Hair Removal Methods Explained | What are your options?
Hair removal methods have been around since the days of Cleopatra, it has since evolved to include a vast selection of products, tools, gadgets, and highly sophisticated equipment. With all these options now available, how do you choose which one is most appropriate for your personal needs?
Well, there are a few questions to consider:
When are you expecting your results?
What is your budget?
How much maintenance are you able to commit to?
What will the effects be?
In order to make this process a little easier for you, we’ve researched the pros, cons, and facts to consider when making your selection.
1. Epilation (ep-i-la-tion)
Process: The hair is dissolved or cut flush with skin. The root of the hair remains intact below the surface of the skin. There is no effect to the growth rate, texture, or density of growth.
Common forms of depilation are razor shaving, electric shaver, epilation cream such as Nair ™.
Longevity: 24hrs – 72hrs.
Pricing: $
Frequency: As often as needed.
Pros:
Convenient.
Suitable for all hair types.
No wait periods.
Low cost.
Cons:
Hair has sharp tips when growing back.
Risk of cuts in hard to reach or contoured areas.
Chemical burns can occur if skin is not properly assessed prior to treating with creams.
Can cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, and/or skin irritation.
Depilation (dep-i-la-tion)
Depilation refers to the process of physically pulling the hair and root from the hair follicle in the skin. The process removes hair growth that is visible at the surface of the skin. Depilation can have a mild effect on the regrowth depending on the stage in which the hair is removed. The most positive effect is seen on active hair growth.
Professional Methods of Depilation
2. Waxing
Process: Warm wax solution is applied in sections over the hair/skin. The wax and adhered hair is then swiftly pulled from the skin.
Longevity 2-3 weeks.
Price: $$
Frequency: 4-6 weeks or until hair is ¼ inch.
Pros:
Suitable for all hair types.
Immediate results.
Softer hair growth.
Minimize occurrence of ingrown hairs.
Cons:
Must wait for the hair to grow back to the appropriate length.
Can be painful in sensitive areas.
Down-time 24hrs: no swimming, sweating, fragranced products, sun exposure.
Some sensitivity and mild swelling may occur following the treatment. Can take up to 48hrs to completely calm.
3. Threading
Process: A specialized thread is wound up and passed over the skin entwining the hair and pulling it from the hair follicle.
Longevity: 2-3 weeks.
Price: $
Frequency: 3-4 weeks. The hair must be visible at the surface.
Pros:
Price point.
Express service.
No risk of allergic reaction to product.
Cons:
Risk of cross contamination if thread is being anchored in the technician’s mouth.
Friction burns can occur in sensitive areas.
Hair may not be completely removed from its follicle and therefore grows back sooner than expected.
4. Sugaring
Process: A warm honey-like paste is maneuvered over the treatment area, adhering itself to the hair. After placement it is lifted away from the skin, taking along with it the unwanted hair.
Longevity: 3-4 weeks.
Price: $$
Frequency: 4-6 weeks. Sugaring only requires 1/8 inch of hair growth and can be done as soon as 2 weeks post service.
Pros:
Less length required for removal.
Organic formulation.
Suitable for all skin types.
Cons:
Uncommon service, difficult to source a professional technician.
Process: Hair is reduced by destroying the root of the hair using a light energy. There are slight variances in IPL vs Laser, but both deliver permanent reduction in hair growth rate, density, and thickness.
Longevity: 5+ years
Price: $$$
Frequency: 4-8 weeks. Until desired results (average 10-12 for max. results).
Pros:
Permanent reduction.
Quick service.
Eliminates ingrown hairs.
Smooths texture and pigmentation in areas with dark-coarse growth.
Cons:
Downtime 24-72 hours with strict guidelines.
Results may regress with hormonal fluctuation.
Not suitable for deep skin tones or light hair types.
Risk of burns.
6. Electrolysis/ Thermolysis
Process: The root of the hair is destroyed by delivering an electric current to the bulb. This can be done with electrically charged tweezers, or by insertion of a charged needled into the follicular region.
Will my IUD affect my IPL Hair Removal treatments?
Can I have IPL Hair Removal if I have an IUD?
The simple answer is, yes! ‘
What is an IUD?
An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small T-shape contraceptive device that is placed inside of the uterus. It is worn for 3-10 years with regular check-ups. Most IUD’s have hormonal components built into a simple copper structure. Others may be made of polyethylene plastic.
Concerns with the combo…
There are concerns with this combination. Firstly, the reaction of the heat from the solid structures of the device absorbed by the body tissues. Although this sounds like a probable cause for internal burns, there are factors that make this reaction highly unlikely.
The Factors
The depth of the uterus beneath the skin in the average adult female, falls within the centimetre scale (not including excess fat). This measurement includes layers of skin, fascia, muscle, fat, and the multiple layers of the uterine wall.
The light energy emitted by the device is measured on a nanometer scale and reaches up-to a 635-nanometer depth in the skin. To put this into perspective when comparing to the distance of the uterus, consider the following:
1cm = 0.01m
VS
1nm = 0.000 000 001m
or
One-hundredth of a meter
VS
One-billionth of a meter
or
Measurement used for object that fit on a ruler
VS
Measurement used for objects on an atomic or molecular level
One thing to keep in mind though if you have the polyethylene IUD (contains hormones), there may be an effect on the expected results and/or number of sessions required.
If you have any underlying medical conditions and are under observation of a physician, we recommend you consult with them prior to booking your appointment, to ensure you have your questions and concerns addressed from both a technical and medical perspective.
Now that we have cleared the air, let’s CLEAR THAT HAIR!
Skin Wedding Prep: a 3 Step Program for healthy manageable skin.
We recently received a question in our “Ask Dérmica” feature.
“Dear Dérmica, how soon should i start my skin wedding prep?”
It’s never too soon to start planning for your big day, especially when it comes to your skin. It can take several months for your skin to clear unwanted blemishes, plump up fine lines and wrinkles, and banish dark spots, so the sooner you get started the closer you’ll get to your skin goals.
We’ve come up with a 3 Step Program for healthy manageable skin on your wedding day.
STEP 1: Professional Treatment
Skin wedding prep typically starts with a professional service. Our skin care professionals will help you select the right treatment for your skin concern and help you establish a routine for follow-ups, as you may need more than 1 session of your selected treatment.
Your professional treatment will give your skin the most visible result and get to the source of your skin concerns. Think of this step as the booster for all things to follow.
Depending on what your skin type, age, and concern is, you will be directed to one or a combination of the following treatments.
The Chemical Peel
Chemical Peels are used to deliver deep exfoliation benefits that cannot be achieved by simple scrubbing. The molecular structure of the acids is so fine that they can penetrate below the surface and separate the top layers of the skin. This leaves the skin renewed and gives way to clearer skin with every treatment.
The Photofacial
Photofacials are delivered using an IPL System that penetrates light directly into its target in the skin. The light causes a heating effect which either dissolves unwanted matter such as pigment or broken blood vessels, or multiplies the source creating volume. Results are quick to follow and long lasting.
STEP 2: Maintenance
Now that we have your skin where we want it, a routine facial should do the trick. This will also ensure that we can track our progress and intervene if your skin decides to backtrack.
The Facial
Facials are great for maintaining healthy skin. They are also great for minor concerns such as congested pores, few breakouts, dull skin, or minor pigment imperfections. It may also be suggested as an opener to other services if you have heavy build-up in the pores.
Facials are the most thorough cleanse, exfoliation, and zit popping session your skin will ever have.
STEP 3: Home Care and Pre-Day Prep
Now that you have invested your time, money, and effort into achieving this glow you should treat it right outside of the spa. Choosing the right products for your skin type is key to preventing the problems from reoccurring.
Your skincare professional will help you select the appropriate products for daily use and guide you on how to use them appropriately. Not every product needs to be used according to their written rules and some may have other uses not listed.
TOP 3 products to have on hand: Cleanser, Eye Care, Moisturizer.
Although we cannot be there to prep your skin the day of here are some tips the night before:
SKIN Wedding Prep at Home
Double cleanse with your desired cleanser. Take your time massaging into every corner of you face and neck using circular motions.
Exfoliate using a mild scrub or gentle enzyme exfoliant. Make sure to include your lip and neck area. Having a fresh canvas will ensure your makeup stays and sets smooth.
Mask using a light gel mask for hydration or pore refining to shrink pores in the t-zone. Make sure you don’t let them set too long as you don’t want any last-minute mishaps.
Eye Care because it’s a must always. This will help tone puffiness and lighten dark circles.
Lip Care will help soften your pucker for that newlywed PDA.
Moisturize as per usual including your neck. Use good pressure to help stimulate circulation and increase your glow.
Now let’s toast to the happily wedded couple and their glowing SKIN!
What can I expect when doing IPL Hair Removal treatments?
How many treatments do I need before I see results from my IPL Hair Removal treatments?
Results are immediate!
Although your hair may require 8 – 12 sessions, you will experience lasting results with each treatment including your first.
In fact, your initial treatment will give you the most noticeable reduction. Clients report an average of 20-60% less hair growth following their initial treatment. Not only do they experience less hair growth, but the texture of the hair also becomes finer and delayed in growth rate.
Now don’t get too comfortable as this effect is not permanent just yet.
Within the first few days following your session, your hair may appear to have stopped growing. Your hair will resume growth by week 2 and at this point you might think your treatment was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that this resumed growth is a combination of active hair bulbs and inactive hair now shedding from its follicle post-treatment. Once the shedding process has ended, we are able to measure the effects of the treatment.
Your next treatment will be scheduled within 4 weeks after your first session.
Each treatment following your initial session will increase the amount of reduction by approximately 10% to maximum of 80-98% overall reduction.
Depending on the number of sessions to date, your recorded progress, and expected sun exposure, we may reduce the frequency of your treatments. You will start off with a 4 week pause between treatments, later increasing to 5 weeks, then 6 weeks until you reach your treatment goal.
Your feedback is key when tracking progress AND making progress.
At every visit your technician will be asking a series of questions in order to measure the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results. Additionally, your feedback can also used to make accurate adjustments to the intensity level of your treatment.
After each visit please ensure to track the following to share with your technician at your next visit:
How much of a reduction have you experienced?
Has the texture/ thickness of the hair changed?
Has the colour of the treated hair changed? Is the hair light, medium, or dark tone?
How long did it take for your hair to grow back after your last session?
How frequently are you shaving the area?
If there was a reaction, how long did it last, and what type of reaction was it?
Be patient and realistic with your results
Although we would love to promise maximum results after 1 session, technology is not quite there yet! For now, expect to have up to 12 sessions over the span of 1-2 years. In the meantime, you can enjoy NOT having to deal with ingrown hairs, itchy razor bumps, embarrassing 5 o’clock shadows, daily shaving routine, or painful waxing!
Ensure you meet treatment criteria before booking your IPL Hair Removal treatment.
Top 3 questions people ask Dermica about IPL Hair Removal 📯
1.) Is it safe?
YES. As with any phototherapy treatment, potential side effects exist, however, education and experience, plus sophisticated technology make your treatment at Dermica as safe as possible.
2.) How does it work?
SIMPLE. Light energy zaps hair follicles eliminating their ability to grow back.
3. Is the staff certified to deliver the treatment?
YES, all staff who operate the equipment and deliver treatments are certified with over 5-15 years of experience.
Are you longing for solution to unwanted facial and body hair? Phototherapy is a popular choice, for example, IPL and laser hair removal treatment.
IPL or LASER technology?
The IPL and Laser equipment deliver their results by emitting a specific range of light energy towards a specific target in the skin. Most importantly, both treatments are safe and effective in permanently reducing unwanted hair.
IPL Hair Removal
Our IPL Hair Removal treatment will deliver permanent results on any area of face and body, including male facial hair. Above all, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing stubble will be a thing of the past!
Your safety is our first concern, therefore, please review the following criteria before booking online.
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
Discontinue usage any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated 2 weeks prior to procedure
Wait a minimum of 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks for darker skin types) from last tanning (artificial or natural) AND/OR waxing session
If currently on any prescription medications, check with your physician regarding possible photosensitivity
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Disorders stimulated by light
Cancer (remission under 2 years)
Epilepsy
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Use of anticoagulants
If any, potential side effects can include discomfort and fragile skin. Visible effects, for instance, edema (swelling) and erythema (redness), can last up to 24 hours.
Your technician will conclude the session by providing Post Care instructions. After that, you can expect your hair to shed approximately 2 weeks post-treatment. Subsequently, we recommend rebooking every 4-8 weeks.
Treatment course length
Body areas require longer rebooking timeframes than facial areas. Therefore, depending on the area being treated, your treatment course could last up to 2 years. That is to say, a successful IPL treatment course requires commitment.
Treatment Tips
Phototherapy treatments “zap” live hair follicles while waxing removes them from the bulb. As a result, waxing counteracts IPL and laser treatments. Consequently, shaving is the only method of hair removal in between sessions.
Additionally, exfoliating twice per week will help prevent ingrown hairs.
Please shave the morning of your appointment. Furthermore, area should be shaved flush to the skin for best results.
