When it comes to finding a way to get rid of unwanted hair for long periods of time, there are plenty of choices to study. The two most popular methods of hair removal are heat-based hair removal and laser hair removal. Now you’ll get to see the merits and pitfalls of these two popular and different methods for getting rid of unwanted hair and keeping it off for a while.
One such method is the hot wax treatment. It involves applying a heated wax solution onto the area of treatment. As it cools, a cloth strip is pressed unto the area and essentially ripped off with a quick motion, removing the wax and hairs plus any dead skin. Hot wax treatment is cheap and lasts longer than shaving or other temporary hair removal remedies, but its longevity isn’t as good as laser or thermolysis. Hot wax is very effective at removing hairs from the root up and gives the skin a smooth, soft look and feel. Best of all, the hair grows back sparser, lighter and thinner every time it is done. But while this treatment has its pros, it also has a few cons. Severe skin irritation and unnatural swelling are two possible drawbacks; others include breaks and possible infections from the skin irritation, ingrown hairs and bumps that could occur on those with sensitive skin. And then there’s the pain factor – while a competent professional can make the hot wax hair removal a bearable experience, some find it a rather painful one, especially those with sensitive skin. It all depends on how well the procedure is handled by the practitioner and the individual’s pain tolerance. This is probably the least expensive form of hair removal available. It is also the quickest method of hair removal and it can even be done at home, provided one takes care in heating the wax solution.
Thermolysis is a heat based form of electrolysis that uses a hair-thin probe inserted into each hair follicle – the tip simply slides into the existing follicle, instead of puncturing the skin itself. Radio waves are then transmitted into the probe, creating energy that heats up the surrounding tissue in the follicle, thus destroying it and stopping the growth of hair. Thermolysis has more permanent results than hot wax, but the treatment is invasive, painful and also time consuming, generally requiring more visits to finish the job than laser or hot wax hair removal. Also, if the procedure is done wrong, you may end up with scarring and burning.
Laser hair removal is less evasive and quicker than thermolysis, and generally more effective than other forms of hair removal. Laser hair removal works by applying a laser beam that produces energy that is absorbed by the dark pigments within the hair follicle. This in turn produces enough heat to destroy the follicle, after which the hair simply “sheds”. This method is similar to thermolysis, but without any invasive probes necessary. It usually takes 3 to 6 treatments for desired results, while some may need 6 to 8 treatments.
Something to keep in mind is that laser hair removal is not for everyone – people with very darkly-pigmented skin are not ideal candidates for the procedure, as dark pigment absorbs much of the laser energy, reducing the laser’s effectiveness. It is best that tanned patients wait until their tan fades before undergoing laser hair removal. An absolute requirement is that the hair being treated is darker than the surrounding skin; therefore tanned patients with light hair are not considered ideal candidates for this procedure. Side effects for this procedure include swelling at the treatment area, blistering, redness and irritation, although these effects are often temporary. The side effects last from normally a day up to several months.
The biggest hit of all could be to your wallet — experienced laser centers can charge anywhere from $500 per treatment session or more, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Exact pricing is only available through individual consultation with the laser center.
Using the hot wax hair removal treatment, you can expect your hair to grow back between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on how many treatments you may have had. For the laser hair removal treatment, the results usually last for a year or more. Thermolysis results, on average, lasts for 2 years or more depending on how well the practitioner performed the procedure. Thermolysis is also the only method of hair removal that the FDA allows to be advertised as “permanent”; laser treatments are often advertised as a “hair reduction” treatment.
From here, it’s up to you to pick the treatment that works best for you when it comes to hair removal. It is also important to make sure that the practitioners are competent, experienced and licensed to perform the treatment of your choice.
“Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing”, BeautyStaffs.com
Sarah H., “Laser Hair Removal Versus Hot Wax Hair Removal!” EzineArticles.com
Nicola Kennedy, “Hair Removal Options: Thermolysis, Electrolysis Or Blend?” EzineArticles.com
