The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This dark target matter can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.
Side Effects:
The most common and known side effects of laser hair removal include transient erythema, perifollicular edema, pain, folliculitis, hyper-pigmentation, hypopigmentation, crusting, purpura, erosions and scarring.
Price:
About $500 to $1000 per treatment.
Electrolysis Hair Removal
Description:
The principle of operation behind electrolysis (electrical epilation) involves inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current to the follicle root. This procedure actually burns the hair root theoretically preventing it from producing more hair. Each hair follicle must be treated individually and may take several treatments to destroy the follicle.
Side Effects:
The major risks associated with electrolysis include electrical shock, infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.
Price:
About $20 to $100 an hour, and may cost $2,000 to $4,000 per year.
Waxing
Description:
Is a temporary method of hair removal, which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet.
Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth.
Side Effects:
Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation.
Waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn, never applying to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins.
Price:
About $5 to $100+ (Brazilian waxing).
Sugaring
Description:
Using a technique which is similar to waxing. This depilation method comes from ancient Egypt and is popular in Arab countries. Sugaring paste can be prepared with common household food items.
Sugaring is an alternative available for anyone whose skin reacts to wax with redness or bumps. Sugaring can be used to defuzz eyebrows, mustaches, bikini lines, underarms, legs, and backs, but
men have one exception - they cannot use sugaring on the beard due to a different hair root system.
Side Effects:
Generally it's kind to the skin, but it can be painful and the skin may be red for a while after sugaring (this usually disappears within 24 hours).
Price:
About $15 (for an underarm) to $70 (for a full leg).
Shaving
Description:
Is a quick and inexpensive method of depilation. Shaving does not make the hair shaft thicker, darker, or grow faster or slower. However, the short hair shaft may be more noticeable as it grows out because it has a blunt tip instead of the normal tapered tip. It has to be repeated frequently.
Side Effects:
Stubble reappears quickly, risk of cuts and nicks to the skin, risk of ingrown hair if blade is not sharp.
Price:
About $4+ (plus moisturizer, shaving cream, body wash, after shave cream, etc...)
Epilators
Description:
This is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out. The way in which epilators pull out hair is similar to waxing.
Epilators should not be used on very sensitive skin such as the face, genitals, or armpits.
Side Effects:
Painful to some people because, it involves pulling hair out of the roots.
Price:
About $40 to $80.
Depilatory
Description:
This is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure
of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. Sometimes, chemical depilatories don't work
very well for naturally "hairy" people. Depilatory is a short term solution for hair-removal, one that is easily
done at home and on any length or type of hair.
Side Effects:
Depilatories can cause serious skin irritations and even second or third-degree chemical burns, and possibly, scarring,
if the formula is too strong or is left on for too long.
Price:
About $4 to $8.
Hair Removal Cream
Description:
This is advanced hair inhibitor system and formulated with natural, advanced moisturizing agents to aid in soothing sensitive skin.
Hair Removal Cream is easy to use and applies in seconds.
Hair Removal Cream can be used on your chest, back and shoulders, abdomen, arms & underarms, hands, legs, feet & toes,
bikini line, face, chin & upper lip, as well as eyebrows.
It containing vitamins A and E, green tea, aloe vera and natural plant extracts. Hair is gently removed from the
follicle bulb, leaving the skin baby soft and silky.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your physician or health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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