Hair Removal
The desire to remove unwanted hair from the body exists in both men and women, but it is usually women who wish to remove the most hair from their bodies, causing them to seek the easiest and longest lasting method of hair removal. Shaving, the most traditional method of hair removal, is often an annoyance because the unwanted hair returns very quickly. The razor can also be unkind to hard to reach places like the underarms. The commercial market has responded to the desire for easier methods of hair removal by coming up with many alternatives to shaving. Whether it is hair on the face, armpits, legs, bikini line, or other body parts, many women and men intent upon having the hair on their scalp to be the only visible hair on their bodies. With the emphasis on smooth, hairless skin, it is interesting to note that excess hair, especially in women, is still a taboo subject.
There are many options available to remove unwanted hair, but only a few options are able to get rid of hair permanently. Each person should chose a method or combination of methods that works best for them depending on cost, time available, skin type, and the desired hair-free area. Understanding how hair grows helps us to understand how to keep hair from growing. Each hair is contained in a pilosebaceous unit, which consists of a hair shaft, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and erector pili muscle. Hair growth and shedding is a continuous cycle through 3 phases. The anagen phase is the growth phase, the catagen phase is a transitional state, and the telogen phase is the resting phase. Hairs spend a variable amount of time in each phase determined by genetics, hormones, and area of the body. Hair in the anagen phase is more susceptible to injury than hair in the telogen phase. All of these factors must be considered when choosing a method of hair removal.
Depilation
Depilatories, which are creams or lotions, are one method of hair removal that can be much easier than shaving. Depilatories include chemicals such as thioglycolic acid that work to dissolve the hair at the skin’s surface. Unless a person has very sensitive skin, this method of hair removal has an advantage over shaving because it does not irritate the skin or risk cuts as a razor does. Hair removal with depilatories lasts as long as shaving, from one to four days, before the hair grows back.
Waxing
Waxing has a longer lasting effect than shaving or depilatories, because it removes the hair at the base of the hair follicle rather than at the skin’s surface. This method of hair removal lasts about four to eight weeks before hair grows back and the process needs to be repeated. Waxing also leaves the skin softer, and hair re-growth is usually finer. Hair removal waxes can be performed at home or at a spa and are available in many varieties. Waxes may be designed to be applied hot, warm or cold, or by using pre-waxed paper strips.
Sugar Waxing
Sugar waxing is a popular form of hair removal that works in the same way as traditional waxing does. A thick sugary substance similar to caramel is spread on the skin in the direction of hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the caramel. A cloth or paper strip is patted onto the caramel and then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. The advantage of this method over traditional waxing is the clean up. The sugar substance is water-soluble and can be removed easier than wax by rinsing with water.
Electrology
Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that is touted as permanent. Using a specially charged needle, electrolysis exposes the hair follicles to an electric current that kills the hair producing cell. This method of hair removal is not always permanent because new hair producing cells are sometimes created to replace the dead follicle.
Intense Pulsed Light
Laser hair removal is the most permanently effective method of hair removal, although it tends to be very expensive. This procedure is performed by either a physician or a salon that is licensed to use the laser instrument. The procedure uses a laser beam that permanently damages the hair follicle, resulting in permanent hair removal.
Hair Removal with Shaving
Shaving is the most temporary method of hair removal because it merely cuts the hair off at the skin surface. Shaving does not make the hair shaft thicker, darker, or grow faster or slower. However, the short hair shaft may be more noticeable as it grows out because it has a blunt tip instead of the normal tapered tip. Shaving should be done after applying some type of moisturizer to the skin to help the razor glide over the skin, not cut or scrape it. Common moisturizers include water, shaving cream, hair conditioner, or body wash.
Epilation
Epilation is removal of the entire hair, including the part below the skin, and is therefore longer-lasting. Methods include waxing, sugaring, epilation devices, lasers, threading, intense pulsed light or electrology. Hair is also sometimes removed by plucking with tweezers.
Advantages and disadvantages of hair removal methods
There are several disadvantages to many of these hair removal methods. Many are not permanent, can cause medical problems, or have very high costs. Some of these methods are still in the testing phase and their methods have not been clinically proven. One should seek the advice of a doctor-supervised facility when choosing these hair removal methods. One issue, that can be considered an advantage or a disadvantage depends upon an individual’s viewpoint, is that removing hair has the effect of removing information about the individual’s hair growth patterns due to genetic predisposition, illness, androgen levels (such as from pubertal hormonal imbalances or drug side effects), and or gender status.