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Hair Removal:
Electrolysis v. Laser Treatment
Hair on the
face and body may be natural and normal, but women don’t like it. And the
paradox is that with age, hair on the head gets thinner as facial hair
increases. Of course it’s all to do with hormones – in this case, more
testosterone and less oestrogen. So what can you do about it?
Shaving makes hair seem coarser and produces
stubble. Waxing is painful and unsuitable for the face. Creams do work but
have to be used regularly. The ideal solution is to get rid of the hairs
permanently, and there is only one method, electrolysis, though laser
treatment may be an alternative.
Electrolysis
How it works: Fine needles are used to
penetrate each single hair. An electric current passes through the needle to
destroy the hair follicles, one at a time. There are three
main systems of electrolysis, Short Wave Diathermy, Galvanism and a
combination of the two. These use either heat or a chemical reaction, or
both. Choice depends on type of skin and hair, and a qualified practitioner
will advise on this.
Advantages:
A permanent treatment in the long run.
Disadvantages: A slow process, as each
hair must be treated. Some people will find the treatment slightly
painful. Many hairs will regrow, though more finely, and have to be treated
a second or even third time. Because of this, the treatment can be costly,
with a 15 minute session costing around £15. Treatment usually takes
several months, with sessions once every 6 weeks. Can irritate sensitive
skin and even cause scarring in the hands of someone unqualified. Choose a
practitioner who is on one of the professional registers – see below.
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light
How they work: With standard lasers,
a beam of light is focussed on the hairs and this weakens hair
follicles. The treatment is most suitable for people with light skin and
dark hairs as it is the pigment of the hair that is affected. Intense Pulsed
Light (IPL) may be offered under a brand name such as Epilight. This uses a
particular type of light thought to be more effective than standard lasers,
especially on people with light coloured hairs or darker skin.
Advantages: Quicker, with a large area
of hair treated in a single session, therefore more suitable for leg as well
as facial hair, though several sessions are usually required.
Disadvantages: Results are very variable
and not usually permanent. Studies show that a range of 10 per cent up to 80
per cent of hair treated will regrow after a year. Some people experience no
hair change and there is concern that some salons claim permanent hair
removal rather than ‘reduction’. Neither laser nor IPL work well on blonde
or red hair. The treatments are expensive – could be £300 or more for facial
hair, around £1,200 for legs. Sensations during treatment may be a mild
sting or heat, and the skin may be red or swollen afterwards.
If used incorrectly, lasers and IPL can burn and
scar, and alter the pigment of skin.
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A vast industry is out there to help with all and
every beauty concern. In this column every month laterlife.com will report on ideas
and products, old and new. All with the focus on maturity of course.
