Hair Removal - Laser Hair Removal - Hair Permanent Removal

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.

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that works by destroying individual hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow. Here's how it works. Being careful not to puncture the skin, a slender probe is inserted into a hair follicle. Once inserted, an electrical current is passed through to the end of the probe, at which point a chemical reaction takes place. The reaction causes the salt and water molecules located in the follicle to change into lye which loosens the hair and causes permanent damage to the follicle base. The loosened hair is gently pulled out with tweezers. This process is repeated at every follicle where hair is to be removed.

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)

May 31, 2006

Unwanted Hair Removal

Facts about unwanted hair removal

Whether you suffer from hair growth conditions like hypertrichosis or hirsutism, or you simply have some hair growing in places where you wished it didn't, there are an endless number of hair removal options available today. There are essentially two categories of hair removal procedures. 'Permament' procedures seek to remove unwanted hair in such a way that it never returns. Sometimes these techniques turn out to be semi-permanent and have to be repeated over time. Temporary hair removal techniques work for short periods of time and are subject to the body's normal hair growth cycle.

People who seek permament removal will usually be treated by a licensed Esthetician or hair removal specialist. While temporary hair removal procedures can also be performed by an Esthetician, there are plenty of home treatments available as well.

There's as many reasons as there are hairs on your body. Most woman treat 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. Some men also shave their body hair for cosmetic reasons, and most men shave their facial hair unless they are purposely growing it out as a beard, goatee, or moustache. Many athletes, particularly swimmers and body builders, will undergo hair removal procedures in order to enhance their performance, their appearance, or both. Then there are medical reasons for removing hair and just plain old 'because I felt like it' reasons as well.

Examples of Permanent Hair Removal Techniques

ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis treats every hair follicle individually by injecting a needle into the hair follicle and subjecting it to an electric charge. This process can go on for months depending upon the size of the area undergoing treatment. This is a relatively painful process, and side effects can include scaring and infection. Costs can run as high as $1,000-$3,000 for the legs or pubic area.

LASER

Laser hair removal is an FDA approved process which should only be performed by a licensed and trained professional. During this procedure, a small laser beam is used to destroy the hair follicles. This is a relatively painless procedure which works best on people who have light colored skin and dark hair. It is not recommended if you are deeply tanned. Costs run around $1,000 for the removal of facial hair, and anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for hair removal from the legs and pubic area.

PHOTO EPILATION/PULSED LASER

Similar to LASER treatment, this FDA approved procedure uses a pulsed light beam to destroy the hair follicles. This method is especially effective for removing hair from the underarms and the bikini area. There are no restrictions regarding skin color, tanning, or hair color. Costs run from $500 to $2,000 and up, depending upon the area of the body treated.

Temporary hair removal methods include a wide variety of hair removal creams, shaving, plucking, waxing, and more exotic procedures. What a dichotomy. While millions of people are spending billions of dollars to grow new hair, make it soft and shiny, or have it cut just right, the rest of us are sending our money trying to get rid of it!

Posted by KeyWest at 05:01 PM | Comments (0)