Many women have unwanted hair they want to remove, either by temporary hair removal measures or by permanent hair removal measures, like laser hair removal. Unwanted hair can be on legs, arms, underarms, bikini line or the face. This article makes clear the following:
* Is it possible to remove unwanted hair by waxing?
* How sugaring can be used to remove unwanted hair?
* How unwanted hair can be removed permanently?
Many women have unwanted hair they want to remove, either by temporary hair removal measures or by permanent hair removal measures, like laser hair removal. Unwanted hair can be on legs, arms, underarms, bikini line or the face. Unwanted facial hair is one area where women will often consider permanent hair removal or laser facial hair removal.
Remedies for Dealing with the Situation
There are a number of remedies for dealing with unwanted hair, including bleaching, short-term hair removal, long-term hair removal and permanent hair removal. Here are some of the most popular methods of removing unwanted hair.
1. Bleaching. Bleaching the hair makes the hair more difficult to see.
2. Plucking the hairs out using a tweezer. (This is popular when dealing with eyebrow hair.)
3. Trimming the hair.
4. Shaving
5. Waxing
6. Using an epilator.
7. Depilatory creams.
8. Electrolysis
9. Laser hair removal.
NATURAL REMEDIES
A lot of hair removal methods require the use of harsh chemicals, but there are some natural remedies for removing unwanted hair. Shaving and plucking can be considered natural remedies, so far as they do not require the use of chemicals. Here are some other natural remedies for body hair removal and facial hair removal.
1. Hair can be bleached with lemon juice and chamomile tea.
2. Sugaring is a method first used in ancient Egypt. By combining honey, lemon and sugar you can create your own mixture. It is used in a similar way to waxing.
3. A rough stone (like a pumice stone) can be used to remove hair by causing friction.
4. Some hair removal products can be purchased that use only natural ingredients.
Hot water and steam are not methods of dealing with unwanted hair, but they are helpful when removing hair from the roots. Before plucking, waxing or using an epilator, a hot bath or a facial sauna with open up the pores and make the hairs easier to remove.
USING CREAMS AND GADGETS
There are many creams and gadgets on the market that assist women in facial hair removal and body hair removal.
Depilatory creams use chemicals to dissolve the hairs at the skin's surface. They are often used for facial hair removal or removal of hairs around the bikini line. Different creams can be purchased for different hair removal tasks. As these creams contain harsh chemicals, they may irritate the skin. For this reason, all creams should be tested on the skin before use.
Hair bleaches lighten the hair, so that it is becomes less visible. There are a number of hair bleaches available in the stores. Hair bleaches are popular for facial hair, where it is difficult to remove hair without waxing or undergoing permanent hair removal treatments, like laser facial hair removal.
Waxing is a popular way of removing unwanted body and facial hair. There are a number of special waxing kits available for purchase, some of which include all-natural ingredients. People can also get their hair waxed at beauty salons.
Shaving removes the hair at the skin's surface. As the hair is cut off, it may grow back thicker and darker than before. Shaving products include razors, disposable razors and electric razors. Shaving cream can help while shaving, but it does not help remove unwanted hair.
Epilators are electronic devices that roll along the body, pulling up hairs at the root. As the hairs are removed at the root, it takes longer for the hairs to grow back than they would in normal shaving.
All of these methods can be useful while dealing with unwanted hair. Some of these methods last longer than others, but none of them provide permanent hair removal.
Deal with Unwanted Hair the Easy Way
How To Remove Pubic Hair With A Depilatory Cream
Using a depilatory cream is another way to remove pubic hair and this article provides you with tips to ensure a smooth bikini line.
Tips and tricks for a smooth bikini line
Depilatory creams are a quick way to tidy up your bikini line. Longer lasting than shaving and less of a hassle than waxing, they provide an alternative method of pubic hair removal. Possible allergic reactions and an unpleasant smell are among the disadvantages of using these creams for removing pubic hair. Always do a skin test on your elbow before applying the cream to your bikini line and never use it on the actual pubic area. Depilatory creams contain chemicals that dissolve the hair so they are much too harsh for this area.
Also remember that some creams are harsher than others. Basically, the milder creams smell better and are less irritating to the skin but they must be left on longer. Always read the packet carefully before you buy. It's advisable to use a milder cream on the pubic area and always make sure it is in fact suitable for removing pubic hair the bikini line. Facial depilatory creams should never be used for pubic hair removal as the skin in the pubic area is even more sensitive than skin on the face.
For pubic hair removal, soften the hair and open the follicles by either taking a hot shower or bath or by placing a warm wet washcloth over the area for a few minutes. Then apply the cream, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Never leave the cream on for longer than recommended. If you do, the chemicals that dissolve the hair will also burn your skin. Wipe off the cream first and then rinse the area thoroughly. The unpleasant smell will disappear as soon as you do this.
Hair is dissolved just below the skin, so the end result will last slightly longer than shaving. If you want a longer-term hair removal method or, it might be time to try waxing for removing pubic hair.
Online Laser Hair Removal Systems - What Does it All Mean?
The laser hair removal system is a brand new technology that has been pioneered by scientists, doctors, and other health professionals across the United States and around the world. This brand new way of removing unwanted hair is an incredible leap forward from painful and archaic procedures like plucking, waxing, and using various hair removal creams. While these techniques are fine for one or two hairs, they are completely ineffective for larger patches or stubborn hairs that simply will not go away. Interested?
If you want to learn how laser hair removal works, you’ve come to the right place.
When it comes to getting rid of hairs that you would rather not have in places you really don’t want them, there have been quite a few techniques developed throughout the decades. Some of them are effective for one or two hairs while others claim to remove many hairs at a time - but they all have major drawbacks. Most of these techniques, such as waxing, are highly painful. Others, like creams and shaving, only remove the hairs for a short period of time. It almost seemed like there was no real solution to hair problems until the laser hair removal system was perfected.
At it’s essence, the laser hair removal procedure uses a highly focused beam of light to eradicate the hair follicle and remove the hair at it’s root. Because the follicle and root are the two major culprits for returning hair growth, it is of the utmost importance that a hair removal treatment attack the hair at its source. Waxing and creams do this some of the time. The laser hair removal system does this each and every time - making it the most effective hair removal treatment in the world.
The laser hair removal procedure was developed by teams from around the globe, but there are a few locations in the United States that have become extremely well known for high quality laser hair removal treatments and professional service. A few of these cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York - so you’re in luck if you live near any of those major metropolitan areas. Great doctors abound, so feel free to take your pick.
However, despite the multitude of doctors and other professionals in cities like Chicago, the price of the laser hair removal procedure can be high. Often ranging from three hundred to five hundred dollars. But if you want to get a good deal, be sure to be on the lookout for specials and other discounts that some of the big name laser hair removal centers offer throughout the year. You can usually save at least a hundred dollars by being a savvy consumer.
So what are you waiting for? Now is the best time it has ever been for those of you looking to remove bothersome hair from anywhere on your body. The laser hair removal system is quick, painless, and highly effective - and well worth your hard earned money. If you have hairs that you want removed, and you live in a hair removal epicenter like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York, you should take this time to schedule a free consultation with a local laser hair removal professional.
Your Options For Chicago Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal
You sometimes wonder how one little body—yours--can produce so much hair. And not only does it grow hair with abandon, it grows it in places where hair has no right to grow. You are really, really tired of trying to control the hair equivalent of crabgrass on the million dollar lawn, and because you live in Chicago, you are in luck.
You can take the offensive against the offending hair with a single telephone call to a Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal expert, and be on your way to a hair-free, carefree life. You can arrange for Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal treatment simply by making an appointment with a dermatologist qualified in hair removal or an electrolysis or laser hair removal specialist.
The Windy City can relieve you of that unwanted hair both conveniently and cheaply; when compared to other US cities the cost of Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal is exceptionally reasonable. The multiculturalism of the Chicago community means that there will be someone to provide you with Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal regardless of your own ethnicity.
Chicago Electrolysis Salons
Chicago has more than thirty facilities offering Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal, so you will have no trouble finding one who can meet your needs. The Pure Laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation salon is just one of the most recent additions to the Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal salons.
These salons offer a variety of services from hair removal to body wraps to microdermabrasion, and are open during the hours most convenient for Chicago’s very busy workers. They offer both early morning and late evening appointments, so you have no excuse not to pay one of them a visit.
The American Laser Center, a highly regarded nationwide chain of laser hair removal salons, recently opened in Chicago. With endorsements from both celebrities and ordinary customers, they are among the salons putting hair removal front-and-center in the public awareness. There are also some Chicago electrolysis and laser hair removal centers which allow you to book your first consultation over the Internet, so that there is no pressure for you to go through with a procedure.
When you are at last ready to expose your newly smooth skin to the winds of the Windy City, why not celebrate your successful hair removal with a trip to one of Chicago’s famous pizza parlors and dig into a Deep Dish Pizza?
Facial Hair Removal
Unwanted facial hair can be an embarrassing problem, especially for women. There are a number of methods available for facial hair removal. They include plucking, electrolysis, shaving, waxing, depilatory creams and laser techniques. Each of these facial hair removal methods has their own merits and demerits.
Plucking and shaving are two cheap and commonly used methods. There are many shaving devices and creams specially developed for women. But they have to be done daily or in alternative days. They can also cause discoloration of skin and infection to hair follicles. Often hair reappears in more dark shades.
Depilatory creams are comparatively inexpensive and short-term facial hair removal options. They are available as gels, creams, lotions, aerosols, and roll-on forms. They contain a highly alkaline chemical meant to dissolve the protein structure of the hair, which help in removing hair from skin surface. They are simple to use and can be carried out in the privacy of your own home. But you have to repeat the application once in every three to four days. They can also cause redness and irritation.
Waxing and tweezing are used to remove hair from below the surface. Hot wax is first applied above the hair to be removed and then it is pulled away from the face removing the hair with it. As they do not damage the hair follicles, new hair growth can occur within a few weeks. It can be done in a home or beauty salon. But these methods are painful and can produce skin redness and irritation.
Electrolysis is considered as the most effective technique for facial hair removal as it offers permanent hair removal. They destroy individual hair follicles. But it is very expensive and time consuming. With electrolysis, you need multiple treatments on regular intervals for permanent hair removal.
Laser facial hair removal is a newer technique that requires only little time for treatment, full face can be treated in about 15 minutes. But as in electrolysis, you need multiple sessions, usually 4 to 6. They are quite expensive too. You cannot use any other hair removal methods for about a month before your laser hair removal session.
Ceramic Hair Straightener Explained
People with curly hair can now look at themselves in straight hair with the latest hair style found in the market, hair straightening. There are many procedures to adopt for hair straightening, of which ceramic hair straightener is one of them.
Ceramic hair irons are tools having ceramic plates that are found on one of its end. You have to section off some areas of your hair and then draw the hair across the surface of the heated plates of the ceramic hair iron to get your hair straightened. As the ceramic material found on the ceramic hair straightener iron is smooth, it gives off ions that help by changing the structure of hair. With this, curly hair can be straightened to straight hair.
There are many hair straighteners in the market for you to choose your ceramic hair iron from. One of the more popular brands is the Sedu flat iron. The different hair straighteners are available at different rates. It is not important to buy the most expensive hair straightener, moderately priced hair straighteners work just as well. Whichever hair straightener you choose, it is important that your hair is completely dry before using the ceramic hair straightener as the heat can damage the hair shaft.
The Sedu ceramic flat iron is a hair straightener that is built to negate tugging actions that other hair straighteners adopt and with which hair breaks and gets damaged. It heats faster than most hair straighteners and you need less time to style hair. This proves to be an advantage to you as it limits hair damage and lets you style your hair efficiently. If you have curly, coarse or hard hair, you can use higher heat settings while your hair does not get damaged. It is generally better to use some styling products like conditioner before using Sedu ceramic hair straighteners.
New Hair Loss Treatment
Hair loss has been around for a long time. It is even mentioned in the Bible. Some treatments, such as the herbal ones from China and India have been available for centuries. Yet all the time new treatments come along such as follicular unit transplants which give a more natural appearance than the slightly older form of hair transplant , which was inclined to give the scalp a corn row appearance. It does of course involve surgery and expense.
In recent years there have been new drugs available such as Minoxidil, - sold as Rogaine, and available for both men and women.
Avodart is one of the drug treatments available for men. It can however interact with other medication and so may not always be suitable. It works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. I t is DHT that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually die. Avodart is a powerful drug that can cause birth defects if taken by women of child bearing age. It remains in the blood stream for a considerable time, and those taking it should not give blood for six months afterwards as if given to a woman there can be serious consequences. As in all such treatments it may be 6 months before any improvement is seen as hair grows very slowly.
There are lots of other new products around, and to be honest many of them are just a waste of money. Some say that they promote healthy hair. They may well do, but if they don’t actually stop it falling out where does that get you?
There are numerous cosmetic ways to give yourself the appearance of a fuller head of hair – powders and sprays – but these are only putting off the inevitable. Eventually the loss will to be too much to disguise.
There may well be some new wonder drug out there, or one waiting to be discovered. I hope you find it, but take care and read labels carefully and with a pinch of salt.
By Choosing The Best Hair Loss Treatment Product You Will Have The Right Hair Loss Remedy
By choosing the best hair loss treatment product you will have the right hair loss remedy to stop hair loss from happening to you
You should decide on a hair loss remedy once your hair loss cause has been diagnosed. A hair loss doctor will be able to help you decide on the best hair loss treatment. Since everyone is different, everyone gets different results from different products. Therefore, he or she will be able to tell you which treatment best fits your particular hair thinning needs. There are several hair loss treatment methods available. Some can be combined to help you design your own hair loss remedy.
There are oral drug medications available, such as Propecia (also known as Finasteride); your doctor must prescribe these, so he or she must agree that this is a proper treatment for you. Propecia stops the body from forming DHT, a hormone that stops the growth of hair. A topical preparation that is now available over-the-counter is Rogaine, also known as minoxidil. Originally prescribed as blood pressure medication, men noticed that their hair was growing again when they took it. A topical preparation was devised to avoid oral administration.
There are also many commercial hair loss products on the market that claim to promote hair growth, but most if not all have not been approved by the FDA. If you do decide to go this route, look for products that have some bona fide positive results and are relatively inexpensive to use. The Internet is a pretty good way to do this kind of research; look for hair loss remedies that have gotten good reviews from customers.
Of course, you have to be careful not to buy into any commercial hype, but look for actual reviews of customers that have had good luck with the product. These types of hair loss products range from topical lotions that you apply to your head, formulations of herbs and/or vitamins that you take orally, or even hair loss shampoos that report to restore hair growth. Again, these are "natural" and usually not chemical in nature, which some people prefer. However, they still do have side effects and may not be good for you, so do your homework.
Some natural hair loss remedies that may help stop hair loss
Saw Palmetto extract: This is used to combat benign prostatic disease, or BPD. This product also lowers the DHT in the body as a side effect, which helps promote hair growth.
Green tea: Although green tea's reputation for promoting hair growth is spotty at best, it is nonetheless a remarkable nutritional addition to your diet, because it is high in antioxidants and other beneficial substances.
Henna: Henna can be prepared and applied topically to hair. It is an herb that comes in many colors, and some people also use this as hair coloring. Traditionally, it was used as hair color, but now, its use has declined due to the availability of prepared hair formulations on the market. When applied topically, it helps strengthen hair and increased shine.
Provillus: A natural formulation purported to help give your body the proper nutrition to aid in the prevention of hair loss. It is also said to help regrow hair.
Resveratrol: One of the newer antioxidant kids on the block, resveratrol, made from grape skins, and has many beneficial antioxidant properties.
Choosing the best hair loss product that suits your needs
In most cases, your doctor can recommend the best hair loss product for you. He or she can also help treat you with medication or nutritional hair loss supplementation. In extreme cases, surgical intervention is also available, wherein nonproductive hair follicles are actually replaced on the head with hair follicles from elsewhere on the body, usually the back of the head. In surgical intervention, several hundred "hair plugs," as they're called, are implanted, usually 10 to 60 per treatment session. This type of hair loss treatment takes several months to complete and several months more to see any type of hair growth.
Finally, keep in mind that although hair loss may be viewed by some as unattractive, in many men, male pattern baldness is simply a family hereditary factor and has nothing to do with health or vitality. In these cases, it is simply a matter of personal choice as to whether or not you should want hair replacement; however, your health is not impacted whatsoever by your lack of hair. In other cases, hair loss results from poor nutrition, prolonged stress, taking certain prescription medications, or illness. In these latter cases, hair growth may spontaneously recur once the cause for the baldness has been removed.
Future treatments for hair loss
Researchers are working continually to help develop new hair loss products that will encourage hair growth. Although reasons for hair loss vary, it is hoped that at some point in the future, every type of hair loss will be able to be treated. However, there will never be one magic pill or method that will fix every type of hair loss, since each has a different cause. For some, DHT is the culprit, meaning that a hormone must be suppressed in the body. For others, stress must be reduced, the diet improved, or other action undertaken to encourage hair growth.
Finally, keep in mind that even healthy hair eventually falls out to give way to new hair. So although it behooves you to treat your hair gently and avoid pulling excessively on it to discourage hair loss and avoid damaging the follicles, eventually this hair will fall out. Baldness occurs not because your hair falls out, which it must do to renew itself anyway, but because it does not regrow after it has fallen out. Therefore, focus must be not so much on keeping hair you've got, but on keeping follicles active so that they continue to grow new hair when the previous hair shaft's time is up.
Hair Transplant For Women - Latest On Female Hair Loss
Woman hair loss has been the subject of many studies, treatment options for treatment of woman hair loss continued to be unclear. Although new techniques of hair transplant could be used for many women, there are many with hair loss that can not be successfully treated with hair transplant surgery for variety of reasons.
Women hair loss is characteristically different than men hair loss. Men with male pattern baldness usually lose their hair in the corners and front and sometimes crown area initially. Hair transplant could be effectively used for men with hair loss due to preservation of the quality of hair in the back of scalp so called donor area. This area might be unstable in many women with hair loss.
Hair loss in women is mostly seen with diffuse thinning without good donor area that could be used to harvest hair. Weak hair in donor area excludes many women from being a good candidate for hair transplant. A good microscopic examination by an expert can determine the rate of miniaturization or thinning of hair shaft in donor area. Significant number of miniaturized hair in donor area makes it unstable and improper for transplant purposes. Medical treatment of hair loss in women may be the only treatment for some patients.
Causes of female hair loss are different and might be related to other medical conditions suchashormonal, immunologic and other systemic disorders. Some women may genetically have hair loss similar to what is seen in men. Women with genetic hair loss limited to front, corners and top could be treated with hair transplant successfully of they have stable hair in donor area. Other surgically treatable causes of female hair loss are:
* Women with high forehead who need hair transplant to lower their hairline.
* Women with scar and hair loss from face lift or brow lift procedures.
* Women with chronic traction alopecia.
* Women with hair loss in eyebrow and eyelashes.
Hair transplant surgery has been transformed greatly in the last ten years. Surgical hair restoration with hair transplant has been around for almost a hundred years with different levels of success and precision.
In 1939 a Japanese dermatologist invented a technique for transplant of skin containing hair to the burned area on the scalp. The goal was to create some hair coverage for the area. That procedure could probably be called the first ancestor of today’s refined hair transplant. At about the same time, single hairs were transplanted by the Japanese for eyebrow filling.
The concept of transferring skin or hair was adopted by Dr. Orentreich in 1952 in America for treatment of male pattern baldness, which is extended for female hair transplant as a treatment for women hair loss later on. This is the beginning of the era of plug surgery.
These plugs created islands of skin with high density hair and the balding areas were progressively filled in, eventually eliminating the visualization of the bald scalp. Many of the patients, treated with these techniques, had to have repeated surgery to hide the unnatural plugs.
As the techniques evolved in the 1980s, smaller size mini and micro-grafts were eventually used. These smaller grafts produced a more natural look. The discovery of Follicular Units was the inevitable final refinement, first coming to use in the early 1990s for hair loss treatment in man and woman.
Follicular Unite Transplant (FUT) set a new standard in hair restoration surgery. FUT has made the dream of natural looking hair transplant, a reality. Women with hair loss could be candidate for follicular unit transplant as it is currently the standard of care in hair transplant surgery.
Other advances in techniques and instruments for hair transplant made larger surgeries possible for more sever hair loss for men and women and facilitated the transplant of a maximum number of grafts in only one session. The emphasis on natural looking surgery and elimination of noticeable scars advanced the techniques further.
Medications such as minoxidil could be used along with hair transplant for women. Minoxidil can help thicken miniaturized hair in many patients, prevent or slowed hair loss in women in early stages of hair loss. Minoxidil may be synergistic with hair transplant in preserving and/or reversing hair loss.
The future is bright with the promise for hair multiplication over the coming years. The idea of producing unlimited numbers of hair from a single hair follicle is being researched and could be an option for women with diffuse hair loss that surgery is not a good option for them at this time, but it is in the future and not expected to happen in the next 7 to 10 years.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Most common type of hair loss in women occurs in a diffuse pattern. One of the commonest forms of hair loss in women is a condition called telogen effluvium, in which there is a diffuse shedding of hairs around the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Another common type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is related to hormone levels in the body. There's a large genetic predisposition, which may be inherited from the father or mother. Androgenetic alopecia affects roughly 50 per cent of men and perhaps as many women over the age of 40. It is caused by the actions of two enzymes; aromatase and 5-a reductase. Alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects almost 2% of the population in the US. This type of hair loss appears in various degrees of severity from small, round patches of hair loss that regrow without medical treatment to chronic, extensive hair loss that can involve the loss of all hair on the scalp or body hair. Alopecia Areata-This is a patchy type of hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects almost 2% of the population in the US. Hair loss can be seen to some women as losing their femininity. Women's pattern of hair loss is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss in men. Instead, androgenetic alopecia causes a general thinning of women's hair, with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head. Another important cause of hair loss in women is a condition called alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects more than two per cent of the population. In this, the hair follicles are attacked by white blood cells. Milder cases often see a greater improvement with treatment than severe cases. In no case does treatment restore full hair in patients with 100% scalp or body hair loss. Hair thinning or slight hair loss is bad enough but total baldness can be completely heartbreaking. There is no known cure for the problem and many women with the disorder sadly spend vast sums of money with the so called "hair specialists" on wonder shampoo's which they claim will restore their crowning glory.
Hair is lost when combing, brushing and washing the hair. Men and women have both male and female hormones, but in different amounts. A male hormone causes androgenetic alopecia. Most women with androgenetic alopecia do not have more of this hormone than other women. However, they are more sensitive to the hormone. Some women with female pattern hair loss, particularly those with other medical conditions, may have androgen - a male hormone such as testosterone-sensitivity causing these problems. Women with this pattern of hair loss should be evaluated with special blood tests to determine their androgen levels. In some cases, female pattern hair loss may be the first sign of an underlying type of diabetes that is more frequent in women with elevated androgens in the blood. Both men and women get alopecia areata. It can begin at any age, but often starts in childhood.
Treatment of this type of hair loss includes immunomodulating therapies such as glucocorticoids, topical immunotherapy, or anthralin. Hair Replacement Surgery - Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for females a viable treatment option providing they are qualified candidates and have realistic expectations. Hair Additions -- Modern forms of hair additions have also made recent improvements in simulating a natural appearance. Minoxidil (Rogaine) - Now sold over-the-counter, minoxidil may help stop hair loss in some people. Medication - Drugs used to treat cancer, blood thinners, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications, as well as birth control pills and high doses of vitamin A, may cause hair loss. Hair transplantation - tiny punch-holes of skin containing a few follicles of hair are taken from elsewhere in the body and implanted into the thinning areas. Scalp reduction - devices are inserted under the skin to stretch areas of scalp that still have hair, then the redundant bald areas are removed.
Understanding Someone Else's Hair Transplant
Maybe you have never given much thought to hair transplantation. That's very likely if you are an adult man or woman who has a full head of hair. It may well be the case if you have been losing hair, but take your thinning hair in stride and don't understand why other people feel differently.
What happens when a brother, sister, friend, parent or coworker has hair transplantation? How do you feel about it when the subject of hair transplantation becomes unavoidable? What do you say to the person who is having hair transplantation? Do you have to say anything? Should you take notice of it if the person hasn't mentioned it first?
Understanding the reasons for someone else's hair transplantation should be no different than understanding the reasons for someone else's orthodontic procedure. The person has decided to have a cosmetic procedure to enhance his/her appearance. When a relative, friend or colleague has dental braces the reason is usually obvious and no special comment is required. The same is true for hair transplantation.
Old Attitudes About Cosmetic Procedures
Old attitudes die hard, and beliefs about the vanity of cosmetic procedures still persist. Cosmetic procedures are common, well accepted and highly successful today. Millions of people have cosmetic procedures for a variety of reasons-to remove acne scars or other skin blemishes, to reverse the early effects of skin aging, to straighten teeth and realign jaws, to improve facial symmetry, and to restore hair loss to maintain a balanced facial appearance.
Nevertheless, a suspicion that cosmetic procedures are indications of self-centered vanity can color opinions. It's an old, outdated belief, and it dies hard.
Self-Assurance, Self-Image, Self-Respect
Societal attitudes today encourage people to be in charge of their own physical and psychological health. Bookstores overflow with self-help information about diet and exercise.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal health, as well as contributing to the development of a well-toned body that is physically attractive. Diet and nutrition complement physical exercise in improving fitness and maintaining body weight at a level consistent with good health. Physical well-being tends to promote psychological well-being. A look in the mirror confirms that a person is "in charge" of his/her own body image.
In past generations a person 60 years of age was "old". Today, 60 can still be within the boundaries of middle-age for the physically and psychologically healthy. Today's 60-year-old who exercises regularly and has a healthy diet may have the physical appearance of a person years younger. The physically fit body can be complemented by hair transplantation that may have been carried out over a period of years to "keep up" with thinning hair.
Likewise, physically fit men and women in their 30s, 40s and 50s may not "look their ages" if they are physically fit. Cosmetic deficits can detract from appearance, however. The appearance of a 40-year-old man can be compromised by hair loss and development of a "bald spot". The well-conditioned 40-year-old woman may find it unacceptable when the patchy-diffuse hair loss typical of female pattern androgenetic alopecia begins across the top of her scalp (See About Hair Loss for more information on female pattern androgenetic alopecia).
It is not surprising that people who choose to be "in charge" of their physical well-being will also choose to be "in charge" of their physical appearance. Self-image contributes to self-assurance and overall self-respect. Self-assurance, self-respect and being in charge of one's self-image are widely accepted societal themes.
Physical Appearance in the Workplace
Studies have shown repeatedly that physical attractiveness tends to be rewarded in the workplace. The person who presents an attractive physical appearance has enhanced opportunities for advancement. Good physical appearance also tends to improve self-assurance, a trait that employers and clients usually find attractive and reassuring. Correction of a cosmetic deficit such as hair loss may be a "career move".
Professions Where Image is Everything
The person who quintessentially lives on his/her physical appearance is the actor and actress. Physical appearance is largely how the actor and actress are identified and remembered by their audience. Cosmetic deficits such as hair loss can be compensated for by the skill of make-up technicians, and this was frequently the case for movie stars of past generations. Today, advancements in the techniques of hair transplantation stress the "natural look"-that is, hair transplantation that cannot be differentiated from hair that was never lost. Hair transplantation is a "career move" chosen by increasing numbers of actors and actresses who like to carry their images from stage and studio into public life without the need for "make-up."
What Makes a Good Candidate for Hair Replacement Surgery
As cosmetic surgery increases in popularity, it becomes more and more important that individuals considering plastic surgery develop an understanding of what makes people good candidates for various types of surgery, as well as how some surgeries work. One surgery that has been growing in popularity is hair replacement surgery. This type of surgery has been advancing in how it is performed and the results a person can expect to see from it as well.
How Does Hair Replacement Surgery Work?
Hair replacement surgery works by transplanting individual or groups of hairs from the sides of a person’s head onto the balding areas. While this used to mean a sort of 'doll head' look because the hair was transplanted in large bunches, now as little as one hair at a time can be transplanted. These hairs will generally last a lifetime because of the fact they are genetically disposed to not falling out since they are from parts of the head that do not normally fall out.
This type of surgery may take several sessions to complete. This is particularly true if a person is getting a large area transplanted with a high density per centimeter. There have been stories of much longer sessions that remove the need for several sittings, but these are rare and not necessarily recommended. It is generally recommended for a patient to receive this surgery in several sittings.
Who is a Good Candidate?
A good candidate for hair replacement surgery must meet a few guidelines. First of all, a man must have either male-pattern baldness or a woman must have thinning hair that meets certain guidelines to benefit from this surgery. A person with thinning hair throughout his or her scalp may not benefit from this because that person would likely lose the hair again once it was transplanted. Individuals who do not have baldness throughout the scalp are good candidates because the hair follicle from the sides and bottom of the scalp retained the genetic code that prevented it from falling out.
Alternatives to Hair Replacement Surgery
Other alternatives to hair replacement surgery include prescription medication and over-the-counter medication. Finasteride (under the brand names Propecia and Proscar), is a prescription drug originally created to treat enlarged prostate. During trials and was discovered that this drug also causes hair growth as a side effect. This drug is effective in treating male pattern baldness in the majority of patients who use it.
Hair Transplant Methods To Be Avoided
Hair transplantation as a means of treating hair loss has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, some clinics today still use methods that are outdated and can cause pain, scarring and less than presentable results. This article highlights some of the hair transplant methods that you should avoid like the plague.
Round / square grafts - this is the original method that leaves patients with a scalp that resembles that of a plastic doll. It involves taking a number of smallish grafts with a hole-punch device and transplanting to the affected area. The result is a pluggy look that does not look natural and only becomes more ridiculous as time wears on.
Line grafts - this involves moving a short strip of donor hair from the side or back of the head, then transplanting the entire strip into a trench that is surgically cut into the receiving area of the scalp. The end result is a line of hair that looks unnatural.
Flap technique - this procedure involves moving a flap of skin with its tissue, hair strands and follicles from the side or back of the head to the front hairline by cutting it on three sides and stitching it to the bald area.This can cause serious problems including excessive scarring, infection, disfigurement in the forehead area and hair growing in the wrong direction.
Scalp reduction - in this procedure the bald area at the crown is cut away and the edges surrounding the wound are pulled together and sewn at the middle. This technique causes many problems including potentially hideous scarring, accelerated hair loss and infection.
You can learn more about the hair loss treatments currently available by visiting the site listed below.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Solutions to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Hair Restoration and Service Names
If you have been thinking about hair restoration, you have probably discovered that hair restoration, replacement and transplants are surgical procedurea marketed under many service-marked names. You can probably find a half-dozen or more service marks involving hair restoration by scanning your daily newspaper, a few consumer magazines, and by a brief search of the Web. What common procedures may be offered under a service mark? See Hair Restoration Surgery Glossary for more information.
Some registered service marks involving hair restoration are owned by individuals, and some are owned by clinics specializing in hair transplantats.
A service mark does NOT do is specifically describe the service being offered. A service-marked name is not descriptive. It is suggestive, as required by law—that is, it suggests the nature of the service being offered, but it does not specifically describe the nature of that service.
It is up to you to do your homework. Learn all that you can about hair restoration from objective sources such as this Website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)—an international professional society. In general, the ISHRS discourages its members from using service-marked items to describe their procedures because of the potential to confuse potential patients. Dig below the surface to find out specifically the nature of the hair transplant procedure being offered under the service-marked name. Getting a second opinion is always a good idea if you want to be sure of making an informed decision about something as important as hair restoration. Ask about the training and credentials of the person or persons who would be involved in carrying out your hair restoration procedure.
Learn all you can about reasons for your hair loss, and whether hair restoration is the best approach for your hair restoration needs. Learn about both surgical and non-surgical approaches to hair restoration, potential side effects and complications of hair restoration procedures. Have a frank discussion about the cost associated with hair restoration, but don’t make a decision based on “bargain shopping” because cost is only one of the factors you should consider.
The purpose of a service mark is not to mislead potential users of the service. Service marks protect the intellectual property of a vendor whose service has met the legal tests required by law. They give a service a unique name to attract potential clients. A service mark gives a service a unique identity, but it does not assure that the service is any better or worse than other services of a similar nature that may or may not be service-marked.
The decision is in your hands - after you are satisfied that you have become fully informed.
Understanding Someone Else's Hair Transplant
Maybe you have never given much thought to hair transplantation. That's very likely if you are an adult man or woman who has a full head of hair. It may well be the case if you have been losing hair, but take your thinning hair in stride and don't understand why other people feel differently.
What happens when a brother, sister, friend, parent or coworker has hair transplantation? How do you feel about it when the subject of hair transplantation becomes unavoidable? What do you say to the person who is having hair transplantation? Do you have to say anything? Should you take notice of it if the person hasn't mentioned it first?
Understanding the reasons for someone else's hair transplantation should be no different than understanding the reasons for someone else's orthodontic procedure. The person has decided to have a cosmetic procedure to enhance his/her appearance. When a relative, friend or colleague has dental braces the reason is usually obvious and no special comment is required. The same is true for hair transplantation.
Old Attitudes About Cosmetic Procedures
Old attitudes die hard, and beliefs about the vanity of cosmetic procedures still persist. Cosmetic procedures are common, well accepted and highly successful today. Millions of people have cosmetic procedures for a variety of reasons-to remove acne scars or other skin blemishes, to reverse the early effects of skin aging, to straighten teeth and realign jaws, to improve facial symmetry, and to restore hair loss to maintain a balanced facial appearance.
Nevertheless, a suspicion that cosmetic procedures are indications of self-centered vanity can color opinions. It's an old, outdated belief, and it dies hard.
Self-Assurance, Self-Image, Self-Respect
Societal attitudes today encourage people to be in charge of their own physical and psychological health. Bookstores overflow with self-help information about diet and exercise.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal health, as well as contributing to the development of a well-toned body that is physically attractive. Diet and nutrition complement physical exercise in improving fitness and maintaining body weight at a level consistent with good health. Physical well-being tends to promote psychological well-being. A look in the mirror confirms that a person is "in charge" of his/her own body image.
In past generations a person 60 years of age was "old". Today, 60 can still be within the boundaries of middle-age for the physically and psychologically healthy. Today's 60-year-old who exercises regularly and has a healthy diet may have the physical appearance of a person years younger. The physically fit body can be complemented by hair transplantation that may have been carried out over a period of years to "keep up" with thinning hair.
Likewise, physically fit men and women in their 30s, 40s and 50s may not "look their ages" if they are physically fit. Cosmetic deficits can detract from appearance, however. The appearance of a 40-year-old man can be compromised by hair loss and development of a "bald spot". The well-conditioned 40-year-old woman may find it unacceptable when the patchy-diffuse hair loss typical of female pattern androgenetic alopecia begins across the top of her scalp (See About Hair Loss for more information on female pattern androgenetic alopecia).
It is not surprising that people who choose to be "in charge" of their physical well-being will also choose to be "in charge" of their physical appearance. Self-image contributes to self-assurance and overall self-respect. Self-assurance, self-respect and being in charge of one's self-image are widely accepted societal themes.
Physical Appearance in the Workplace
Studies have shown repeatedly that physical attractiveness tends to be rewarded in the workplace. The person who presents an attractive physical appearance has enhanced opportunities for advancement. Good physical appearance also tends to improve self-assurance, a trait that employers and clients usually find attractive and reassuring. Correction of a cosmetic deficit such as hair loss may be a "career move".
Professions Where Image is Everything
The person who quintessentially lives on his/her physical appearance is the actor and actress. Physical appearance is largely how the actor and actress are identified and remembered by their audience. Cosmetic deficits such as hair loss can be compensated for by the skill of make-up technicians, and this was frequently the case for movie stars of past generations. Today, advancements in the techniques of hair transplantation stress the "natural look"-that is, hair transplantation that cannot be differentiated from hair that was never lost. Hair transplantation is a "career move" chosen by increasing numbers of actors and actresses who like to carry their images from stage and studio into public life without the need for "make-up."
Laser News - laser use for hair removal
The Latest Technology Aimed at Us
The Federal Drug Administration has approved a high-tech arsenal of lasers designed to zap hair off darker skin. Dr. Eliot Battle, Jr., a Harvard Medical School dermatologist who has conducted extensive research in cosmetic lasers for dark skin, says, “When I started my research two years ago, there were no hair-removal lasers available to treat darker skin. In the past, we found that the absorption rate, or speed of laser energy, as well as the temperature of the skin while receiving treatment, caused hyper-and hypopigmentation [dark and light spots], scarring and blistering in Black skin. Today’s improved lasers deliver the same amount of energy, but at a slower rate and safer wavelength while keeping the skin cool.” These changes have greatly reduced the negative side effects on Black skin. Advances in technology have produced the Lyra Laser System, the Light Sheer XC, the SLP 1000 and the Cool Glide. Hair removal with these lasers usually requires four to seven treatment sessions. The results last for three to four months. Treatments take five to seven minutes for smaller areas such as lip and chin or 20 to 30 minutes for legs.
However, Dr. David Goldberg of the Laser Skin and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey (who removed hair from the corners of the upper lip, as shown in the photos above) says there are still drawbacks with laser treatments. Beware of:
* Pricey fees per treatment. Costs range from $150 for spot tests, $225 for lips, $350 for bikini lines and $600 for two lower legs.
* Stinging or pain during the procedure.
* Temporary redness in the treated areas.
* Light or dark changes in skin tone that last up to seven or eight weeks after a procedure.
New York City cosmetic and laser dermatologist Dr. Melanie Grosman echoes Goldberg’s concerns. “While these newer lasers are safer for dark skin, the potential for negative side effects is still possible.” Be sure to seek out a dermatologist experienced in laser surgery and treating darker skin. He or she should do a spot test before giving you a full treatment.
5 Factors Affecting The Cost Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is gaining popularity as a method of permanent hair removal. Permanent hair removal saves the time, cost and hassle of waxing, shaving or using crème hair removal products. The cost of laser hair removal can be high, but depends on several factors. What is the Cost of Laser Hair Removal? This is the most commonly asked question by people considering laser hair removal. The price depends on several factors. You should expect to have several sessions with the laser. Even in smaller areas, each follicle needs to be hit during its growth phase. This will take a few sessions, as not all follicles are ever in the growth phase together.
Although laser hair removal prices can be high, many people find the cost worth it to have the unwanted hair removed permanently. In many cases, the cost is in the range of other permanent hair removal techniques. Laser isn’t more expensive than the cost of electrolysis. Consider what you spend now for hair removal. Over time, you will save money on the cost of body waxing or depilatory products.
5 Factors Affecting the Cost
1. The size of the area being treated. The laser can be used on any area of the body, excluding the eye area. Smaller areas, such as the pubic region, require less time than larger areas, such as the legs, chest or back.
2. The area of the country where you live helps determine the cost. Sessions range from $300 to $500 per session, depending on where you live.
3. The number of sessions you will need. This will be discussed during your consultation. Four sessions is common, but it could be anywhere from three to six sessions.
4. The color of your hair and skin is a major factor in the cost of laser treatments. Because the energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, it’s best if your hair is darker than your skin tone. Dark hair on light skin responds best to treatment. The procedure is least effective on blonde or red hair. Several sessions will be required and the results may not be consistent.
5. The color of your skin is another factor that will affect the cost. Very dark skin isn’t a good candidate for laser hair removal. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the skin. In extreme cases, this can result in burns or skin damage. For this reason, you should not have a suntan when you sit for laser hair removal. Avoid tanning for a month before the procedure to give your tan time to fade.
Choosing a Facility on the Cost of Laser Hair Removal
You should never choose a facility based solely on cost. This is not a cosmetic procedure, but a medical one. You want a highly trained and experienced person handling the laser. You may find discount clinics offering this service. Be suspicious of this type of clinic. A clinic with a well respected and experienced staff generally doesn’t offer deep discounts. You don’t choose your other medical care based only on cost, so you shouldn’t do this will laser hair removal either. Choose a clinic based on the qualifications of the medical director and the experience of the staff. Look for a doctor that is Board Certified in Dermatology and who has had training and experience with the laser. The better clinics have more than one board certified doctor on staff. The atmosphere of the office should be professional. Ask about the experience of the person performing the procedure. Most states require a physician or a RN under the supervision of a physician. Ask about the number of procedures and any adverse reactions that have occurred. If possible, speak to a few former patients about their experience.
10 Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2005 from ASAPS
New York, NY (December 21, 2004) - The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the leading national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic surgery, offers its predictions for cosmetic surgery in 2005. Predictions are based on interviews with leading plastic surgeons around the country.
* National attention to issues of patient safety will result, in some states, in more stringent requirements for physician credentials to perform cosmetic surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) will be among the leaders of this patient safety movement in 2005.
* Endoscopic (arthroscopic) facial rejuvenation procedures may become more popular. Suture suspension techniques, promising facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime, may also increase in popularity; however, many patients will opt for traditional facelifts or endoscopic procedures with more predictable and long-lasting results.
* Experimental techniques for non-invasive fat removal, as a future alternative to liposuction (lipoplasty) surgery, will be tested in clinical trials.
* The number of patients seeking plastic surgery for body contouring after dramatic weight loss will rise by at least 20 percent in 2005, reflecting growing public awareness of significant long-term health benefits of weight loss for the morbidly obese.
* Cosmetic surgery for racial and ethnic minorities in the United States will continue increasing, most likely exceeding 20 percent of the total procedures performed.
* Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Hylaform) will surpass collagen as the most popular soft tissue filler for lines and wrinkles. Additional hyaluronic acid products developed specifically for facial volume enhancement and for improvement of depressed scars will be introduced.
* Fashion and beauty in 2005 will emphasize nostalgia and elegance as embodied by Hollywood icons Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly, and modern stars such as Nicole Kidman. In cosmetic surgery, more patients will express a preference for classical facial features, and a growing number of women will opt for smaller-size breast implants.
* More plastic surgeons will offer lifestyle assessment and counseling to their cosmetic surgery patients. The focus will be on "wellness" basics, with support from nutritionists and weight management specialists.
* In 2005, a new generation of breast implant fillers and coatings; advanced lasers that rejuvenate the skin from the inside out; new products for scar management and prevention of keloids; and permanent injectable treatments for facial lines and wrinkles may be the biggest "buzz" in cosmetic plastic surgery.
* The proliferation of "Reality" TV programs featuring plastic surgery may lose their public appeal. The long term psychological effect of undergoing a dramatic change in appearance from simultaneous multiple-procedures, as is common for participants of reality shows, may surface in 2005.
Arousing Pubic Area Hair
Around about the age of 11 or 12, most of us begin seeing hairs in our pubic area. This can be quite arousing indeed.
Now by this time, most males have already been looking at skin mags, which means they know that there are adults who remove this hair in the pubic area. And unless things have radically changed, it isn't until quite some time later that females ever see these skin mags.
But that isn't to say that young females aren't aware that hair is being removed in the pubic area. Because even teen magazines talk about grooming pubic hair these days. And usually there's at least one girlfriend who is removing the hairs in her pubic area and that isn't something that's easily missed in the school locker room ...
All of this is to say that at some point in our lives, we do become aware that removing the hair in the pubic area is an option. And for many of us that is an arousing idea.
And the truth is, trimming and especially completely removing hair in the pubic area is arousing. That's why it's such a hot topic and current trend these days. The general consensus is that it's the way to go. That most people, both male and female prefer hair in the pubic area removed or at least trimmed.
Trimming the hair in the pubic area, at the bikini lines so as to eliminate pubic hairs outside the leg bands of bathing suits, is a pretty common practice and not all that arousing really. But if you take this trimming a step or two further, creating a shape, style or design, then it can be fun and arousing.
Allot of people prefer trimming. Mostly because, while you get the same benefits of making the pubic area appear neater and cleaner, and pubic hairs don't get caught in leg bands, zippers or panty liners, it's easier than completely removing hair in the pubic area.
But if you really want the, "full meal deal", then you really need to completely remove all of the hair in the pubic area.
When done properly, removing all the hair in the pubic area leaves the skin totally naked and smooth. And this makes the entire area much more sensitive. So much so that even just the gentle brush of clothing can be arousing.
But aside from the physical aspect, there are the mental and emotional affects created by removing all of the hair in the pubic area.
By not having all this hair in the pubic area, people of both sexes say they look and feel cleaner and fresher and this alone boosts their self confidence. Especially when it comes to intimate interactions. And these same people say they're more inclined towards intimate interactions because they feel more confident because they know they're cleaner and fresher. This is one, "vicious cycle", that is quite positive.
Confidence in intimate interactions is further increased because, especially males can now see exactly where they are and what they're doing ...
People of both sexes say that just seeing their partner without any hair in the pubic area is arousing indeed. And that they can become aroused at any time just envisioning their partner with their naked pubic area. Which of course means they're more likely to be, "hot to trot", when next they are with their partner.
So there's no doubt that grooming the hairs in your pubic area is a good thing. For you and your partner.
Bikini Shaver For Smooth Bikini Lines
Anyone whose bikini lines are exposed needs a bikini shaver. A bikini shaver is an inexpensive shaving tool that will remove bikini line hair easily, quickly and safely. A vast improvement over other methods of removing bikini line hair.
Take for instance:
Laser treatments - A focused beam of light absorbed by bikini line hair, which damages or disables the follicle. You may need to use a topical anesthetic. While it only takes 15 minutes to remove bikini line hair, it's the most costly hair removal procedure with prices ranging from $150 to $500 per treatment. And regardless what you may have heard, it is not permanent.
A bikini shaver can remove bikini line hair in 15 minutes, there is no such cost and you don't need a topical anesthetic to use a bikini shaver.
Even laser hair removal treatments will cause some swelling and redness.
A bikini shaver does not cause any swelling or redness.
Electrolysis - A fine needle is inserted into one hair follicle at a time to destroy the hair root either by heat or chemical action and sometimes both at the same time. Quite painful, even with a topical anesthetic. Depending on how fast your hair grows, it usually takes regular weekly or monthly visits for a year to complete the process with rates from $25 to $100 per hour. And regardless what you may have heard, it is not permanent.
A bikini shaver can remove bikini line hair in 15 minutes, there is no such cost and you don't need a topical anesthetic to use a bikini shaver.
There's usually some redness, swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing and even scarring following electrolysis.
A bikini shaver does not cause any redness, swelling, scabbing or scarring.
Waxing and Sugaring - A taffy like substance that is applied to the bikini line area and, with or without strips, removed quickly, pulling hairs out by their roots. For pain, there are pain reducing gels or anesthetic numbing sprays you can get from your pharmacist, which need to be applied thirty to sixty minutes before waxing/sugaring. Depending on your rate of hair growth, waxing/sugaring can provide smooth results for as long as three to eight weeks and the cost is determined by whether you use a kit or have it done professionally.
A bikini shaver can remove bikini line hair in 15 minutes, there is no such cost and you don't need pain reducing gels or anesthetic numbing sprays to use a bikini shaver.
Waxing/sugaring usually leaves a redness, so if you're doing it for a special occasion, do it a couple of days beforehand.
A bikini shaver does not cause any redness.
Depilatories - A cream or lotion that dissolves bikini line hair above the skin surface. The pain comes later ... Because the chemicals that dissolve the hairs can also burn your skin - Worse than a razor burn. Depending on your rate of hair growth, depilatories will need to be used every few days and the cost is the price of whichever brand of kit you choose, usually around eight dollars.
A bikini shaver does not burn your skin.
Probably the worst part about using depilatories for bikini line hair removal is that when the chemicals mix with hair, there's the most unpleasant sulphur like odor. (No, odor is putting it too mildly - IT STINKS.) And this smell remains on you, anything you've used in the process and in whatever room you've applied this cream or lotion for quite a while.
A bikini shaver does not stink.
And depilatories tend to have pretty spotty results. Even if you're careful to apply the cream/lotion as evenly as possible, and wait the maximum allotted time, you'll still find areas that have hair intact after you wipe it off.
A bikini shaver does not "hit or miss".
Shaving with a wet razor - A sharp blade is scraped across the skin cutting the hair at the surface. I think we all know what the results of shaving a sensitive area such as bikini lines with a wet razor are. Shaving with a wet razor may be the least expensive method of bikini line hair removal, but it's also the most dangerous.
But not to worry ...
Elizabeth Parsons from Detroit, Michigan can tell you about her choice of a new bikini shaver that definitely WILL NOT scrape, nick, cut or cause any of the hassles involved with most other forms of bikini hair removal.
The Latest Technology Aimed at Us
The Federal Drug Administration has approved a high-tech arsenal of lasers designed to zap hair off darker skin. Dr. Eliot Battle, Jr., a Harvard Medical School dermatologist who has conducted extensive research in cosmetic lasers for dark skin, says, “When I started my research two years ago, there were no hair-removal lasers available to treat darker skin. In the past, we found that the absorption rate, or speed of laser energy, as well as the temperature of the skin while receiving treatment, caused hyper-and hypopigmentation [dark and light spots], scarring and blistering in Black skin. Today’s improved lasers deliver the same amount of energy, but at a slower rate and safer wavelength while keeping the skin cool.” These changes have greatly reduced the negative side effects on Black skin. Advances in technology have produced the Lyra Laser System, the Light Sheer XC, the SLP 1000 and the Cool Glide. Hair removal with these lasers usually requires four to seven treatment sessions. The results last for three to four months. Treatments take five to seven minutes for smaller areas such as lip and chin or 20 to 30 minutes for legs.
However, Dr. David Goldberg of the Laser Skin and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey (who removed hair from the corners of the upper lip, as shown in the photos above) says there are still drawbacks with laser treatments. Beware of:
* Pricey fees per treatment. Costs range from $150 for spot tests, $225 for lips, $350 for bikini lines and $600 for two lower legs.
* Stinging or pain during the procedure.
* Temporary redness in the treated areas.
* Light or dark changes in skin tone that last up to seven or eight weeks after a procedure.
Facial Hair Removal For Females
First of all - Shaving facial hair with a wet razor is NOT to even be considered by females. These hairs grow back very quickly and appear thicker. There are several other forms of facial hair removal much more suitable.
Facial hair most often appears on females first during puberty, but it's almost always very fine and light. It isn't until after the age of thirty five that it gets darker and coarser. If facial hair begins to make her feel self conscious, then facial hair removal becomes an important issue for females.
Female facial hair most often appears over the lip and on the chin, but many females have a wealth of unwanted hair on their jaw, cheeks and neck. Fortunately, there are a number of facial hair removal methods to help.
All females need to consult with a physician to determine the underlying cause of their hair growth before deciding on a facial hair removal method.
For some females, pregnancy or nursing can increase facial hair. Any facial hair removal methods that involve energy, chemicals or drugs really shouldn't be used during these conditions.
For some females, a high level of androgen, a steroid hormone that controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics, can be creating facial hair. Prescription oral medications from a medical specialist is the best facial hair removal method in this case.
There are topical creams, available only by prescription, that inhibit the growth of new hairs. But the latest research reports that only about half of the females who have used these have found them to be a worthwhile facial hair removal method.
Some females have used facial hair removal creams or lotions. Unfortunately, many get pimples in reaction to the chemicals.
Waxing is considered by many females to be a clean, fast and easy facial hair removal method. It can remove facial hair for up to 6 weeks. But, many females experience an unpleasant rash that lasts for quite a while in reaction to the hairs being literally yanked out.
Electrolysis is a most unpleasant form of facial hair removal because it involves inserting a needle into the follicle, the depression from which the hair emerges, of each individual hair. Understandably, this causes swelling, redness, some scabbing, and even scarring. Electrolysis requires using a topical anesthetic. But many females have it done.
Facial hair removal by electrolysis is expensive. Usually, it needs to be done regularly on a weekly or monthly basis, for 1 or 2 years to achieve final results at a rate of $25 to $100 per hour.
Hundreds of scientific articles have been published in medical literature stating that facial hair removal by electrolysis is permanent, but - There's also scientific evidence that regrowth does occur when a new root cell is formed in the same area.
The latest facial hair removal method females are using is laser hair removal. This process involves a focused beam of laser light being absorbed by the melanin, pigment, in dark hair, to damage or disable the follicle and at least slow down the growth of the hair.
While laser facial hair removal is not as painful as electrolysis, do speak with the attending physician about using a topical anesthetic.
Laser facial hair removal is capable of affecting hundreds of hair follicles at one time, making it a much quicker process than electrolysis. Usually, only 2 to 4 treatments are needed to effectively remove hair.
There are reports of laser hair removal treatments eliminating thirty to forty percent of facial hair for as long as a year - But, at least here in the United States, it's illegal to claim laser facial hair removal is permanent.
Tweezing is probably the facial hair removal method most often used by females. And while it's okay to use tweezers for eyebrows, it really isn't okay for other female facial hair. It's painful, time consuming, (usually needing to be done on a daily basis), and over time, tweezing can damage the skin.
These then, are the most used facial hair removal methods available for females.
Facial Hair Removal For Females
First of all - Shaving facial hair with a wet razor is NOT to even be considered by females. These hairs grow back very quickly and appear thicker. There are several other forms of facial hair removal much more suitable.
Facial hair most often appears on females first during puberty, but it's almost always very fine and light. It isn't until after the age of thirty five that it gets darker and coarser. If facial hair begins to make her feel self conscious, then facial hair removal becomes an important issue for females.
Female facial hair most often appears over the lip and on the chin, but many females have a wealth of unwanted hair on their jaw, cheeks and neck. Fortunately, there are a number of facial hair removal methods to help.
All females need to consult with a physician to determine the underlying cause of their hair growth before deciding on a facial hair removal method.
For some females, pregnancy or nursing can increase facial hair. Any facial hair removal methods that involve energy, chemicals or drugs really shouldn't be used during these conditions.
For some females, a high level of androgen, a steroid hormone that controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics, can be creating facial hair. Prescription oral medications from a medical specialist is the best facial hair removal method in this case.
There are topical creams, available only by prescription, that inhibit the growth of new hairs. But the latest research reports that only about half of the females who have used these have found them to be a worthwhile facial hair removal method.
Some females have used facial hair removal creams or lotions. Unfortunately, many get pimples in reaction to the chemicals.
Waxing is considered by many females to be a clean, fast and easy facial hair removal method. It can remove facial hair for up to 6 weeks. But, many females experience an unpleasant rash that lasts for quite a while in reaction to the hairs being literally yanked out.
Electrolysis is a most unpleasant form of facial hair removal because it involves inserting a needle into the follicle, the depression from which the hair emerges, of each individual hair. Understandably, this causes swelling, redness, some scabbing, and even scarring. Electrolysis requires using a topical anesthetic. But many females have it done.
Facial hair removal by electrolysis is expensive. Usually, it needs to be done regularly on a weekly or monthly basis, for 1 or 2 years to achieve final results at a rate of $25 to $100 per hour.
Hundreds of scientific articles have been published in medical literature stating that facial hair removal by electrolysis is permanent, but - There's also scientific evidence that regrowth does occur when a new root cell is formed in the same area.
The latest facial hair removal method females are using is laser hair removal. This process involves a focused beam of laser light being absorbed by the melanin, pigment, in dark hair, to damage or disable the follicle and at least slow down the growth of the hair.
While laser facial hair removal is not as painful as electrolysis, do speak with the attending physician about using a topical anesthetic.
Laser facial hair removal is capable of affecting hundreds of hair follicles at one time, making it a much quicker process than electrolysis. Usually, only 2 to 4 treatments are needed to effectively remove hair.
There are reports of laser hair removal treatments eliminating thirty to forty percent of facial hair for as long as a year - But, at least here in the United States, it's illegal to claim laser facial hair removal is permanent.
Tweezing is probably the facial hair removal method most often used by females. And while it's okay to use tweezers for eyebrows, it really isn't okay for other female facial hair. It's painful, time consuming, (usually needing to be done on a daily basis), and over time, tweezing can damage the skin.
These then, are the most used facial hair removal methods available for females.
How the Face and Body Age... and how we can combat the telltale signs
Did you know teenagers and even children can have crow's-feet? Fortunately, however, the signs of aging don't really begin to kick in until our forties. Then it's only human nature to become preoccupied with that middle-aged spread, those wrinkles and jowls. We also start noticing our peers may look older - or younger - than we do.
Toronto area plastic surgeon, Dr. John Taylor observes that Caucasians age faster than Blacks and many Asians because they have thinner skin. And that's the same reason women show signs of aging earlier than men. While aging is inherently genetic, it can be accelerated by our lifestyle. Studies of identical twins prove that smokers and sun worshippers age much more quickly.
"As we get older, many of us lose facial fat and the natural fullness of youth," explains Dr. Otto Weiglein, a plastic surgeon in Burlington, Ontario. "This is particularly noticeable in women two to three years after the onset of menopause."
Skin quality deteriorates over time too; age spots appear, wrinkles and fine lines develop, and skin elasticity weakens. "Collagen becomes disorganized in the deeper layers of the skin, muscle tone declines and there's a sagging of fibrous fatty tissue," says cosmetic facial surgeon Dr. Peter Adamson. "A combination of these different aging factors leads to cheek furrows and jowls, as well as to a deepening of both the nasolabial folds, and the melomental folds or 'marionette lines.' Upper eyelids may droop, and pouches develop underneath the eyes."
But that's not all. "By the age of fifty, most of us wear down 25 per cent of the length of our teeth, so this also detracts from our youthfulness," says Toronto dentist Dr. Ed Philips. The chin and nose are scrunched closer together, the upper lip tends to fold under the teeth and wrinkles at the corner of the mouth are more pronounced.
"When it comes to the body, aging is characterized by a decrease in lean body or muscle mass, and we have a natural tendency to put on fat inside the abdomen where it's harder to get rid of," says Weiglein. Weight issues, pregnancy and breast-feeding can also affect the way we look.
The good news is that there have never been so many cosmetic procedures available to help us look younger. Here's a quick survey of the most popular solutions available:
For the eyelids and forehead
Upper eyelid surgery eliminates baggy lids by excising skin and fat, and lower eyelid surgery minimizes unsightly bags, says Adamson. A forehead lift can create a refreshed look around the eyes by raising a sagging brow. Those horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyes, and crow's-feet can be smoothed by regular injections of BOTOX®.
For the cheeks, jowls and neck
Adamson notes that endoscopic and short scar facelifts deliver more modest results than the SMAS procedure, which improves the jowls and also the upper neck. In his opinion, though, it's the deep-plane facelift that gives the best result because it addresses all the tissues. Ottawa plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryan Callaghan, explains that some of us develop a "turkey neck" where the platysma - those two vertical bands that run from the chin to the collarbone - become more prominent. "In a procedure known as 'platysmal plication,' these bands can be tightened by an incision made under the chin," he says. Liposuction may be performed to reduce a double chin, and in some cases, chin or cheek implants used to achieve more definition.
Non-surgical options include thermage, which uses radio frequency to tighten collagen, and a permanent or semi-permanent filler to reduce less prominent nasolabial folds.
For the lips and teeth
Laser resurfacing, a chemical peel, or a filler can help minimize those vertical "smoker's lines," and lips can be plumped up by a filler or Gortex implants. Increasing the length of your teeth gives better support to the lips, reduces marionette lines at the corners of the mouth and helps lips to look fuller. This can be achieved by veneers, or the latest techniques in bonding. Philips uses a method called "freehand couture bonding" that's less expensive than veneers and usually done in one visit. Tooth whitening rejuvenates teeth that have yellowed with age.
For the nose and ears
Callaghan says that the nose and ears don't actually grow as we age, but they may appear to do so as tissue droops or thickens. But not to worry. "We can elevate the tip of the nose with a rhinoplasty, and trim those sagging earlobes," he says.
For the skin
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments target sun damage like brown spots, yellow areas and broken blood vessels; they are also effective for rosacea. Laser resurfacing, trichloroacetic and phenol peels work on fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, as well as improving skin texture and elasticity. Depending on size, spider veins can be treated by laser or by a process called 'sclerotherapy.'
For the hands
Callaghan observes that aging hands may be improved by rejuvenation techniques and fat injections, but he cautions that results are mixed.
For the breasts
"Drooping breasts can be rejuvenated with a breast lift," says Weiglein. "Depending on where the nipple lies, this could also be combined with an augmentation." A woman whose breasts have become heavier with age may choose breast reduction, or a man may have gynecomastia. If this sounds strange, Taylor explains that older men on hormone therapy for prostate cancer may develop breasts, which can be reduced by surgery or ultrasonic liposuction.
For love handles and sagging abdomens
Liposuction can be used to slim down body fat, but Weiglein observes that a good result depends on our skin elasticity: "After the late forties, skin won't shrink reliably," he says. Abdominoplasty can be done on both men and women. "Excess skin and fat are removed, and if the rectus abdominus muscles are separated, they can be sutured together," explains Taylor. "Your best defense is good posture, staying at a normal weight and doing sit ups."
For the arms, thighs and buttocks
Some older women develop hanging flesh on the upper arms. If skin elasticity is good, liposuction can be done. Otherwise, skin and fat may be excised in a procedure called a brachioplasty. Sagging buttocks and thighs can be surgically lifted too, says Taylor. But these procedures are not commonly done because they leave long scars, and a buttock lift or thighplasty involves a recovery period of two to three weeks.
Last, but not least, there's cellulite. It affects the majority of women and accelerates as we age. Liposuction won't help, unfortunately. But non-surgical techniques like endermologie, which uses suction and pressure, and mesotherapy, which injects vitamins and medication into the middle layer of the skin, help to improve those dimply thighs.
Laser Hair Removal in Chicago - Illinois Laser Hair Removal
The Most Effective Laser Hair Removal Chicago in Illinois
That is what you are after, right? You would like to find the specialist that you can walk into, have the treatment and leave without having virtually any hair left on your body. Its done, then. No more shaving and cutting yourself. No more messy creams that doesn’t always work but always seem to burn you. No more painful waxing sessions that leave you read as a beat. But, the fact is, finding the Illinois laser hair removal specialists is a little more complicated than just that.
Choosing A Chicago Laser Hair Removal Specialist
There are many people out there that want to provide services to you. Some you will find in a spa or even in a salon. Others you will need to go to cosmetic doctors to seek out. Laser hair removal in Chicago is not hard to come by. But, that doesn’t meant hat the company that you first select out of the telephone directory is the right company for you. And, you should never go with the lowest costing one either. Here are some things that you need to ask for in order to determine which the right selection for you is.
* The most important thing to look for in the company that you choose is their effectiveness. If you walk in to have the procedure done, what are your chances that you will walk out and not have to come back? Most people do need second or even more treatments but you need to know how effective they are from the start.
* What about experience? The company that you go with needs to provide you with a technician that knows their job. The more experience that they have, the most likely they will provide you with high quality results from the start. And, you should know what quality their experience is as well. Just because they have done this thirty times doesn’t mean that they were all done well.
* Laser hair removal Chicago area specialists need to provide you with up front information about costs and schedules. Get it in writing as well!
Finding quality laser hair removal in Chicago is not hard when you do your research beforehand.
Laser Hair Removal Basics
Unsightly hair can make both men and women uncomfortable about their appearance, and constant shaving and waxing can be a burden, not to mention the constant irritation. For this reason, Americans seek permanent laser assisted removal at a rate of more than half a million treatments per year.
How It's Done
Laser hair removal works when light energy penetrates the skin, converts into heat during penetration, and causes thermal injury to the hair follicle. The high temperature reaches and disables the follicle, effectively inhibiting re-growth. This process can be accomplished only during the growth stage of hair. Because hair grows in cycles and not all follicles are at the same stage at the same time, laser removal is done in sessions in order to achieve the best results.
In some instances a topical anesthesia or numbing cream can be used, but this often not necessary, as pain is minimal. Total surgery can be as short as ten minutes or as long as an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated.
Technology
There are many different lasers that have been approved for hair removal. When the FDA grants approval for such lasers, they are approved to permanently reduce hair growth, not permanently remove. This is because hair can re-grow in some cases when it is not treated during the appropriate stage. You can check the approval of a specific laser on the FDA Web site.
Recovery / Post Op
After the procedure the treated area may appear slightly red or swollen. This can be remedied with cream or ointment. Return to normal activities can take place immediately, however sun exposure should be avoided. Within the first few weeks, hair will appear in the treated area, this is dead hair that is falling out. The hair can be shaved, but bleaching or waxing should be avoided.
Complications
For the most part, laser hair removal is safe and effective. In some instances there can be changes in pigmentation, or blistering, scaring, or burning will occur, however these are almost always temporary.
Am I A Candidate
To be considered a candidate, the basic rule of thumb is that your hair must be darker than your skin. The best candidates are fair-skinned individuals with brown or black hair. Blonde, red, or gray hair does not respond as well to laser removal.
Cost
The cost of laser hair removal will vary depending on the size of the treated area. The national average surgeon fee for 2003 was $429 per session according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Doctors typically advise that their patients undergo a treatment schedule of four sessions.
Unwanted Female Facial Hair - Most Common Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Female Facial Hair Buzz:
Before the development of lasers for hair removal, both women and men have fruitlessly tried to rid themselves permanently of unwanted hair. They have done so essentially since the discovery that fire provided warmth. Through the ages, to preserve their femininity, women have battled hair on the chin or dark hairs on their upper lip. Unwanted facial hair for woman is not merely a matter of vanity. For a significant number of women, this hair growth is a symptom of a medical condition needing treatment.
Causes of unwanted facial hair:
For most women with dark or course facial hair, the cause is simply of hereditary origin. However, an estimated 5 to 10 percent of American women – several million – suffer from hirsutism, a hormonal imbalance and symptom of elevated blood levels of male androgens. Produced by the adrenal glands or the ovaries, this elevated level of androgens causes male pattern hair growth on women. In the U.S., hirsutism is common and is estimated to occur in 1 in 20 women of reproductive age.
Darkly-pigmented white individuals of either sex tend to be more hirsute than blond or fair-skinned people. Hirsutism is difficult to evaluate in women who have blond hair or who already have undergone cosmetic treatments.
The onset of hirsutism can begin at any age and is progressive. Most often, symptoms develop during a woman’s childbearing years. Regardless of the cause and age of the woman, the condition needs to be addressed. In addition to treating the cause, the unwanted facial hair can be cleared by use of the appropriate laser, even if the hormonal imbalance is resistant to correction.
The most widespread hormonal problem in women with excessive facial hair is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder, which affects approximately 6 percent of women of reproductive age throughout the country. A woman diagnosed with PCOS does not ovulate regularly and, therefore, has irregular periods. These women tend to be obese but not always. The woman may also be considered “infertile," be insulin resistant, and often is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In addition, she may suffer with adult facial acne.
For most women with PCOS, hair on the upper lip, chin hair and neck hair becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms or legs, and more hair growing in the pubic region, abdomen, chest or back are also possible.
The specific cause or causes of PCOS are still unknown. Treatment is difficult and, as yet, there is no known cure. In spite of the problems associated with the syndrome, facial laser hair removal has been very effective in the long-term facial hair reduction for women with PCOS. Ideal Image has successfully achieved long-term hair reduction for more than 300 women with this condition in the Tampa Bay area alone.
Another common cause for women developing unwanted facial hair is the inevitable process of aging. As women age, production of the female hormone estrogen lessens, and their male hormone production develops a relative predominance. It’s a perfectly normal condition of womens’ bodies. However, it does often result in darker hair growth on the face. As women age, facial hairs convert from the essentially invisible vellus hairs, which generally covers their faces most of their lives, to the larger, more obtrusive, thick and pigmented terminal hairs.
Dark hair does not discriminate by age. “Mustache" hair and long facial sideburns are usually hereditary and present on the faces of many pre-teen and teenage girls. While laser hair removal is not generally performed on females under the age of 14, special circumstances can sometimes be made after a full consultation with a physician.
No gray hair, no peach fuzz:
Women interested in facial laser hair removal must seek treatment while their hair is still naturally dark. Once the hair turns gray, it cannot be treated by laser, even if it is dyed. The laser works by targeting the melanin in the hair, which gives hair its dark color. The absence of melanin in gray hair prevents the laser from “seeing" that hair. If one dyes the gray hair, the laser may temporarily destroy the hair on only the skin’s surface. Dye does not penetrate the skin and thus the laser energy cannot reach the hair root for permanent destruction.
Light, fine “peach-fuzz" hair is common on the faces of many women. This hair is normal and generally cannot be removed by any laser. Today’s most sophisticated lasers use light that targets the pigment in a hair and its follicle. Consequently gray, white, blonde and some red hairs do not respond to this treatment.
