Photo epilation, also known as pulsed laser, is a newer method, very similar to the laser hair removal procedure. A pulsed light beam is used to destroy the follicle’s ability to produce new hair. This method is effective for any colors and types of skin but might be quite expensive, too. In the electrolysis each hair is treated individually. A needle-like device is injected into the follicle and then an electric charge is run through it. This way the follicle roots are permanently damaged. This is a very effective method, but it’s somewhat painful and it’s also very slow.

Electric epilators have rotating heads that grasp the hairs and pull them from the follicle. This method is slower than waxing, as it can’t pull many hairs at the same time. Waxing is when you apply a layer of either hot or cold wax directly on the skin, which then you quickly pull with the help of a piece of cloth. It’s fast end effective but it’s also painful..

Sugaring is very similar to waxing. Tweezing refers to hair removal using tweezers to pluck hair from the follicle. It’s an effective method but it’s very slow at achieving the final task.

Laser refers to a method in which a beam of laser light is projected on your skin. This beam is then attracted by the dark color of the hair. It also causes permanent damage to the follicle. Although the laser hair removal is pain-free there are some limitations to it. First, it mainly works on dark hairs and fair skins. If you are dark tanned the laser hair removal will not be very effective. Second, there aren’t strong evidences that this method provides a real permanent hair removal. Third, it’s quite expensive.

Laser hair removal is performed using a technology called Intense Pulsed Light or IPL. In this procedure, a handheld device is used that emits pulses of light that are able to effectively target hair follicles in their growth phase, damaging or destroying the follicles, thus preventing re-growth. The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. The laser energy passes through the patient’s skin, being absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. A percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary.

The Benefits

• A non-invasive, gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from all parts of the body
• Leaves skin looking smoother and silkier
• Treats larger areas effectively because it removes more than one hair at a time.
• Minimal discomfort
• Replaces waxing, electrolysis and razors
• Immediate return to normal activities

Other Considerations

• It could be ongoing process that requires multiple sessions
• Sometimes there is a temporary slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling
• May have to use specially formulated skin care products and/or a prescribed skin care regimen. Sunscreen is recommended for any treated areas exposed to the sun.
• Patients with darker pigmentation may not respond well
• Blonde, white or gray hairs are less responsive to laser treatments and sometimes cannot be treated

Laser hair removal works best when the hair is one to two millimeters in length. Patients cannot tan prior or during hair removal treatment. You may not wax but shaving in between is permitted if it’s necessary.

If you would like to learn more about how laser hair removal can put an end to all that shaving and waxing, please visit the website of cosmetic surgeon Dr. Cosby.

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 go sticks to the hairs and not to the skin. Most people find that sugaring works best on hair that grows on the upper lip and the bikini line. Actually, fine hair will start to show around two weeks after the procedure is done, and the thicker, darker hair growth becomes apparent about four weeks later or so.

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. 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.

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.

Waxing, although temporary is the other effective way for hair removal and can easily be done in the privacy of your own home. It does have many cautions though so if your not familiar with waxing make sure to consult with a dermatologist first. For best results with waxing let the hair grow out for 2-3 weeks.

General waxing tips and guidelines:
1. Wash skin to remove any lotion and natural skin oils.
2. Let your body dry completely.
3. Test over a small area first to ensure your skin doesn’t have any adverse effects.
4. Do not over heat the wax or it may burn.
5. Pain reducing gels can be used to avoid the pain.
6. The wax should be applied in the direction of hair growth.
7. Pull the wax backward from the direction of hair growth rather than pulling upward or out.
8. Wipe the skin with a moist towel to remove excess wax.
9. Use a good sunscreen lotion to avoid exposure to direct sunlight after waxing.

For further information to hair removal consult a dermatologist in your area or stop in and visit one of the hair removal salons, I’m sure they’ll be glad to give you more information considering your a potential client.