Hair
A large part of your personal appearance is determined by your hair. Some people want to restore their hair, some want to remove it, and others just want a fancy hair style or color.
Hair removal
Removal of unwanted body hair is a huge business. There are many different methods to remove hair by epilation (removing the entire hair, including the part beneath the skin's surface) or depilation (removing only the part of the hair that is above the skin's surface).
Popular epilation hair removal methods include:
- Plucking or threading - A temporary hair removal solution wherein hair is pulled out using tweezers or a single piece of thread wound around hair strands.
- Waxing or sugaring - A temporary hair removal solution wherein hair is pulled out by strips of cloth or paper placed over hot wax or sugar that has been applied to the hair.
- Electrolysis - With multiple treatments, electrolysis is a potentially permanent hair removal solution wherein an electrical current is applied to individual hair follicles to deaden them and prevent hair growth.
- Lasers and IPL - A potentially permanent hair removal solution wherein a laser or light beams targeting hair pigment are applied to areas of hair growth to deaden the follicles and prevent hair growth.
Popular depilation hair removal methods include:
- Shaving - A temporary hair removal solution wherein a razor is used cut off exposed hair.
- Chemical depilatories - A temporary hair removal solution wherein a cream, gel, or other product, is topically applied to weaken hair at the follicle, making it easier to slough off without using a razor.
Permanent hair reduction
Electrolysis
While laser technology was still developing, electrolysis was essentially the only cosmetic treatment available to permanently remove or reduce hair.
Although electrolysis is known for being tedious and somewhat painful, it can be very effective, especially for reducing fine or light-colored red, blonde, and gray hair on which, laser hair removal is typically ineffective.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990s. Older generation lasers were slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin.
Today, lasers can work on all skin tones, and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skin. Lasers for hair removal can be performed on any area of the body.
Types of lasers used for hair removal
There are several lasers for hair removal available. No single laser is ideal for every individual. Depending on your skin and hair color, some lasers will be more effective than others.
Ruby Laser
- First laser introduced for hair removal
- Laser beam is well absorbed by melanin pigment in hair, making it good for removing finer, lighter hair
- Should be used for hair removal on patients with fair skin, as it may burn those with dark or tan skin
- Slow repetition rate and relatively small spot size, which may mean a longer, more expensive treatment with greater discomfort
Alexandrite Laser
- The fastest hair removal laser
- Large spot size (up to 18mm) and high repetition rate
- Can rapidly treat large body areas - an entire back can be treated in less than 30 minutes
- Suitable for patients with fair to olive complexions
Diode Laser
- Longer wavelength allows deep penetration into the skin and safety for darker skin types
- Not effective for lighter and finer hair
- Smaller spot size, which results in longer treatment time
- The longer treatment time necessary for diode laser hair removal may result in greater expense and increased discomfort
- The TRIA Beauty home laser hair removal system is a diode laser
Nd:YAG laser
- Can be used on all skin types, including tanned skin
- Large spot sizes and fast repetition rates allow large areas to be treated quickly
- Provides less effective treatment for fine and light hairs than some other hair removal lasers
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Used for hair removal, but primary use is to treat skin pigmentation problems
- Unlike lasers, IPL devices emit the full spectrum of light wavelengths
- Works best on patients with fair skin and dark hair
Hair loss
Hair loss affects everyone to a certain extent. The average person may lose 50 or 100 hairs every day. However, hair loss may be accelerated by a disease or disorder.
Many hair loss treatments and hair growth products are available to treat hair loss conditions that may result in significant thinning or baldness. Consult a dermatologist if you experience noticeable or abnormal hair thinning or loss.
Hair products
Hair care and removal products popular on RealSelf:
- Nad's - epilatory hair removal gel products
- Bikini Zone - products for alleviating irritation caused by body hair removal.
- Tend Skin - products to reduce razor bumps and ingrown hair
- PRODUCT - styling product to tame frizz, define curls, texturize and condition
- Phyto - hair care products for 'problem hair,' made with plant-based ingredients
More about hair on RealSelf:
- Laser hair removal Q&A
- Laser hair removal before and after photos
- How to naturally whiten gray hair
- Is there a hair style to make me look younger?
- Who should I see about thinning hair?
