Comparing Hair Removal Techniques

Of all hair removal methods shaving is the most common and probably the oldest that we will discuss here. Virtual everyone uses a shaver at some time, whether male or female. It is the cheapest and simplest method of removing unwanted body hair but it is also almost certainly the most temporary of all methods.

For men who shave whether by an electric razor or an old fashioned bladed razor, they know that it is something from puberty that they will probably have to do everyday, provided they want to maintain a smooth look. For most men shaving is restricted to facial areas only but there is a growing fashion to remove hair on other areas of the body.

For women shaving is a simple method of removing unwanted hair on places like the legs, under arms, and bikini line. Shaving for women particularly on the legs, generally doesn't have to be done as often as men shave, many women report only having to or wanting to, shave their legs every few days.

There is an old myth that shaving makes the hair follicles regrow thicker. It is generally accepted that this is not the case. Hair can be best described as thick at the point where it exits the skin and tapers towards the tip. When hair is chopped off at the skin it immediately starts regrowing from its thickest point. This is why hair feels more stubbly and thicker when it has been shaven rather than waxed.

Waxing removes the hair follicle root and all, below the skin surface. It is probably the most painful of all hair removal methods, but because the follicle starts growing from fresh , as it passes through the skin surface it feels much finer as the tapered tip of the hair comes out first. Waxing is quite long lasting, but is definitely not as permanent as laser hair removal or electrolysis. Waxing legs for example can be done in intervals of 2 weeks or more at least. From waxing to full length hair growth again can be several months though, and for hairy men who want to do areas such as chest or back or even arms and legs, this can be a good thing, as there is much more time between waxing procedures than if you chose to shave these areas.

Waxing can be carried out in the privacy of your own home using over the counter products that come in various forms. Pre-impregnated wax strips can be bought that are simply heated in the hand prior to applying and then firmed against the skin before pulling off. Blank wax strips that are used in conjunction with either rolled on heated wax or spread on wax from a jar. Pre-impregnated wax strips are simple to use and largely mess free which makes them a good alterative to the old jar waxes, which need to be heated up separately then smoothed onto the skin before applying the separate cloth strips.

Hair removal creams give much the same results as shaving, in that they really only remove the hair at the skins surface and hence grow back is quicker and stubbier initially. Hair removal creams work by dissolving the hair usually using an alkaline substance. Some creams have growth inhibitors which are supposed to slow down the hair grow back speed.

Electrolysis is the slowest but potentially the most permanent hair removal method when performed by a skilled practitioner. Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny thin metal probe into hair follicles. Electricity is passed into the follicle through the probe, which then damages the hair growth area. Electrolysis has the advantage of being safe and very effective, but it is very slow to perform and thus not particularly well suited to large areas from a cost point of view.

Laser hair removal is the newest method of hair removal. Laser Hair removal is considered a hair reduction technique more than claiming to be an absolutely permanent method of hair removal. There are several large chain clinics offering laser hair removal all over the U.S including laser hair removal in San Diego.

Laser hair removal machines work by using special types and frequencies of laser light to destroy hair follicles. The process works because the laser light targets melanin, which is the pigment in hair follicles. Laser light heats up the melanin destroying structures in the follicle without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue. Several laser treatments will usually be required to get a permanent reduction in hair growth in the treated area.

After getting laser hair removal in San Diego it can be said that it is expensive but no more than other cities. Of all methods of hair removal, laser hair removal is the most long lasting and costly. This is not surprising being that it is at the cutting edge of hair removal technology.

Laser hair removal is not without possible complications. Given the power of laser light it is important that the technicians who treat you are using the correct up to date laser system that is properly selected and calibrated for your skin and hair type. There are well established San Diego laser hair removal clinics that have fully qualified staff. If you are in doubt, check with a medical professional such as a dermatologist. Laser hair removal machines are constantly evolving to become more and more effective for a wide range of hair types and zones. If you are tired of using traditional methods of hair removal you should take a look at trying laser hair removal in San Diego. While there are cheaper methods to get rid of unwanted hair, if it works well for you, you might even be able to throw out that old razor.