Is transdermal hair removal permanent?

No. But on the plus side, some of these devices do get rid of hair, especially if the hairs you are trying to remove are fine and not very firmly attached. Some women find that the results last for months and are pleased with the results. Women with faster hair growth find that hair comes back in a few weeks.

How time consuming is a session?

The sessions for transdermal hair removal are not very time consuming and while there is some discomfort, there is almost no pain.

How much do I need to spend?

The prices of transdermal hair removal devices and sessions vary. You can usually get better value for money if you buy a transdermal device online as opposed to drug stores or department stores. If you’re going to have to done professionally, you will find salons charging a little more for transdermal treatments than for waxing, while others charging a similar fee for both.

Is there anything else I need to know about transdermal hair removal?

Yes. Be prepared for some redness afterwards and stay out of the sun once you leave the salon until your skin heals.

Still eager to try this! How do I go about it?

If you are determined to try transdermal hair removal, either find a home transdermal kit or a salon. Only buy transdermal devices if you can buy them at a store with a fail-safe return policy.

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers target many hairs at once, much like waxing. A person visiting a salon for laser hair removal can usually expect to spend as much time for laser as for waxing. In a facial laser hair removal session, the skin is cleaned and the hair that is to be eliminated is trimmed. Special care should be taken to protect your eyes and mouth from the laser pulses. The laser is then targeted over the area to be treated. The laser is pulsed very quickly, so that the hair follicles and not the skin itself are destroyed. With some laser machines, a computer tells the practitioner which process to use depending on the hair to be removed. After the laser process, the area that has been hit with the laser is covered. To prevent infection, the area is kept covered and moistened with a solution for a specific time (the length of time varies from person to person and is something to be discussed with the practitioner). While the facial area heals, it is important to stay out of the sun.

How long does the treatment take?

The whole process of laser hair removal takes an hour or two.

Is it painful?

No. Laser hair removal is not painful at all.

How much does it cost?

This process of laser facial hair removal can cost hundreds of dollars, and it takes some time, since repeat visits are often necessary. Still, laser hair removal is good for the face because the face is a relatively small area and so won’t be as expensive as having legs or larger areas treated with laser.

Does Home Electrolysis get rid of hairs?

Yes. The good news is that these machines will get rid of hairs, but permanent hair removal is not so certain with these products. These machines use lower voltages than machines used in spas, and therefore it is more likely that hairs will survive and simply grow back. Many professionals do not recommend using these machines, but then I guess that’s only to be expected since they are not getting business if you do it at home. Home electrolysis machines are actually quite different from the electrolysis machines used by professionals.

What do the kits consist of?

Home electrolysis hair removal kits consist of cotton swabs, a machine, and an electricity-conducting gel, or a “pencil”-like machine. Basically, these devices have retractable metal probes (that have a spring so you don’t jab yourself with the probe). When the probe reaches the moisture inside the hair follicle, the machine makes a noise, signaling that the electric current is being sent. You then hold the machine in place for the required length of time (this varies from 10 seconds to about 20 seconds, depending on the machine you are using). Then, you try to pull the hair out with tweezers. If the hair does not come out, you can try the whole process again, although you can only try to remove a hair twice.

So what are the Cons?

The main problem with this technique is that, at heart, electrolysis is a system that is intended for use by professionals. It is often painful and severe redness and even skin damage is possible from home electrolysis. They are not especially convenient, since it may take awhile to get rid of hairs over a larger area. In fact, home electrolysis often takes far more time than electrolysis at a salon; some women find they have to go over virtually every hair more than once.

How do I choose which device to use?

If you are curious, Hairchick suggests asking friends for a recommendation of a good machine. When you buy your machine, try to buy it at a store with a good return policy and keep your receipt. These machines tend to be returned – a lot. Read the directions carefully. Use it only on areas that you can reach easily, such as your upper lip or your shins. This is probably best for those who live in areas far from reliable salons and have time to spare. Since Home Electrolysis can be time consuming, stack your favorite music CD’s into your stereo, turn up the volume and then get volting!

Light skinned and looking for a safe and effective laser treatment?

Ruby laser treatment may be for you!. This method has been most widely used in many salons, although they are being replaced by other types of lasers. Mostly this is because ruby lasers are the worst for darker skin tones. Only the E2000 type of Ruby laser has been approved for permanent hair removal. Other ruby lasers will delay hair growth and leave you fuzz-free for a long time, but they will not permanently get rid of hair for most people. Many experts continue to favor ruby lasers because so many clinical trials have been done on this type of laser, showing that it is safe and effective.

Conscious about caring for your skin?

Alexandrite lasers are becoming far more widely used because some professionals find that less skin damage occurs with these lasers and hair removal is greater.

Dark skinned or needing to remove stubborn dark hair?

Diode lasers have longer wavelength. In practical terms, what this means for you is that these lasers can remove dark hair that proves stubborn to other types of lasers. Some women report they need fewer sessions. Experts suggest that diodes may be safer than others for darker skins. The FDA in the United States has approved this powerful laser as effective and safe for permanent hair removal.

Needing something fast or covering a large area?

Nd:YAG is a faster type of laser. If you need to get rid of hair over larger areas, a Q_switched Nd:YAG might be well worth investigating. Nd:YAG lasers offer hair removal that lasts for a long time, but it does not permanently remove hair as effectively as the diode laser. It is very good and safe for darker skin tones, however.

How do lasers destroy hair?

• By heating and burning hair. All types of hair removal lasers typically work by doing this on at least one level. This mechanism is what causes the skin to hurt after a laser session – the skin is heated up as well as the hair.
• By mechanically producing shock waves. Some Nd:YAG lasers use this method to eliminate hair, although experts claim that in many cases, this mechanical function is less likely to result in permanent hair removal. The hair still needs to be heated and burned in order to be destroyed.
• By reacting with the body in such a way that toxic substances (at least toxic to the hair follicle) are produced.

Still need more info?!

No matter what type of laser you would like to try, you could always talk to your aesthetician about the laser options available to you. This is a great sneaky way to see how much your aesthetician knows about lasers – if he or she seems confused or gives vague answers, you should take your money to someone who is knowledgeable about the service they offer.

So what’s the fuss?

Finally Free is a hair removal system that claims to offer permanent hair removal using “radio waves” in as little as three or four sessions. The ads for this product point out that the results are similar to electrolysis but without the pain, expense, and hassle. The device comes with a tweezer attachment for stubborn hairs.

So Finally Free is a permanent hair remover?

No. And it is for this reason that many customers have complained about the company. Many customers who bought the device claim they were not able to remove a single hair with the unit – the radio current seems to do nothing. You could always use the tweezer attachment as a pair of tweezers, but that makes the Finally Free a very expensive pair of tweezers. You can buy a very good pair of tweezers for a fraction of Finally Free. By the way, many customers have been frustrated when trying to return Finally Free products to the company for a refund – this even though Finally Free advertises a %100 satisfaction guarantee. If you do buy this product, try buying it at a store (although Hairchick understands that this is hard to do since few stores carry this brand) or through a good on-line store that offers an iron-clad return policy for every product they sell.

Is Finally Free an effective method of hair removal?

If you manage to remove hairs using Finally Free the results will not be permanent or long lasting as the ads claim. It is a relatively pricey product that combines home electrolysis with electric tweezers – unsuccessfully. Finally Free also sells patches for transdermal hair removal of larger areas as an additional hair removal artifact. Save yourself the bother.

Last Thoughts?

My personal recommendation for hair removal is using Revitol Hair Removal Cream. Read my review to find out why it was awarded ‘Editors Choice’ for best hair removal product.

What is the thermolysis method?

Thermolysis uses alternating current to heat your hair follicles in order to destroy them. It is faster than the galvanic method but may require more sessions since more hairs will survive the procedure. As far as Hairchick can tell, this basically destroys the time-saving benefit. Thermolysis was first widely used in the 1940s and many salons still use it. This method is not great for coarse hairs (such as those on the bikini line) and some experts have suggested that thermolysis electrolysis carries with it a slightly higher risk of skin damage.

What is the galvanic method?

The galvanic method uses direct current which reacts with the body’s chemistry and creates a chemical reaction at the site of the hair follicle, killing the hair. This was the first electrolysis practice used and it is still used in some salons today. The galvanic method destroys more hair than the thermolysis method, requiring fewer repeat sessions. In most salons today, you will find that several needles are applied to the skin at once with this process to make the waiting time more bearable. In galvanic electrolysis, the current reacts with the high salt water content of hair follicles and chemically destroys the hair. The problem is that it takes about two minutes for each hair to be destroyed!

What does the blend method involve?

As you can likely tell from its name, the blend method combines the two types of electrolysis (thermolysis plus galvanic) to make an electrolysis method which most practitioners and experts recommend. This ‘blend’ has now become the most popular one, since it as fast as thermolysis while killing as many hairs as the galvanic method. Blend electrolysis kills hairs chemically (just like galvanic electrolysis) but it takes only a few seconds to kill each hair. It works on coarse hairs and fine hairs equally well. The main drawback is that blend electrolysis involves more pain than thermolysis electrolysis. It is also more complicated than either thermolysis electrolysis or galvanic electrolysis, making it especially important to find a very qualified practitioner who has had plenty of training and practice.

How is blend electrolysis performed?

During any electrolysis session, a small needle is inserted into your hair follicle and a current of electricity is sent through the needle or probe. The idea is that this process will kill the hair, although in reality you may need to repeat the process to kill a stubborn hair. The electricity causes considerable pain during the session, and if you are trying to get rid of hairs on sensitive areas, you should talk to your aesthetician about pain prevention measures.

What can I do to reduce any pain?

Some women just take a Tylenol or Advil before going to the salon, while others try pain-inhibiting creams (available at most drug stores and online pharmacies). Even with these precautions, you will feel some pain.

What happens after a few sessions at the salon?

After a few sessions, you will likely not have to worry about body hair again!

Who does the alexandrite laser work best for?

Like most lasers, the alexandrite works best for those with pale skin and dark hair. This is because the laser is attracted to melanin (found in dark hair follicles). During a session, you lie down on a bed and a cold handheld device is pressed to part of your skin. The device flashes the laser in fast bursts. The idea is that the laser will burn or destroy melanin-rich hair while leaving your skin undamaged (skin also contains melanin). The hair follicles become damaged and hair cannot grow back.

Are there any unpleasant effects following treatment?

Since Alexandrite does cause some skin irritation and pain, and you need a qualified practitioner who will not burn your skin to toast by improperly handing the Alexandrite laser. After your treatment, you will need to stay out of the sun and take care of your red skin. You will likely be told to keep your skin moist as it heals. If hair comes back, you will need repeat sessions, until hair follicles are truly destroyed.

Just how permanent is this method of hair removal?

The jury is out about the permanence of alexandrite laser. While many claim that Alexandrite lasers do not offer permanent damage to the hair follicle, others find that hair loss is permanent. Most people find that they need to come back for sessions every four to 12 months, which is still considerably longer than most hair removal methods. Like other laser treatments, hair removal with the Alexandrite laser is expensive, but many women are convinced by this process. Even women with sensitive skin favor Alexandrite lasers, since they damage skin less than other lasers and allow women to go for months without shaving, a fact that reduces the skin irritation of frequent hair removal methods. Best of all, Alexandrite lasers are a time saver – one session takes as much time as a good hair wax, but the results tend to last much longer.

I want affordable laser hair removal, but I’m on a budget…how do I get the most value for money?

• If you live near a big city like New York or Los Angeles, you will probably find that laser treatments in the city are far more affordable than in smaller centers. You also have a wider choice of practitioners to choose from. Since you will only need to get treatments every few months, if you can get to a major city, do it! A laser treatment for legs in a major urban center can cost under one hundred dollars, while the same procedure in a smaller town may cost hundreds. Just be sure that the practitioner you choose is reliable.
• Some salons offer guarantees which allow you come back and get free sessions if you do not experience long-term hair removal after a few sessions. Try to find a salon that offers such a guarantee and be sure to read all the fine print to make sure you understand it’s terms and conditions. These return sessions could save some money.
• Some salons and spas offer long-term plans that can save you money. Basically, you pay in advance for a specific number of treatments, and they offer a type of volume discount so that all the sessions cost less than the same number of sessions paid for individually. Of course, you have to be absolutely sure that you are ready to commit.

What is the most affordable – waxing, shaving, electrolysis or laser hair removal on a budget?

Even with these tips, you will find that you pay much more for laser hair removal than for waxing or shaving. Still, as more salons and spas adopt this as a means of controlling hair, prices plummet. In some cities, prices for electrolysis and for laser hair removal are about the same.

Should I pay more for a good professional?

In the opinion of Hairchick, if you are going to invest in laser hair removal, with all its risks you should be prepared to spend a little more to get a professional who knows what they’re doing. If you want something more affordable, then consider other methods of hair removal that offer long-lasting – but not permanent – means of hair removal. I personally use the depilatory Revitol, as it is totally fuss free and contains a growth inhibitor to slow regrowth.

Are there home laser kits?

Yes. The good news is affordable at-home laser hair removal kits come at a low cost and they do remove hair successfully, but unfortunately they may not get rid of hair permanently with the product alone.

How is Electrolysis performed?

During electrolysis, a very thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a current of electricity zooms through the probe and into the hair root. The root is destroyed and the hair cannot grow back. The dead hair and dead root are simply plucked out with a tweezer. Ideally, in the hands of a good aestheticism, the root is destroyed in a way that the hair follicle kind of contracts or collapses. Some women claim that this makes their skin smoother.

Which salon do I choose?

Before you cash in all your stocks and run to the nearest salon, though, be sure to investigate the salon you will be having the procedures at. Schedule a consultation and be sure to get recommendations about the salon and the specific person who will be working with you. As you can tell from the above procedure, this is a serious procedure. It involves electricity and probes. In the wrong hands, the mistakes could cost you a lot more than just welts or ingrown hairs. Permanent skin damage is possible, as is a hellish amount of pain, so be sure someone at the salon goes over all the salon’s sterilisation procedures carefully, so that you can see for yourself the cleanliness of your salon. You should also have realistic expectations of the procedure. As any responsible clinic will tell you, there will need to be numerous sessions, even for small areas, since each individual hair has to be treated separately. Occasionally, a hair may grow back because the root was not completely destroyed in the first session. This makes electrolysis very time consuming and therefore best for small areas (such as the brows, face, and nipples).

How do I prepare for Electrolysis?

Your skin will be puffy and a bit red after a session, but it will be hardly visible, since only a small area will be affected. Before each session, you will need to prepare yourself for some pain. Many women find that taking an Advil or Aspirin before a session helps, and some spas and salons now provide women with pain-reducing gels or creams before a session. When you approach a salon about electrolysis, ask for tips about managing pain.

What about Home Electrolysis?

There are many products available for carrying out home electrolysis yourself, although salon and spa professionals have the expertise and equipment that give the best results.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the one method of permanent hair removal that has medical approval. It has been around for many years, and many studies have been done showing that electrolysis does offer permanent hair removal. During electrolysis sessions, a qualified professional inserts a metal probe into an individual hair follicle and zaps the hair with electricity, killing the hair.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a more recent method of hair removal, so less is known about this method. Many experts claim that hair removal using lasers lasts up to one year but is not permanent. Some studies suggest that some permanent hair loss happens during laser hair removal sessions. It is important to visit a qualified professional, since these sessions are can be a little on the pricey since, and since lasers can sometimes cause skin damage. Women with pale skin and dark hair seem to get the best permanent results from laser hair removal.

Tweezing, waxing, threading, sugaring, epilating, and depilatories

You may have heard that tweezing, waxing, threading, sugaring, epilating, and even using depilatories offers permanent hair loss. Is this true? Well, yes and no. Any system that removes hair by ripping it out – and this includes tweezing, waxing, threading, epilating, and sugaring – can damage some hair follicles. That is why women who have these procedures done a lot notice that their hair seems sparser. While a few hairs may die during these hair removal processes, though, hair in general keeps growing back, which is why women continue to wax and epilate. Killing a few hairs permanently does not make for permanent hair removal since there are still many hairs around that keep growing back. The only exception I know to this rule is eyebrow tweezing – I have actually seen women who have permanently removed some of the hairs on their brows just by tweezing. I can’t explain it except to say that the area is very delicate and since there are fewer hairs to begin with, you stand a greater chance of killing off a significant percentage of those hairs. Generally, though, you can’t count on these techniques to get rid of hair permanently (however excellent they are in their own right for long-lasting results). The claims about depilatories being a permanent hair removal system are completely untrue, by the way. These creams and lotions do not even harm the hair follicle – they just dissolve the hair. Be grateful: Any chemical that could damage a hair follicle would likely permanently destroy your skin too.

Testing out new hair removal methods…

The next time you see an ad for something promising permanent hair removal, remember that one of hair’s responsibility to the body is to act as protection for skin – and so it does not like to separate from skin easily. If you read about a hair removal method that seems just too good to be true (whether painless, quick, or inexpensive etc.) just give it a go. Who knows? It may become a method you decide to stick to. If not, keep experimenting! Exciting, fresh and innovative things add zest to our lives after all!