Good Looks

Avoid a Hairy Situation

Modern Hair Removal

By Loretta McCollum

Summer is coming. This means beaches, backyards, and bare skin. Many of us have been living in sweatpants for months, working from home and trying to stay warm during the icy winter months. It’s time to ditch the sweats and don the shorts. We want our skin ready for exposure, and eliminating unwanted hair can help us achieve that goal. Electrolysis, laser treatments, and waxing are proven methods of removing hair and revealing sleek skin you’ll want to show off.

Electrolysis is not a new concept; it’s been around since the late 1800s. It’s the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. It’s commonly used on the face, bikini line, underarms, chin and upper lip area, eyebrows, and, of course, the legs. However, it’s not just for the ladies. Men commonly choose electrolysis to treat the back, underarm, and groin areas.

Electrolysis works by destroying the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. It involves inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle. This needle delivers a small amount of electric current or heat into the follicle, destroying the root, which prevents hair regrowth. It’s effective on all hair colors and skin tones.

Most people experience a hot or pinching sensation during treatment. The level of discomfort is minimal and depends on the patient’s sensitivity to pain and the sensitivity of the area being treated. The skin may be slightly red or irritated for several hours following treatment, but there is no downtime, and treated follicles will not regrow hair. That said, not every follicle can be treated in a single session. Electrolysis is effective during the growth stage of the hair, and not every hair is the growth stage at the same time. Multiple treatments are required for optimal results.

Before scheduling treatment, do your research. Most states require a license or certification. If your state doesn’t require this, look for a technician who has been trained at an accredited electrology school. Most facilities offer a free consultation, where you can observe the cleanliness of the facility, evaluate the competency and skill of the technician, and get your questions answered.

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a beam of light to remove unwanted hair. This light energy is converted into heat, damaging the hair follicle and inhibiting new growth. Hair growth is delayed for long periods, but this treatment is not permanent. Common treatment areas are the legs, armpits, chin, and bikini line.

Two to six initial treatments are required, several weeks apart. Like electrolysis, laser treatment is most effective when hair follicles are in the new growth stage. Periodic maintenance treatments will be needed for longterm results. Laser treatment works on all skin types, but people with light skin and dark hair get the best results. It’s sometimes used in conjunction with electrolysis, which targets lighter hairs that go undetected by the laser.

The type of laser used depends on several factors, including skin pigment and the area being treated. The alexandrite laser’s long wavelength targets a large spot with each pulse, making it a good choice for large areas of the body, such as the legs and back. A diode laser can emit both short and long wavelengths and is a good choice for most skin colors. The ruby laser has been around for a while, but it remains popular with people who have fair, sensitive skin, as it is relatively painfree and less likely to cause irritation.

Each state has its own regulations regarding laser administration for hair removal. Some require that it be performed by a physician, while other states permit non-medical personnel to administer treatment as long as they have been properly trained. Your state’s medical board can provide guidelines for your state.

Waxing is a low-tech, tried-and-true hair removal process. Salons typically offer more than one type of waxing treatment, but hot waxing is usually the first type that comes to mind. Hot waxing provides highly accurate results, particularly on eyebrows and other small areas.

Cold wax treatments involve pressing semi-solid wax strips onto the skin, going against the hair growth, which gives the strips a strong hold as they’re pulled off. Multiple treatments are not needed to notice a visible change. This method is generally less painful than hot wax treatments. With soft waxing, a soft wax is applied to the skin and is then covered with a muslin cloth to dry. It’s a good choice for large areas like legs.

Say good-bye to unsightly hair and prepare your skin for summer! Talk to your favorite salon or med-spa to see what types of hair removal they offer.

Sources for this article included: everydayhealth.com, electrology.com, and hairremoval.org.