When trying to get rid of unwanted body hair, you have many hair removal methods to choose from. From professional to DIY, we’ll cover the various methods for removing hair and discuss the pros and cons of each. In part one we will learn about electrolysis, depilatory creams and shaving.
Part II: Waxing, Threading, Tweezing and Hair Removal Medication >>
Part III: Laser Hair Removal NYC and at home hair removal lasers >>
ELECTROLYSIS
Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that requires a skilled professional. During Electrolysis, a thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle. Once inserted, the needle delivers a direct current into the hair follicle, damaging it. Once the follicle is damaged, its growth potential is disabled and the hair is easily removed with tweezers. Electrolysis can remove unwanted body hair and unwanted facial hair. For long lasting results, several electrolysis sessions, one or two weeks apart, are necessary. These appointments typically last between 30 minutes to an hour. Electrolysis is most comonly used to remove hair from the eyebrows or upper lip, as well as other areas with small patches of hair, such as the armpits. *
Advantages of Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis has many advantages: This FDA approved method for reducing hair is effective and dependable. Because electrolysis ignores the skin’s pigment and kills the follicle, this type of hair removal is a good alternative for people who are not good candidates for Laser hair removal. *
Disadvantages of Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis is more expensive than other methods of removing hair because electrolysis requires both a skilled technician and expensive machinery. Damaged or bent hair follicles, which often result from years of tweezing or waxing, can make it more difficult for electrolysis to remove that hair. Many patients complain that Electrolysis hurts during the procedure. This is one reason why many people prefer laser hair removal NYC over electrolysis for permanent hair reduction.*
DEPILATORY CREAMS
Depilatory Creams, such as Nair, are topical creams formulated with specific chemicals that remove unwanted body hair by dissolving the hair shaft. Depilatory creams do not affect the root of the hair, rather they dissolve the hair that protrudes from the surface of the skin. Once the depilatory creams dissolves the hair for a few minutes, the unwanted body hair can be simply washed away in the shower, or wiped away with a wet towel. Depilatory Creams are distinguished by formulations intended to remove unwanted facial hair and creams formulated to remove unwanted body hair. Depilatory creams are most often used to remove facial hair, armpit hair, and hair around the bikini area. *
Advantages of Depilatory Creams
The advantages of depilatory creams include their availability; individuals can buy hair removal creams without a prescription. These creams are also less expensive than other methods for hair removal that require a skilled practitioner. Depilatory creams are painless, if applied correctly. When applied in the shower, depilatory creams require little clean up. Depilatory creams were once notorious for smelling like harsh chemicals, but now-a-days, most quality hair removal creams are scented with pleasant aromas. Along with dissolving hair, these creams also dissolve dead skin cells, exfoliating the skin, which reduces the chances of ingrown hairs.*
Disadvantages of Depilatory Creams:
Depilatory creams have many disadvantages, first and foremost being their chemical makeup. The chemicals in depilatory creams, which dissolve the hair, can also lead to adverse skin reactions. Also, because depilatory creams do not remove unwanted hair by the root, the hair grows back much quicker than with other hair removal methods.
SHAVING
Shaving is the most comon method for removing or trimming unwanted facial and body hair. This method uses a tradition blade razor or an electric razor to cut hair off at the skin’s surface. Most people use soap or shaving cream to help the razor glide over the skin. Shaving is most comonly used to remove hair from the face, legs, and armpits.*
Advantages of Shaving:
Shaving is easy, relatively quick, inexpensive and painless, if done correctly. While most individuals, regardless of hair type or pigmentation can shave, this method of hair removal works best with fine, light-pigmented hair. *
Disadvantages of Shaving Hair Removal:
Because shaving only cuts the hair at the skin’s surface, it has many shortcomings in comparison to other methods of removing hair. Shaving produces the shortest lasting results, with some individuals seeing hair regrowth within hours after shaving. Since shaving cuts off the tapered end of each hair, leaving a blunted end, regrowth can make the hair shaft look thicker and darker. Cutting the tapered end off of the hair shaft also makes an individual more prone to ingrown hairs during the regrowth period, especially in the pubic region. Shaving can also cause skin irritation, comonly known as razor burn.
Part II: Waxing, Threading, Tweezing and Hair Removal Medication >>
Part III: Laser Hair Removal NYC and at home hair removal lasers >>
