Hair removal is not a new problem. It has plagued individuals from time immemorial,
and throughout the ages they have sought ways and means to disguise or get rid of it.
Unwanted hair is a problem that vitally concerns many men and women.
There are two types of Hair Removal Techniques:
- Temporary
- Permanent
Temporary Hair Removal Techniques
In this section we have tried to explain a few of the techniques used
for Hair Removal which are as follows:
- Bleaching
- Depilatory Creams
- Shaving
- Waxing
- Tweezer
Bleaching
Bleaching does not remove the hair. It only lightens the hair colour so
it appears blonde or golden. As of now, no evidence has been presented of harmful effects
of 'Bleaching' to the skin. However the bleaching agents that lighten the hair can also alter
the pigements in the skin. This can result in a change of the texture of the skin, making it
thicker, coarse and sometimes even darker. It is most important to read instructions carefuly
before using a bleach.
Pre-lightener or Powder - Cream Bleach (PLATIFIZ) is an innovative technique
recently introduced by L'OREAL for lightening upto a maximum of 7 levels,
effective for highlights, full head bleaching or colour removal. This formula
creates a perfect balance between the lightening action and very effective conditioning
agent. A variety of 'bleach' is available at KAMAL'S, and the personal selection
of product to suit one skin's sensitivity and applicaiton is at one's disposable.
Bleaches Used On Skin
Jolen Bleach
Olivia Bleach
Fem
Fairness Bleach
Wella Blue Bleach
Fem Blue Bleach
Bleach Used
On Hair
Platifiz (L'Oreal)
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory Creams dissolve the hair on the treated area as well as remove
the outermost layer of the skin making it smooth and silky. As the skin is
replaced every 28 days it is advisable to apply a sunscreen (preferably with UVA
and UVB properties) after using depilatory creams. These creams dissolve the hair
from below the skin's surface making it popular as hair re-growth takes longer as
compared to 'shaving'. The other advantage is that this process is pain free. Since
the skin is fresh after this process it may get itchy or irritated, use a good aloe
vera gel or anti-inflammatory skin cream. If irritation persists stop using that
brand of depilatory cream and consult a Skin Specialist. This cream should not be
used near the eyes or any mucous membranes.
Shaving
A strict no-no for women, but a weak `yes' only if one wants to take the easy
way out. Though extreme caution is necessary to avoid the ugly nicks and cuts,
it is the most convenient and painless method of hair removal. This process
removes hair on the surface of the skin. The ladies market for razors have increased
many-a-fold in the past few years.
Shaving usually gets best results on skin
that has been soaked in hot water.
Some women use electric shavers that have
rotary blades, however, they have a tendency to distort hair follicles which usually
results in many little ingrown hairs. In case of ingrown hair being already present,
use a loo-fah while showering in order to exfoliate the skin and to release the hair
that is close to the surface.
As it is not advisable to women to shave with
a man's razor, a few brands available in the market are:
Gillete Ready Shaver
for women
Gillete Satin Fantasy For Women
Braun Silk Epil-Electric Shaver
Waxing
You have heard waxing referred to as masochist's delight! Waxing is performed
with a substance mainly composed of sugar and lime or sugar and vinegar. The hair
must be of waxabe length for the wax to adhere to it properly. A cloth strip is then
applied to the wax and quickly ripped from the skin in the opposite direction to the
hair growth. Nowadays there are new ways of doing waxing in most of the Parlours i.e. by
using disposable waxing strips. Some types of wax must be heated before application to make
them supple enough to surround the hairs. Wax is usually applied to the skin while still
hot and and when it cools the wax is stripped off the skin, taking the hair alongwith it.
The pain is better tolerated on the lower legs, but is quite acute on body areas. Waxing is widely used for the
removal of facial hair, particularly the eyebrows as the growth is arrested ofr a
few weeks. Due to tissue trauma, ths skin will be red after waxing. Tiny bumps or
welt may appear and scabbing is common. Slight bleeding may occur after waxing which
indicates that the skin will take longer to appear normal again. Most people develop
ingrown hairs in the waxed areas because the follicles become distorted due to
forcible ripping of the hairs. Hair grows in the distorted shape of the follicle
and curves under the outer layer of skin, becoming trapped underneath. They become
unslightly, itchy little bumps and can become infected and develop into sebaceous
cysts over time that may require surgical removal. Also, it is very possible for
infection to occur after waxing if there was harmful bacteria on the skin's surface.
Tweezers
This method is commonly used for shaping eyebrows and removing stray hairs from the
face, to be tweezed only in the direction of growth. Tweezed hiar will grow back
within 5 weeks to 7 months depending on which stage of growth the hair was in at
the time. However, to prevent skin trauma avoid the use of sharp-edged tweezers as
they can puncture the skin and cause scar tissue to form. Also, skin discoloration
and an increase of coarse hair may result, causing the skin to look like a patchwork
quilt.
The use of Electric Tweezers is rare, and results are not guaranteed.
However, in certain instances women have reported a longer interval in hair growth as
well as a softer and finer texture when the hair re-appear. Importantly, to minimize
pain and avoid skin problems to some degree, soak the area with hot, soapy water.
Loofah the area, rinse well, gently pat skin dry with towel, allowing skin to retain
some moisture (Not wet, but not completely dry, either). Be sure to read and follow
all package directions and precautions. Conclusively, it would be great if the
Electric Tweezer could be convertedd to battery operation.
Permanent Hair Removal Techniques
Laser Hair Removal
To put an end to the Hair-Removal Horror-Story of regularly waxing, threading, etc
etc., you can be enterprising enough to go in for the new Laser Long Term Technique,
provided you dont mind the truth of this 'ditty' A HOLE IN MY POCKET,
A HOLE IN MY POCKET..., as this is exactly what this treatment will do to you, price
being sky-high!
Briefly, the laser light is guided via a glass prism to the hairy area and by means of a pigment
( Melanin ) absorbing the light, converts it into heat. This heat is led through the Hair into
the follicle thereby destroying all chances of producing a new hair. The duration of this treatment
is about 10 minutes for a facial treatment and approximately 60-80 minutes for a full back or both
legs.
This is a rare painless technique and as the laser light is completely safe, no special precautions
are needed. Further, only a few sittings are required - hair growth being cyclical, only follicles
in the growth phase contain hair and are destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to enter
the growth phase before they can be destroyed by the laser treatment. As safety is the keyword, no
special precautions are needed before and after the treatment. However, it is important not to remove
hair by epilation or waxing 4 weeks before treatment. Conclusively, it is necessary to repeat the
treatment at intervals until all the hair follicles have been through the growth phase. Yet, only 2-4
treatments are needed while the intervals are pretty long drawn, say 1-3 months.