Hair Removal Tips

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Is sugaring an effective hair remover?

Hair Remover: Sugaring

Looking for a cheap, homemade hair remover method? Body sugaring removes hair by the root. What's more, when hair grows back, it's less dense and softer, without stubble.

Body sugaring is done by adhering to the following steps:

• Take 2 cups of sugar
• Add 1/4 cup of water
• Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• Mix ingredients into a paste
• Microwave on high until it bubbles (2-3 minutes)
• Let the paste cool enough so that it won't burn
• Spread the mixture on your skin (popsicle sticks and spatulas works well)
• Cover it with cotton strips of cloth
• Rub the strip the opposite way of hair growth (at least 3 times)
• Rip the cloth off like a Band-Aid (against the direction of growth)

*Most people find sugaring less painful than waxing. For better results, reheat the mix if it gets too hard.

   
How does electrolysis eliminate unwanted hairs?

Hair Remover: Electrolysis

A hair remover product that works by electrolysis is good for removing hair from the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, chest, and bikini line. The pen-like hair remover displaces unwanted hair by electrocuting the hair roots with an electrified needle.

Electrolysis introduces a very mild electrical current into the moist base of a hair follicle. The electrical current stops the blood supply to the root, which is then neutralized by a chemical action which prevents it from regrowing (a hair remover electrolysis pen can also be used on arms and legs but the treatment will take longer).

*As with any hair remover product, some hairs are resistant and might regrow. They will require additional treatment.

   
Who benefits from laser hair removal and what are its advantages?

Laser Hair Removal: Advantages

Laser hair removal works better on some people than others. Light-skinned people with dark hair have the best results with laser hair removal.

The treatment involves light of a specified wavelength being delivered from a hand piece into the skin. The light targets dark material (usually the pigment in hair). The light causes thermal and/or mechanical damage to a hair follicle but spares surrounding tissues.

Some people experience long-lasting hair removal or permanent hair reduction. Laser hair removal is considered safe if performed properly. It is useful for large areas such as legs or backs.

*Regrowth of hair can return lighter in color or finer in texture.

   
I have lot of hair on my body which includes by back, my stomoch and chest - what can I do to remove it?

A Permanent Solution for Hair Removal

Many women experience some excess body hair, and want a more permanent way to get rid of it. The only permanent way to rid yourself of that unwanted hair is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal works best on hair that is dark, and on skin that is light. It is a pricey procedure, and varies from place to place. To reduce your risk of the odd injury, and to get the best results, always use a licensed laser hair removal facility.

   
Will waxing work on short hair?

Hair Remover: Waxing

Waxing is a popular hair remover method, although some people consider it painful.Keep these things in mind before waxing:

• Your skin must be dry before starting this procedure—moisture can hamper good results
• Remember, the thicker the hair, the harder it will be to pull out
• Buy a formulation of the correct strength for the hair you want to remove
• Waxing works best on longer hair (hairs must be about 1/8 of an inch long)

*There's no way to sugar-coat this—it's going to hurt. So, be prepared to just grit your teeth and pull it off!

   
What is epilation?

Hair Remover: Epilation

Epilation is a process that removes hair at the root. However, much like waxing, the pain factor is high. Epilation entails the usage of a hair remover product that features rotating rows of tweezers called an epilator (the ideal length of hair for epilating is between 2 to 5 mm).

*While no product is a permanent hair remover, one session with an epilator can leave your legs smooth for up to 4 weeks. It's best to epilate after a shower or bath, when your skin has softened. And, make sure that your skin is completely dry and free from grease or creams.

   
How long is a laser hair removal treatment session?

Facial Hair Removal

Facial hair removal usually takes less time per session than hair removal in other body areas. Each laser impulse treats a surface of approximately two square centimeters containing about 10 hairs.

The duration of each laser session depends on the surface area to be treated. Facial hair removal on small areas like the lip or the chin takes a few minutes. Treatment of a wide area like a leg or thigh requires 20-50 minutes.

   
What can I use to lighten hair on my upper lip?

Hair Removal vs. Lightening

If hair removal sounds too painful, you might consider purchasing a cream to merely lighten facial hair rather than trying a hair removal product. Don't choose just anything off the shelf, however.

Look for a product that is easy to mix and has a smooth consistency. The product should make facial hair fade away. Many women prefer such lightening creams to waxing (especially in delicate areas such as above the upper lip).

   
Are there any shavers that don't cause razor bump irritation?

Hair Remover: Shavers & Trimmers

Don't you hate razor bumps? Special shavers and trimmers are made for sprucing up your bikini line and, believe it or not, many are less painful and don't cause irritation or razor bumps.

Many women consider this type of hair remover better than waxing or shaving. One hair remover product, the Bikini Touch, is a painless hair remover that creates a perfectly smooth bikini line instantly. Another, the Bikini Shaper allows for complete grooming of the bikini area (it eliminates excess hair that grows outside lingerie lines and swimwear without causing irritating razor bumps). Stop the itch and burn!

   
Why is permanent hair removal difficult?

Hair Removal: Types of Hairs

Do you want the truth? Permanent hair removal is darn near impossible! Your body has three types of hair:

• Vellus (peach fuzz; tiny colorless hairs)
• Intermediate (thin, some pigmentation)
• Terminal (deep-rooted coarse hairs, either pigmented or gray)

The terminal hairs are usually the ones you want terminated. The amounts of each type of hair and their growth cycles vary among people, making it hard to compare hair removal results between you and others. Depending on the body area, from 20% to 85% of hairs are in the anlagen (growth) stage.

*Many hair removal methods are more effective on actively growing hair. Consequently, a single hair removal treatment cannot treat all your hairs.

   
How should I prepare for laser hair removal treatment?

Laser Hair Removal: Preparation

As much as you might love the sun, it's imperative to stay out of the sunshine in the weeks preceding a laser hair removal session. The laser targets dark pigment, so a tan is a contra-indication for the treatment. And, if you're taking medication, tell your doctor, since some drugs can lead to a reaction to light. If this happens, your laser treatment will have to be postponed.

Three days before the laser hair removal session, the area to be treated must be shaved. You will be told to use a hydrating, anti-redness cream during the hours following the treatment. Exposure to sun is a contra-indication, so a solar shield must be used during sunny weather.

   
What is a depilatory?

Hair Remover: Depilatory

A depilatory is a lotion or cream hair remover that is chemical-based. This product dissolves hair at the skin's surface. Here are some of the benefits and choices associated with this product:

• Some depilatories target fine hair while others are aimed at coarse hair
• Different strengths are available to dissolve the strongest of hairs
• They are quick and easy to use.
• They come in formulations for body and face

*Since chemicals are used to dissolve the hair, irritation can occur. It is very important to do a test before using this hair remover product.

   
What are the disadvantages of laser hair removal?

Laser Hair Removal: Disadvantages

Long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of laser hair removal have not been accurately established. Neither have response and regrowth rates (which can't be predicted due to numerous variables).

Laser hair removal is usually not as effective on gray, red, or blonde hair. It must be used cautiously (if at all) on darker skin tones or on consumers who tan themselves. Improper laser hair removal treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration lasting several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth.

Recent data suggests that laser irradiation affects other skin structures—so long term effects constitute an unknown risk. Laser hair removal requires eye protection and can be expensive. Some people find treatment painful. Regulation varies among states, so controls to ensure competent practitioners are inadequate. Even some ideal candidates do not respond to treatment.

   
How well do home waxing products work?

Hair Remover: Home Waxing Products

Some home hair removal waxing products are better than others although most are cheaper than going to a waxing salon.

One key to waxing is letting the wax heat up properly before applying it. Keep in mind, however, that achieving the correct and safest temperature can be tricky. The wax rolls on best when it is very hot but you don't want to burn your skin.

*Some hair remover systems come with oil to soothe your skin after removing the wax.
If the one you bought doesn't include oil, apply oil or lotion from your own supply. And, always keep in mind that waxing at home takes practice and patience.

   
Is there such a thing as permanent hair removal?

Permanent Hair Removal

Wouldn't permanent removal of unwanted hair be nice? It would, but it's not possible. The term "permanent," in this sense, is a relative term. Permanent hair removal is defined as the complete destruction of a treated hair follicle's ability to generate hair.

To be considered permanent, you should still be as clear of hair in the treated area one year after your final hair removal treatment, as you were the day of your final treatment—this means you went a year without having to use another method to remove or conceal hair in the treated area.

*Some hairs have a growth cycle lasting several years (so a year might not be long enough to determine true permanence). Still, you might be happy to endure only one hair removal treatment a year.

   
Is permanent hair reduction the same as permanent hair removal?

Hair Removal: Permanent or Reduced?

Permanent hair removal is often confused with permanent hair reduction—a term approved by the FDA in 1998. The FDA allows some manufacturers of hair removal lasers and flash lamps used for depilation to use the term "permanent hair reduction," which the agency defines as:

"The long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over a time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from 4-12 months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area."

   
How do I get the best results using a depilatory?

Hair Remover: Best Results with Depilatories

Depilatory creams work quickly, are easy to apply, and effective in the short term by removing hair just below the skin's surface. Unfortunately, the chemicals that burn off hair can also cause skin irritation. If you have very sensitive skin you may not be able to tolerate these hair remover creams. And, for goodness sake, don't use them around your eyes!

For best results:

• Apply a warm washcloth to soften the hair and open follicles
• Don't leave the cream on your skin longer than the recommended time
• Remove the cream
• Extra pressure will help remove more of the hair shaft so use a washcloth—not just water

*Hair removal with a depilatory lasts several days.

   
What is threading? How does this hair remover method work?

Hair Remover: Threading

Threading, a Mid-Eastern technique that plucks hair at the root by using a twisted piece of thread, is a facial hair remover method for skin that's too sensitive for laser or waxing. No chemicals are used, and it only takes 15 minutes to do both eyebrows. Before looking into this method, here are some things you should know:

• Only works on flat surfaces (not a good hair remover technique for bikini line and knees)
• Not suitable for someone with bad acne, since the string is dragged over the skin
• Works well on the line running from your belly button to your pubic bone
• Excellent for sprouts on your big toes

   
Is laser hair removal really painless or permanent?

Laser Hair Removal: Quack Claims

You may encounter quack claims about laser hair removal being permanent or painless. Some practitioners may boast of "permanent hair removal" or "100% permanent" or "permanent." Some people experience permanent reduction of treated hair over the course of treatment, but published studies have reported that many people are not good candidates and get poor results.

Even ideal candidates with light skin and dark hair do not always respond to treatment. Another claim may be for "guaranteed 0% regrowth." No published clinical data substantiates this promise. Some hair removal practitioners claim their treatment is "painless" or "virtually painless." Many clients tolerate laser hair removal without requiring pain relief, but it is inaccurate to claim that treatment will be painless for everyone.

*Don't believe the hoopla! Educate yourself on hair removal procedures and facts before getting sold on false ideas.

   
How many sessions will I need for hair removal?

Hair Removal: Number of Sessions

The number of sessions for hair removal depends mostly on gender and the location of the area to be treated. Three to six sessions is average, but it also depends on denseness of the hair and the degree of hair removal required.

Facial hair removal on a man may require prolonged treatment and the exact duration can't be predicted in advance. The intervals between hair removal sessions also depend on gender and the area of the body to be treated and are spaced progressively.

*For facial hair removal (e.g., moustache, chin), an interval of 6 to 8 weeks is usual.

   
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