Hair Removal
By Jessica, January 6, 2008
Hair removal refers to any method of removing hair from the human body. It falls into two categories; depilation and epilation.
Depilation is the process of removing hair from the surface of the skin. Shaving and the use of depilatory creams are examples of this. Depilatories react with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. Depilatories work best on the leg, underarm, and bikini areas; special formulations may be used on the face and chin. This is a temporary method and regrowth occurs in a short space of time.
Epilation is the removal of the entire hair from the body, including the part below the skin. The effects are longer lasting; usually three to six weeks. Epilation methods used are waxing, laser, epilation devices, threading and plucking.
Permanent hair removal is fast becoming a preferred option for many. Although waxing is effective and lasts longer than shaving, it is still only a temporary hair removal measure making maintenance inconvenient and costly in the long run.
In response to this demand for permanent hair removal options, more and more salons now offer laser hair removal and electrolysis at cheaper prices and a free consultancy to test skin and hair for suitability. Laser hair removal involves the use of intense pulsed light (IPL) epilators that work on removing the hair permanently. Usually six to eight sessions will clear the hair completely. A touch up treatment may be required later.
Electrolysis is better suited to smaller patches of hair. It involves inserting a fine needle into each hair follicle and switching on a low electric current to prevent any further growth. As it treats just one hair at a time it is an option for smaller areas such as eyebrows or the upper lip. Electrolysis is more costly than laser hair removal and the discomfort involved means that electrolysis is rarely used for large areas.
