6 Most Popular Hair Removal Methods of Explained
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.
- Service timing takes longer than waxing.
- Most effective on fine hair.
5. Laser/IPL
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: $$$
Frequency: 4-8 weeks. Until desired results (average 10-12 for max. results).
Pros:
- Permanent reduction.
- Quick service.
- Eliminates ingrown hairs.
- Smooths texture and pigmentation in areas with dark-coarse growth.
Cons:
- Downtime 24-72 hours with strict guidelines.
- Results may regress with hormonal fluctuation.
- Not suitable for deep skin tones or light hair types.
- Risk of burns.
6. Electrolysis/ Thermolysis
Process: The root of the hair is destroyed by delivering an electric current to the bulb. This can be done with electrically charged tweezers, or by insertion of a charged needled into the follicular region.
Longevity: 10+ years
Price: $$$$
Frequency: 1-2 weeks until desired results.
Pros:
- Results are most often permanent.
- Can treat lightest hair tones.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Cons:
- Costly due to number of sessions required.
- Lengthy service time.
- Painful.
- Frequency of visits required.
About IPL Hair Removal…
VIEW DERMICA’S LITERATURE ON THE TOPIC:
What to Expect When Doing Permanent Hair Removal
What is the difference between IPL and LASER Hair Removal?
FAQs including possible IPL side effects
Am I a good candidate for IPL treatments?
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca