Ever since the ancient Egyptians used beeswax to remove face and body hair, man has been looking for a more efficient and permanent way to remove hair. The most popular methods used to day are threading and waxing to the more permanent electrolysis and light-based hair removal methods such as the laser , IPL ( intense pulsed light) and the LHE (light, heat, energy) units Threading is an ancient technique originating in the Far East and gaining in popularity due to the ability to remove hair from even sensitive skin. A twisted cotton thread is used to extract hair by the root and is relatively painless. This is used mostly on the face as this method does not adapt well to curved areas. Waxing is probably the most popular. Waxing is has a definite sting to it that usually only lasts a minute or so. Temporary redness may result depending on the skins sensitivity. Waxing must be done on a regular basis anywhere from 3 to 6 week intervals. This method can be used on any part of the body.
Very good results can be had by combining waxing and electricity. A large area of hair can be removed quickly with minimal discomfort. After the area is waxed a soothing conductive gel is applied while the follicle is still open, followed by a dose of electricity. The regrowth has been greatly reduced and what does grow back is lighter in color and much less coarse. This method can be used anywhere on the body. Electrolysis is a permanent solution that uses a needle and an electric current treating one hair at a time. It is time consuming, painful and may cause scarring and pitting. Most lasers, considered to provide permanent hair reduction, utilize a specific wavelength of light and have a small round treatment area. The best candidates for this treatment are those with light skin and dark hair. A topical analgesic is often prescribe to help with the pain. The IPL and LHE units are more apt to treat a wider range of hair color since they emit a wavelength of light in the visible spectrum where the laser uses only on wave length. These units will also have some pain associated with the treatment and a topical analgesic can be helpful. To achieve effective hair removal for the permanent and semi-permanent methods, hair must be in the active growing stage called the anagen stage. In this stage the hairs have active melanin distribution and full contact with skin structures. Since hair in one area is always at a different stage of growth, repeated treatments are necessary to treat the hair in the appropriate stages. One thing to consider when choosing a hair removal method is how long the hair must be fore treatment. The light based methods and electrolysis can be done on shorter hairs while the threading and waxing the methods need longer hair to work well.
