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Hair Removal Systems: Sorting Out the Myths from the Facts

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Hairchick.com - Hair Removal Systems
Hairchick's guide to sorting out the myths from the facts with hair removal systems.

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Hair removal systems basically refer to methods that remove hair. All hair removal systems are not created equal, though, and some systems make strange claims about effectiveness.

What are the facts?

To help you sort out fact from fiction, take a look at the following facts:

  • Laser treatment: This is one of two hair removal methods that is possibly permanent. It is most effective when done by a professional. Some laser types are more effective than others, so be sure to do some research before paying up for this expensive procedure. Also, no matter what anyone tells you, you will need at least a few sessions to get permanent results (some people never experience permanent results with this method) and some pain can occur if skin becomes irritated.
  • Electrolysis: This is a permanent hair removal system, but only when done by a professional. It always involves sticking a thin probe or needle into the skin. There is always some pain because of the electric current used during the procedure. No matter what some salons may claim, you will need more than one (expensive) treatment for permanent hair removal. NOTE: "Needless electrolysis" is not the same thing as electrolysis and while it is effective as a hair remover, it is not a permanent hair removal system.
  • Home Electrolysis, Transdermal Treatments, Laser Kits, Electric Tweezers: These devices can be painful since they generally either zap your skin or pull the hair out at the root. The results you get from these are not as good as what you will get from a salon, and they are also less expensive.
  • Abrasives: These work by rubbing hair off, and they generally come in the form of a "mitt" that you rub over unwanted hair. Results do not last much longer than shaving.
  • Hot Wax: This process is can be done either at home or at a salon. It works by having hairs stick to wax which is ripped off the skin (ripping the hairs out with it). The newest hot waxes are formulated to not even require cloth strips - they solidify on the body. Waxing is not permanent, although results do last for weeks.
  • Cold Wax: Here is a hair removal system that works on the same principle as hot wax, but is a little less messy. Some cold wax kits come with the wax pre-applied to cloth strips - just press them onto skin and rip off.
  • Sugaring: Similar to cold wax, but the product is made of sugars instead of wax. It makes the clean up much easier too, since you can rinse the sugar off. Keep in mind that sugaring kits should be less expensive than most waxing kits.
  • Threading: This is best left to the experienced or a salon professional. A thin piece of string is rolled fast across the skin, plucking hair from the face and brows. It may be slightly irritating and results last up to a few weeks.
  • Tweezing: Hair is ripped out individually from the skin using a pair of tweezers. It is best for small areas (like the face). It is not permanent, although some individual hairs can damage and then not grow back. Tweezing does not make your hair grow back thicker.
  • Depilatories: Also called hair removal creams, these hair removal systems use powerful chemicals to dissolve the hair. Results are not permanent and skin irritation often occurs. At most, you can expect skin to remain hair-free for a few weeks. There are no all-natural or all-herbal depilatories that are effective. There are no depilatories that can claim to produce no skin irritation at all.
  • Epilators: These machines have coils that grip the hair and pull it out. The results are much like waxing: fast and painful, skin is hairless for weeks.
  • Shaving: Shaving is probably the cheapest and easiest method. It lasts for a very short time (usually from one day to one week) but it is not painful unless you cut yourself or create skin irritation. Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker.