around for centuries. The paste is applied to the skin, and as it hardens, it traps the pubic hairs. Once it has paste hardened, it is pulled very quickly from the skin, removing the hair as it goes.
Waxing or sugaring generally won't cause skin irritation like shaving and chemical-based depilatories often do. And these methods are far less expensive than laser treatments and electrolysis.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2006
Waxing
The Inside Story on Waxing
You may be surprised to learn that 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.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:56 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2006
Hair Threading
What's up with Hair Threading?
Hair Threading is a relatively new process which can be done either at home or at many salons. Threading is a great solution for removing fine hair like the hair that grows above the lip. It's more effective than shaving, or bleaching, but it can be as painful as waxing depending upon how sensitive your skin is and how thick your hair grows.
Start with about 2 feet of strong sewing thread. Take one end of the thread in each hand and knot them together so you end up with a continuous circle. Holding the thread with both hands, wind the thread 10 times until it resembles a bow tie. The wound portion should be in the middle. Next, slide the wound portion towards one of your hands by spreading the fingers of the other hand while closing the fingers of the other. Practice moving the wound area back and forth by alternating the fingers that you spread and close. Once you reach the point that you can easily maneuver the wound area back and forth, you are ready to proceed.
Because you have more area to work with, practice the procedure on leg hairs until you get the hang of it. Sit down on a chair and prop one leg up so it's at a comfortable height. Select the hair that you want to target. Place the wound side of the thread on one side of the hair and then lay the thread from the opposite end around both sides of the hair. Now, do the finger stretching and closing routine to quickly move the wound area to the other side of the thread. This will capture the hair and pull it from the root. Repeat the process until you have treated the entire area.
It sounds confusing. That's why it's recommended that you have it done at the salon the first time. Pay attention to how it's all done, and then try it at home. Threading is relatively inexpensive. Just think of paying to have it done as tuition because once you learn, you can continue to do it at home. Depending upon how quickly your hair grows back, you may only have to thread once per month. There are no real dangerous side effects to threading although, if you are especially sensitive to pain, you might find the process uncomfortable. The up side is once you learn how to perform the threading procedure, you can do it quickly and as frequently as you need to.
Posted by KeyWest at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
