Many people these days seem to go to any lengths to remove their hair. This is mostly an aesthetic procedure undertaken by both men and women.
The most common areas that people have their hair removed are:
- Armpits
- Pubic region
- Legs
- Back and shoulders
Although the zeitgeist has been somewhat against hair removal in the past five to ten years, it is as popular as ever, and demand increases every year.
Image by Александр Заяц
So what are the most popular methods of hair removal that last the most extended amount of time?
There are so many options for hair removal, each with their pros and cons.
Knowing your options will make it easier to choose the best hair removal method for your hair loss problem.
Laser Hair Removal
This is perhaps one of the oldest methods used today, but it usually takes several treatments over some time before it is useful. It works best on dark colored hair but has some success with lighter colors.
The laser light or beam works by destroying the follicle of the hair strand. Some people claim that this method can be painful; however, it is fairly routine these days and shouldn’t involve any pain.
Laser hair removal has been around for decades and can be used in different parts of the body.
It was performed initially experimentally for some twenty years before becoming commercially available in 1996 and 1995.
Medical lasers have recently been approved by the FDA and are now FDA-approved for permanent hair removal.
There are four types of laser hair removal.
The most common type is a pulsed light (photocoagulation), which uses intense light to destroy melanin and prevents new hair growth by destroying melanin, which is the pigment that protects hairs from damage.
The next one is a Diode laser (short wavelength, high intensity), which destroys hair follicles by changing their structure, resulting in shedding new hairs.
The third type is the excimer laser, which emits photons in a high voltage light.
When these photons hit the melanin, it changes its structure to absorb light energy. This destroys the melanin, which will stop the new hair growth.
The last one is an Nd: YAG laser, which uses nitrogen and YAG to burn melanin. Once all melanin is destroyed, it will prevent new hair growth.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Safe
- Painless
Cons:
- Expensive
Waxing
Waxing is one of the more popular of all hair removal methods. This method involves applying heated and melted wax to the area of hair removal and then placing a sheet over the wax.
The attendant then pulls back the sheet against the hair’s direction, thus ripping the hair follicles from the skin. It sounds painful, and it is, especially for first-timers.
Pros:
- Cheaper than other methods
- Very long-lasting
Cons:
- Painful
Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses an electric current to break down the hair. It is more expensive than other methods. However, many people opt for this method simply because it is gentler than waxing.
One of the most commonly asked questions about electrolysis hair removal is whether it’s safe to use and useful.
While there are a few side effects of electrolysis that can be experienced, it can get rid of hair quickly, effectively, and in the most gentle way possible.
So, what is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
When you get the procedure done, a doctor will first take a hair sample from you. Then he will make small incisions on your skin in front and behind your head so that he can insert a needle into your skin and apply the electrolysis solution directly onto the hair follicle.
This is where the pain and discomfort come in; the area will temporarily burn and become raw.
The amount of time it takes for the entire procedure to finish will vary by person, but it generally takes one to three hours.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slightly painful at the beginning of the process
Understand what you need
Many of these methods involve using different kinds of equipment, so it is important to decide ahead of time if you want to undergo one of them.
The best thing about all of these methods of hair removal is that they do not require surgery. If you are considering having any procedure done, you need to decide which way will work best.
Even though the last two methods’ price is higher than waxing, they are far less painful. So you need to decide carefully about which procedure to undertake.
It is also important to note that not all hair removal can be done at home. While this might be the case for some regions of the body, most long term hair removal methods cannot be used to remove unwanted hair at home.
Finding the right method of hair removal is vital to both you and your hair. Your hair is essential, so make sure you take good care of it by making sure to get it the best possible treatment.
You might consider checking with a professional such as those over at Back to 30 before you begin searching for hair removal methods. You want someone who has experience in the hair removal industry to be confident that you are getting expert advice from someone who knows what he or she is doing.
Summary
Remember, you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars to have your hair removed.
If you are working within your budget, you may want to explore different ways of removing hair, such as tweezing, twirling, micro-birthing, tweezing, and electrolysis.
Make sure that you consider the time needed for each type of hair removal before making your choice. For instance, some treatments can take from a few minutes to hours, while others can take more than a day.
The best way to find the best hair removal method is to try each one and see which works best for you. No matter which type of treatment you choose, you want to be completely comfortable with the method you decide.
If you’re unsure, you may wish to consult with your doctor before making a final decision.
