Hair Removal Treatment – Remove Hair
There are a variety of methods that are in use to achieve hair removal from various parts of the body like the face, underarms, pubic area, legs, hands, etc. Some methods of hair removal are temporary while some are permanent.

The temporary methods of hair removal include:

• Shaving

This is the most common means of getting rid of unwanted hair, requiring minimum equipment. Though not a long-lasting solution, it is simply popular because it is so convenient. All that a person needs to shave is a razor. Moreover, this equipment can be used on any part of the body for effective results; but is the most temporary of solutionsShaving is an easy and inexpensive method of hair removal. It is also the only method that is completely free from side effects. However, the biggest drawback of shaving is that it is not a permanent method of hair removal. It has been proven through research that shaving does not result in the hair becoming thicker, as is commonly contemplated.

• Threading

This method is primarily used in beauty clinics, although it can be used at home. It is mostly used for facial hair removal. Threading involves rolling twisted cotton threads over untidy hairlines and plucking out the unwanted hair. Though a temporary hair removal method, it is both healthy for the skin and does not result in ingrown hair either.

• Tweezing and Waxing

Epilatories, such as tweezers and waxes, pluck hairs from below the surface of the skin. Waxing and tweezing may be often prove more painful although the results will last longer. Because the hair is plucked at the root, new growth is not visible for several weeks after treatment.Tweezing is impractical for large areas. Waxing, on the other hand can conveniently remove hair from larger areas, like the hands, legs and bikini line in females. Men will commonly seek treatment for their chest or back. Epilatory waxes are also available for home use. There are ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ waxes.

• Chemical depilatories

A chemical depilatory is a solution of calcium thioglycolate or barium sulfide that ensures painless hair removal. These creams are widely used for hair removal in areas like the underarms, pubic area, legs and hands. It works by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, causing it to dissolve. The area is then washed and the growth scraped away. The effect of a depilatory can last for up to two weeks.The major advantage with depilatories is that they can work on hair of any length, can be used on large parts of the body and the hair takes far longer to grow back.

The disadvantage of depilatories is that dark-skinned users can be left with a visible “shadow” under the skin, it can cause allergies or skin irritation, and they are smelly and leave behind a mess. Hair removal creams must never be applied on the face unless the label says so.

• Use of abrasives

Abrasives are materials that are used to smoothen or roughen surfaces through rubbing. They have a rough texture and are ideal for removing dead skin from the feet.The biggest advantage of using abrasives is that it is long lasting. Abrasives are also cheaper, easy to use and are safer than chemical depilatories.

The disadvantages are that this is not an entirely painless method and take time to work. Moreover, it is a long, slow and tedious process. Overuse of abrasives can cause serious harm to the skin. As the abrasives do not remove the hair below the skin surface, they need to be applied frequently.

• Eflornithine creams

These creams help with facial hair removal. Eflornithine is a hair removing agent and is a hair growth retardant. The cream is applied around the lips or just under the chin. It works by blocking a natural substance in the hair follicle that is needed for hair to grow.While eflornithine slows hair growth it does not completely stop hair growth. Moreover, it can take as long as four weeks, indeed sometimes even longer, for the full effect of this method to become visible. It does not give instant results.

The permanent methods of hair removal include:

• Laser hair removal treatment

This is an effective and long-tern solution for unwanted hair growth. With the introduction of this technique, more and more people are turning to this permanent hair removal method. It is both effective and affordable.The laser hair removal therapy first became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Laser is used in a variety of cosmetic procedures, including hair removal. Laser energy is transformed into heat. This serves to disable the follicle and leave the surrounding skin unscathed, thus arresting hair growth.

While the number of sessions required for laser hair removal treatment varies from patient to patient, it must always take into account the gender, and the problem area in question. The average run is three to six sessions, though some body parts require prolonged treatment.

Laser hair removal is a long-lasting treatment for unwanted hair growth and is far safer. The laser beam removes unwanted hair without causing damage to the skin pores and structures. In addition, there are no major side effects of hair removal laser surgery. Avoiding exposure to sunlight greatly minimizes the risk of any complication.

• Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a good alternative to laser hair removal. It is especially useful for people with light skin and grey hair. Electrolytic method of hair removal works on most body parts, including the face, thighs, abdomen, breasts and legs.The electrolysis treatment uses shortwave radio frequency to destroy hair growth centers through devices called epilators. This process is comparatively painful, time consuming and expensive.

Post-treatment blues include dry skin, scabs, inflammation and scarring. Chances of an infection are also present.

• Intense Pulse Light therapy

Pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr., this method of hair removal uses high intensity pulses of light. This is an advanced method of getting rid of unwanted hair. In addition, it can treat problems like induced dyspigmentation, poikiloderma of civatte, acne rosacea, broken capillaries and pigmented birth marks. This technology guarantees effective and safe hair removal.Intense Pulse Light therapy can be used at any age. The treatment involves the passing of an intense flash of light or pulse through the prism, into the tissue of the skin until it strikes the hair shafts or the hair roots, where the melanin is located. This causes most of the hair roots and shafts to vaporize, destroying the hair-producing papillae or the entire hair follicle. The treatment is usually performed every 3-4 weeks.

Intense Pulse Light therapy is both long lasting and capable of treating large areas of the skin simultaneously. The duration of the treatment depends on the kind of problem being addressed, but generally lasts for up to six months. After each session the treatment area is protected from UV rays exposure.

Side effects include probable blistering, hyper-pigmentation or slight bleeding. Moreover, it can take from three to 12 months for the normal skin tone to return. In rare cases, patients have reported permanent skin pigmentation changes and scarring.