Beauty: How to combat unwanted hair

In men it is normal for hair to grow on the face, which can be quite thick and course particularly when it has been frequently shaved.

Women can have fine downy hair on the face. As hormonal changes can occur towards the menopause, some stronger unwanted hair can grow on the face, this for some women can be quite distressing.

I have already written some skincare tips for shaving and thought I could look at what is available to solve some unwanted hair growth problems. There are more options available since I started out as a Beauty Therapist to combat unwanted hair.

I have met so many people with unwanted hair problems, either on the face or bikini lines and legs where the hair is strong and the skin sensitive.

It is not only a problem for some menopausal women but teenage girls and all ages really. Often these problems can be hormone related, hereditary or caused by medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

I have treated many women who suffer with excessive unwanted hair growth when they suffer from this condition. The good thing now is that there are many ways you can approach deal with the unwanted hair issue and there is a lot of good advice out there.

For some living with excessive hair growth is not an issue for others it can be a big problem, here’s some options:

CHEMICAL DEPILATION

This where an over the counter depilatory cream is applied to chemically remove the hair. This is a very temporary solution as the hair follicle is not targeted and it works on the surface hair. The hair falls out and you can rinse or wipe away.

Advantages:

This is an inexpensive way to remove hair and is easily obtainable as you can purchase the creams from supermarkets and pharmacies. The treatment can be done in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

Disadvantages:

There can be side effects, particularly on sensitive skin such as rashes, blisters, and burns. Not a good idea to use if prone to psoriasis or eczema. The hair can grow back as quickly as shaving and for some the hair can grow back strong and stubbly.

Tips:

• Patch test at least 24 hours before, use on a small area to check for reactions.

• Use the correct cream for the area of the body that you are treating, there maybe ones made especially for the face for instance.

• Read the instructions carefully and follow them as directed.

• Take care not to get the product in your eyes.

SHAVING

This can be done with a disposable razor or an electric shaver, which cuts off the top of the hair.

Advantages:

This is an inexpensive method of hair removal and can be done daily to leave smooth skin.

Shaving can be done easily in the comfort of your own home or accommodation when away.

Disadvantages:

The hair grows back stubbly, and it is a very temporary method of hair removal. There is a high chance of cutting the skin and leaving scars. For people with dark hair a shadow can be left especially for people who’s hair grows back very quickly.

Tips:

• Take time when shaving and keep strokes short and controlled to avoid nicking the skin.

• Use a shaving cream to suit your skincare needs and leave the skin moisturised and smooth.

• Apply an appropriate after care product to reduce skin sensitivity and dry skin.

PROFESSIONAL WAXING, SUGARING, OR TWEEZING

Tweezing is where tweezers are used to pull the hair out of the follicle, this is OK for small areas but not ideal for large, due to the length of time it would take.

Waxing or sugaring uses a warm wax or product to cling on to the hair and the hair is pulled out at the root. This method can cover larger areas than tweezing. You can buy home kits, but I do recommend a professional salon treatment as waxing incorrectly can cause problems such as ingrown hairs.

Advantages:

As the hair is removed from the follicle regrowth is much slower than shaving or depilatory creams.

The hair will grow back more tapered so you shouldn’t feel as stubbly. Sometimes the hair can grow back less for people who have had these methods of hair removal for a long time.

Disadvantages:

Waxing and sugaring can be costly in comparison to shaving.

You have to grow the hair long enough for an effective treatment. It is not always good for a sensitive skin.

The skin can look pink after and can take a couple of days to return to normal. There is a chance of ingrown hairs.

Tips:

• Exfoliate the skin prior to treatment and regularly in between treatments to prevent ingrown hairs.

• Go to a professional who is experienced.

• Follow all after care advice.

ELECTROLYSIS

This hair removal procedure is done using a very fine needle and electrical current. The needle is basically inserted in to the hair follicle following the angle of the hair, the current is then released in to the follicle, to destroy the blood supply to the hair. There are different types of electrolysis. I prefer the Blend method as you mix two types of currents which gives a higher destruction rate. You can also blend the current to suit the clients pain threshold and strength of hair.

Advantages:

Following multiple treatments this can be a very effective method of hair removal and eventually you should have much less hair. It is considered a permanent method of hair removal.

Electrolysis can be done on most parts of the body and can be carried out on most skin types and any hair type or colour including white or grey hairs.

Disadvantages:

It can take many weekly sessions to achieve results which can also be costly however it can be cheaper than laser. Common side effects are pain during the treatment, and redness or irritation for the short term. More rare but serious side effects can be scarring or infected follicles.

Tips:

• Go to an experienced and certified electrologist.

• Follow all aftercare advice and use a good soothing cream.
• Keep the area treated moisturised.
• Have a good consultation and if you are eligible for electrolysis go where there is the Blend treatment not just shortwave diathermy.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL OR IPL

It targets the follicle using heat with light and can treat large or small areas. This has to be done by a fully trained therapist or practitioner. This is a long-term hair removal option and requires multiple treatments.

The treatment works best on clients with light skin and dark hair.

Advantages:

There is no need to grow the hair for this treatment and you often must shave prior to it and can shave in between so that you are hair free. You are not allowed to tweeze or wax in between treatments though.

This is a long-term option and a nice side effect from IPL is that it can strengthen the skin and leave a smooth finish. Hair grows back finer as treatments progress. You do not need to attend as many appointments as electrolysis.

Disadvantages:

Courses of treatments can be costly. Laser or IPL doesn’t work on everyone. Some skins are not suitable for this treatment especially darker skin tones. The treatment does not work on white hair. You must protect your skin from the sun during course of treatment, as you can get un even pigmentation on the skin. Side effects such as redness or skin irritation can occur following the treatmenttemporarily. More serious rare side effects can include burning, blistering and scarring. Treatment can be painful.

Tips:

• Visit a qualified practitioner or therapist.
• Have a consultation and a patch test prior to treatment.
• Follow all after care advice.
• Don’t pluck hairs between treatments.
• Wear a sunscreen.
• Wear loose clothing following the treatment to avoid trapping the heat and causing a reaction.
• Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before the treatment.
• If you cannot follow the aftercare do not have the treatment.

In general, I have found that IPL has been good for hair removal and I often use it in conjunction with electrolysis to treat the white hairs that the laser won’t do.

There are other options such as prescription creams that work to inhibit the hair growth, which can be prescribed by doctor. If you do suffer with polycystic ovary syndrome or other hormonal imbalances then more treatments may be required, and they can take much longer. Talking to your GP is often a good option before deciding the correct treatment.