Laser Hair Removal Info
by K Bills


Laser hair removal was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Laser and light-based methods are sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation.

In addition to lasers, some light-based epilators use a xenon flashlamp which emits full-spectrum intense pulsed light (IPL).

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.

Hair removal lasers selectively targets one of three chromophores:

* Carbon, which is introduced into the hair follicle by rubbing a carbon-based lotion into the skin following waxing (this lotion is an "exogenous chromophore"). When irradiated by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, the carbon causes a shock wave capable of mechanically damaging nearby cells. This method has been abandoned since it does not cause permanent loss. (It has been replaced with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser which targets endogenous melanin in the follicle.)

* Hemoglobin, which occurs naturally in blood (it gives blood its red color). It preferentially absorbs wavelengths from argons, and to a lesser extent from rubies, alexandrites, and diodes. It minimally absorbs the Nd:YAG laser wavelength. Hemoglobin is not a primary target for laser hair removal.

* Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed.

Laser parameters that affect Laser Hair Removal results

Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation. These lasers are usually defined by the lasing medium used to create the wavelength (measured in nanometers (nm)):

* Argon: 488 or 514.5 nm * Ruby: 694 nm * Alexandrite: 755 nm * Pulsed diode array: 810 nm * Nd:YAG: 1064 nm

Pulsewidth is an important consideration. It has been observed in some published studies that longer pulsewidths are safer in darker skin.

Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the width of the ideal beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Most lasers have a round spot about the size of your little finger (8-10 mm).

Fluence or energy level is another important consideration. Fluence is measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm2).

Repetition rate is believed to have a cumulative effect, based on the concept of thermal relaxation time. Shooting two or three pulses at the same target with a specific delay between pulses can cause a slight improvement in the heating of an area.

Epidermal cooling has been determined to allow higher fluences and reduce pain and side effects, especially in darker skin.

Four types of cooling have been developed:

* Clear gel: usually chilled * Contact cooling: through a window cooled by circulating water * Cryogen spray: immediately before/after the laser pulse * Air cooling: forced cold air at -34 degrees C (Zimmer Cryo 5 unit)

Multiple treatments have been shown in numerous studies to be more effective for long-term reduction of hair. Current parameters suggest a series of treatments spaced at 1 month for the face, 2 months for the chest and 3 months for the legs.

Other uses

Hair removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (commonly called ingrown hairs or "shaving bumps"). For darker skin patients with black hair, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a cooling tip can be safe and effective when used by an experienced practitioner.

They have recently been reported as helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts, since they eliminate the ingrown hairs that produce the troublesome foreign body reactions in this congenital malady.

More info here: Laser Hair Removal

Which Is The Right Hair Removal Treatment For You?
by Nicola Kennedy

Here is what you need to ask yourself first about hair removal treatments:

Where is the hair to be removed? Both generalized as well as specifically determine which area or if all areas are to be treated.

What level of intensity will you need? For some, hereditary factors contribute to the growth, re-growth rate as well as the thickness of the hair. Determine if you have situations where you will likely need more treatments than others.

Can you withstand a little pain? Some of the hair removal treatment options that you have do require some pain. For example, waxing and electrolysis are two methods of hair removal that you can consider. But, both of these do offer some pain, even though it is quite temporary. Can you handle it?

What budget do you have for hair removal treatments? These can be quite costly and they can require several treatments, making them even more costly than you thought. What can you do to remove hair from your body? What can you afford to spend on treatments? This will ultimately determine which method you use for hair removal. One example is laser hair removal. It will cost you several thousand dollars to effectively have your hair removed because you'll need several treatments done.

Do you want permanent or temporary hair removal? If you are looking for long term results, then the best methods for you to consider are both laser hair removal treatments as well as electrolysis treatments. Both have show to be significant in their abilities to remove hair. They do this through destroying the follicle's ability to produce hair. That makes them as permanent as can be. Neither method is 100% accurate for everyone, but this is the best permanent method of choice.

Choose the method that fits your needs the best. While permanent solutions seem like the right way to go, if you can not afford it, then look in another direction. Choose the hair removal treatment that fits all of your needs.

There are many online resources that can help you with information about hair removal.


As a beauty consultant Nicola Kennedy is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for Epilator Resources, Views and Information to help you choose the best epilator for you.

The Truth About Hair Removal for Women
article written by Pam Kaur


I'm going to tell you a secret about hair removal that the beauty industry doesn't want you to know. Are you ready? Ok, here it is.

The is no single method of hair removal that is better than any other, and whichever one you choose will have major drawbacks.

It may not be earth-shattering, but this piece of information will save you years of pointless worrying. For example, how many times have we been told not to pluck or shave facial hairs? And what about choosing between shaving and waxing our legs? If you want the truth, don't expect to find it in the media. Big companies spend thousands every year extolling the virtues of their products, and magazines will print whatever they say without question. Why can't you use a razor to get rid of your chin hairs? Because it's cheaper than using depilatory cream, not because it's bad for you. In fact, the cream might even be worse for you!

Surely beauty professionals can help you decide? Sorry, you're out of luck there. The laser industry and electrolysis associations are at each others throats, sugaring professionals look down their noses at therapists who wax and let's not even get started on threading!

Whichever method you decide to go for should be based on one factor alone; how it affects you. If waxing gives you ingrowns, try something else. If laser didn't work then grit your teeth at the money you spent and move on. Weigh up the pros and cons of each method and see if it fits into you life and budget. Don't be swayed by gushing copy or by what you have gleaned from the many messageboards for beauty. You know your own body better than anyone, so trust your judgement.

Pam Kaur runs the popular website Beautystartup for beauty therapy professionals.

Discovering Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
by Samantha Diamond


Until recently, shaving, plucking, waxing, and electrolysis were the only methods of removing unwanted hair. In the early 1990's, the first reports of using laser energy to selectively damage and disable actively growing hair follicles were published, and since the mid 1990's, laser hair removal has become the "Gold Standard" for the management of unwanted hair.

People started to crave for the newly discovered laser hair removal, but as they undertook the treatment they found out several side effects. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the side effects are only temporary.

There are several laser hair removal systems available today, but they all work using the principal of selective photothermolysis, in which a carefully timed pulse of laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed and converted to heat energy at the hair follicle.

Because longer wavelength laser light penetrates deepest, the most common lasers used are the Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers, all red or infrared lasers. The bottom line, all of these may be the cause for some side effects that a patient may experience.

The possibility exists that some side effects of laser hair removal can be one of the following:

* Redness- this could be an initial side effect on the part of the client after undergoing the laser hair removal which is usually caused by the heat that transpires on the skin to the hair follicles.

* Swelling- this complements the redness of the patient's skin after treatment.

* Itching- it is commonly experienced by the patients during treatment sessions.

* Pain, tingling, or feeling of numbness (cold spray) - this is why the surgeons advised the patients not to apply any cream prior to the treatment that may cause their numbness.

* Crusting/scab formation (on ingrown hairs).

* Bruising- this is noted to be one of the rarest cases being brought up by the patients after the laser hair removal treatment.

* Purpura (Purple Coloring of the skin) on tanned areas- the laser hair removal is not that advisable for individual who have tanned skin because this is the most crucial problem that they could encounter after treatment.

* Temporary pigment change- it could be classified as either hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation on the client's skin.

Although there are some risks in laser hair removal treatment, there are still other clients who have tested the treatment that have described it as simply as having a feeling of being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, but some areas of the body are more sensitive than others which is why they experience these side effects. This is very normal even with other forms of skin treatments.

Immediate side effects if any are frequently minor and short lived. Most people return to their normal activities right away.

People should not be upset if there are some side effects brought by the laser hair removal because the lasers that are used at out-clinic are non-invasive and are designed to be gentle enough to treat an individual's sensitive skin and effective enough to remove even a man's beard or back hair. Each has an active cooling system to gently treat hair while protecting the appearance of the surrounding skin.

Even though there are a few side effects with laser hair removal we must bear in mind that these are unavoidable, and for most people the outcome still outweighs this annoyance.

http://www.laser-body-hair-removal.info offers the latest advice on laser hair removal treatment. If you're thinking about have this procedure done it's very important to know what works.

Body Hair Removal Quick Tips
by Greg Mauro


Removing unwanted hair from the body is a much required and disliked process. In a world where personal hygiene and appearances are given so much importance body hair removal is almost a necessity and not a choice. So what are the body hair removal quick tips that will ensure fairly painless and convenient hair removal.

Body Hair Removal Quick Tips vary according to the method of hair removal that you are selecting:

Laser Hair Removal
This is perhaps the most advance technique of hair removal which uses laser energy to inhibit hair follicles.

1. Choose a reputed laser hair removal clinic and talk to the doctor about various issues such as whether your skin tone is suitable for the process, amount of discomfort involved, etc.

2. If your skin is darker then you may be advised to bleach beforehand the area from where hair has to be removed.

3. Avoid tanning the skin before a laser hair removal session.

4. You are allowed to shave off the body hair before laser hair removal as it is the hair follicle that is going to be treated and not the body hair. So unlike waxing you don't have to wait for the hair to grow a certain amount before you wax.

5. Mild discomfort may accompany the treatment and can be resolved by the use of a mild antiseptic lotion or gel.

6. The treatment requires a minimum of 2-3 sittings so schedule appointments in advance.

7. Ensure that you use a sunscreen of SPF 15 and higher after you have had laser hair removal.

8. Pay heed to the doctor's advice and instructions.

Waxing
This method uses natural wax or that made from sugar for hair removal. The wax is applied on the skin and a strip over it. Then it is massaged on and removed in one quick motion.

1. Pre waxed strips make the whole process convenient and quick. These strips come with ready to use wax sandwiched between and only need to be applied on the area you want to remove hair from rubbed on properly and then pulled off. They make the whole process of waxing neat and not messy.

2. For delicate areas such as the face use facial wax strips only.

3. If you are using wax that needs to be kept at a certain temperature ensure that it is warm enough. The warmth of the wax is conducive to body hair removal.

4. If the skin is red after waxing treating it with ice will reduce the discomfort.

5. Apply a mild topical antiseptic if the painful aspect of waxing puts you off.

6. After waxing apply a non-alcoholic toner preferably one with the healing powers of aloe vera or chamomile.

7. Do not wax on acne affected areas.

Shaving

1. Use a gender appropriate razor. A razor made for women is styled in a feminine fashion and will help avoid nicks and cuts.

2. Use the razor in smooth and long strokes against the hair, this will reduce any cuts.

3. Afterwards wash the shaved area well and moisturise.

Depilatories

1. Test the depilatory on your skin a day in advance before use on the rest of the body to ensure that there is no reaction.

2. Wash well to remove all hair and the effect of the chemicals.

3. Moisturise the skin with a lotion that will keep the skin soft and supple.

4. The problem with depilatories is that the hair reappears soon, so have a fixed routine for hair removal.

Electrolysis

1. Ensure that you make your appointments well in advance.

2. Check if the centre will provide the use of a topical aesthetic.

3. Read up on the entire process so that you know exactly what you are getting into.

http://www.laserhair-removalnews.com is your one-stop site for all information regarding laser hair removal procedures. With the most update articles and news feeds, you' can find information as it is published.

Permanent Hair Removal And Laser Hair Removal
article written by Sue Taylor


Laser hair removal is a new cosmetic technique aimed to remove unwanted body or facial hair permanently using light energy. It is a new and improved alternative to shaving, tweezing, waxing and using all sorts of chemicals to remove hair. Laser hair removal is also a less time consuming procedure than other techniques, such as electrolysis. It can remove hair from several areas at the same time. Permanent hair removal can be used on legs, chest or back, as well as some facial areas, such as eyebrows or lips.

Laser Hair Removal Candidates

The best candidates for permanent hair removal are individuals with fair skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal is less effective on red or blond hair and has better effects on coarse rather than fine hair. Several treatments are required and patients have to be willing to spend a lot of time on this procedure. Treatments are performed within a period of several months. The number of treatments required for facial hair removal varies from one patient to another. The best candidates have to be both mentally and physically healthy and share realistic expectations on the probable results of laser hair removal.

Permanent Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Doctors use one of several laser types for a permanent hair removal procedure, including the diode laser and the Q-switched Nd: Yag. For patients who have dark-colored skin, they often apply a bleaching cream to increase the chances of high effectiveness. An anesthetic cream is applied to the skin surface after it is shaved and cleaned. Then pulses of laser light send energy into the pigment of the hair shaft, thus damaging the surrounding follicle. Some surgeons use a carbon lotion, which responds to the laser wavelength and helps with stopping the hair from growing.

The Risks of Laser Hair Removal

Even though permanent hair removal is usually safe, there are some side effects that might occur in some cases. Among these side effects there is the darkening or lightening of the skin surface that has been treated. Darker skin is associated with a higher risk of changing its pigment, so tanning before the laser treatment should be avoided. Another possible side effect is burning and blistering. The risk of these side effects can be decreased by following carefully the cosmetic surgeon's advices and instructions.

Length of Permanent Hair Removal Treatment

Your hairs are probably not all in the same growth stage at a given time. Generally, two-thirds of all hairs are growing, while the others are in a resting phase. Therefore, several laser hair removal treatments are required in order to get the desired effects. On average, three sessions are needed in order to remove all the hair from one area. Treatment sessions are usually scheduled at least one month apart to ensure the remaining hair will be back in the growth phase and can be removed during the next procedure. The length of one session depends on whether it is performed for body or facial hair removal and the size of the area that will be treated. The necessary amount of time for one session ranges between five minutes and one hour.

Permanent laser hair removal is a revolutionary cosmetic procedure that provides a lot of benefits and releases you from worrying about unaesthetic body hair and depilation. However, in order to reduce the probability of unwanted side effects, you have to make sure you choose a high-qualified cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure.


About the Author
Sue Taylor is the webmaster of several sites dedicated to removing unwanted hair permanently. Refer to http://www.permanenthairremovalsite.com and http://www.laserhairremovalpage.com

Nose And Ear Hair Removal For Men
Article written by C Mueller


Nose hair and ear hair removal can be a common form of hair removal for men especially as we get older.

Typically guys settle for temporary methods of hair removal for both nose hair and ear hair and often choose to remove hair manually perhaps with tweezers.

Another method that might be a bit more palatable is to buy a nose hair and ear hair trimmer. There are many products to choose from and can often be used for other hair removal such as removing hair on the back of your neck, getting rid of your unibrow and for trimming your sideburns.

While a nose hair and ear hair trimmer is a short term fix and may only remove the hair for a few days or perhaps weeks, it shouldn't be a painful experience if done properly and is usually relatively quick to complete.

Plus, a decent nose hair and ear hair trimmer start at about $20 for a decent one that is battery operated so it's pretty cheap too.

Given the precarious location of nose hair and ear hair, the options for hair removal are somewhat more limited than other body parts that might be treatable with other longer-lasting options.

You might find a laser hair removal practitioner that is willing to offer ear hair removal but when it comes to nose hair removal, you're probably stuck with shorter-term options like the ones mentioned above.

Having said that, nose hair and ear hair are generally confined to relatively small areas so using an electric trimmer to deal with the unwanted hair in question can usually do the trick when done carefully.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

Types of Lasers for Hair Removal - Choosing the Right One
Article written by Alli Ross


There are many different types of lasers used in laser hair removal. Each one caters to different skin and hair types. Your doctor should be able to tell you which laser is best for you. However, in the meantime, here are some helpful guidelines.

Listed below are some of the most common laser types and their wavelength. Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation. The wavelength is measured in nanometers (nm).

* Argon: 488 or 514.5 nm * Ruby: 694 nm * Alexandrite: 755 nm * Pulsed diode array: 810 nm * Nd:YAG: 1064 nm

These different wavelengths have allowed people with a variety of skin types to have successful experiences with laser hair removal.

Pulsewidth is also an important consideration. It has been observed in some published studies that longer pulsewidths are safer in darker skin.

Wavelength is another critical factor. Longer wavelengths are safer in darker skin.

Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the width of the ideal beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Most lasers have a round spot about the size of your little finger (8-10 mm).

By now, you might be wondering if this procedure is painful. Well, I can't lie to you, there is some pain involved. However, for most people it is extremely tolerable. Most people compare it to being snapped by rubber bands.

Fortunately, there are many methods of easing the pain. Epidermal cooling has been determined to allow higher fluences and reduce pain and side effects, especially in darker skin. Four types of cooling systems have been developed:

* Clear gel: usually chilled * Contact cooling: through a window cooled by circulating water * Cryogen spray: immediately before/after the laser pulse * Air cooling: forced cold air at -34 degrees C (Zimmer Cryo 5 unit)

Make sure that your clinic employs some time of cooling system. If needed, your doctor can also give you some topical anasthetic.

You will need multiple treatments for optimal results. Multiple treatments have been shown in numerous studies to be more effective for long-term reduction of hair. Current parameters suggest a series of treatments spaced at 1 month for the face, 2 months for the chest and 3 months for the legs.

Look for a clinic that has a highly experienced and caring staff. With the right guidance and treatments, you could soon be on your way to smooth skin.

About the Author
To find out more about whether laser hair removal is right for you, visit the Laser Hair Removal Portal . Your days of tweezing, waxing, and shaving may soon be over.

What should I expect after a laser hair removal treatment?
article written by Andrew Kotler


Most people who have undergone laser hair removal treatment generally have had very little to complain about, but you never can tell.

After the laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may be red or pink and feel similar to a sunburn, though it is always short lived and not much cause for concern.

Some people reported swollen lines or bumps formed by the death and scarring of the follicles by the light energy of the laser beam. This too will fade out in no time.

A small amount of swelling is considered as normal. These reactions will resolve within 24 hours.

Abnormal reactions that may occur after treatments are severe redness, pain, breaks in the surface of the skin, drainage, and severe itching.

If any of these adverse reactions develop in the first 24 hours, you should contact your physician or clinic immediately and avoid scratching, picking or putting any cream or medication onto the treated area.

Around 3-10 days after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are falling out. It is not re-growth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin.

You will need to refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching between laser hair removal treatments (although shaving is allowed). You may want to use a loofah or glove to help remove the hair as it falls out. Results may vary based on skin tone, hair follicles, and growth stage.

About the Author
If you want to know more about laser hair removal visit Laser Hair Removal Faq website!

Hair Removal: Hair Removal for Men
article by Tamra Cantar


Hair Removal: Hair Removal for Men

The New Man and His Unwanted Hair

Believe it or not, you could soon be trotting along for a bikini wax with your girlfriend. Well, maybe not the full Brazilian. But if the word in the tanning salon is to be believed, hair removal for men is well and truly on the rise.

It's not just swimmers, bodybuilders and male strippers in those gross animal print thongs who are saying goodbye to their unwanted hair - men of all ages and backgrounds are doing away with their fuzz. And why not? It's more hygienic, it leaves your skin silky smooth, and with so many procedures and professionals waiting to oblige, it seems unfair to let the girls keep all these hair removal secrets to themselves.

Some clinics say that at least 50% of their laser hair removal clients are men. Most want the hair gone from their chests, backs and legs. Some want the necessity of shaving their faces in the morning (and sometimes the afternoon as well) to be a thing of the past. With increasing pressures on time, many new products are marketed to exactly that.

The nose, ears and between the eyebrows can also be problem spots for guys. While the perfect arch may not on top of many men's to-do list, stars like David Beckham and Johnny Depp, with their suspiciously slaved-over looking brows (not a mono- or uni-brow in sight) certainly add to the pressure men already feel to look the part.

Men are also targeting the back of the neck, their pubic area, toes and knuckles. They're not necessarily going for full-on treatments like laser, electrolysis or even waxing (men's pain thresholds aren't what they're cracked up to be!) but they are looking into alternatives to shaving. Shaving can cause razor burn which is very irritating, and it's hardly a long-term solution anyway. Plus, there are some areas which simply need closer attention. While men are finding their feminine sides, and still on the look out for practicality and cost-effectiveness, it's no wonder the tides are turning.

For some men though, evolution will always win out. Why bother to wax your legs or your eyebrows, when your kids and grandkids will probably look back and wonder what the hell you were doing. Well, don't speak to fast. Repeated waxing or laser treatment can weaken a follicle so much that it grows back very finely, if at all. Give this kind of treatment a few years, and the next generation may not have the problem to begin with. So think of your poor unborn son and his dad's uni-brow while you consider whether or not to start waxing. You're riding an evolutionary wave as we speak!

If you're a guy and it's all sounding a bit too girly for your taste, fair enough. You're entitled to your hair (and you're lack of sexy smoothness!). But if hair removal could be the new you, get yourself on Ebay and start tracking down some decent tweezers, check out your local electrologist and raid your girlfriends waxing supplies (she'll thank you in the end, I promise).


About the Author
Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources for hair removal. Visit GoHairRemoval.com for for more information on this topic and other hair removal techniques.

Laser Hair Removal Cost
article written by Andrew Kotler


Laser hair removal cost can vary depending upon a number of factors, and clinics offering deep discounts that often include hidden fees or low-quality treatment for lower prices. Factors affecting cost include size of the treated area, number of treatments, and location of the practice.

The cost for larger areas, such as the legs or the back, is of course significantly higher than for areas such as the lip or the bikini line.

The cost for people with dark hair and lighter skin is usually lower than for other people, because they require fewer treatments.

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388.

Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back.

Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

The fee schedule varies according to the clinic. Generally more than one fee system is available depending on the treated area: flat fee, time fee or fee per pulse.

Clinics offering costs that are significantly lower than their competitors should be investigated with caution. Reduced costs may not include all the fees for the clinic, etc., and unusually low costs can indicate a clinic that cuts corners, resulting in poor results. Paying slightly higher is a good idea if it gives you the desired results.

The purpose of this web site is to provide answers to those people for whom unwanted hair is a real problem.

Before even considering laser hair removal you really need to consult a physician or a clinic performing this procedure to ask questions and get more information on the best results you can obtain with your skin type and hair complexion.

About the Author
If you want to know more about laser hair removal visit Laser Hair Removal Guide website!

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
by Andrew Kotler

The level of pain from laser hair removal technique depends on the person's skin and hair type as well as the pain threshold. Typically, the treatment tends to hurt less for people with lighter skin tones and finer hair. Most people however, tolerate it very well.

Because some areas of the body are more sensitive, you may want to use a topical anesthetic to numb the skin before treatments.

During the laser hair removal treatment, you may feel a slight snapping sensation like a rubber band with an awareness of heat (some people have described the sensation as discomfort rather than pain) but the laser does not produce an open wound or cause any bleeding.

Applying an anesthetic prior to treatment will lessen any discomfort. Tylenol may also be taken a few hours prior to treatment, though most people feel it is unnecessary.

Depending on the type of laser being used, a cool laser tip, gel, or spray is always used to increase comfort. The laser's cooling system provides an additional anesthetic effect.

Many people find that shaving the treatment area a day or two before the session minimizes discomfort. Those who have had sugaring, waxing, or electrolysis in the past usually report less or no discomfort during treatment.

The laser hair removal procedure is generally well tolerated with a mild sensation of heat tingling or stinging.

About the Author
If you want to know more about laser hair removal visit Laser Hair Removal Faq website!

Hair Removal Options - Permanent and Temporary
by Michael Russell

Many consider the removal of unwanted hair to be merely a cosmetic concern. However, the effects of having unwanted or unsightly facial or body hair can result in far reaching emotional and/or social problems. Here we will look at several different methods of hair removal, both temporary and permanent.

Hair can be removed temporarily by either depilation or epilation. Depilation removes the hair above the skin's surface, whereas epilation removes the entire hair including that which is below the skin's surface.

The most notable methods of depilation are shaving, depilatories and friction. Shaving is done manually with either a manual razor or electric shaver. Depilatories are creams or lotions which dissolve hair through the use of chemicals. Friction uses a rough surfaced tool to buff hair off of the skin.

Epilation is longer lasting than depilation and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Epilation is done by tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading or rotary epilators. Tweezing is performed manually and consists of pulling individual hairs out by the root. In waxing, a layer of either hot or cold wax is applied to the skin and then quickly pulled off with strips of cloth. Sugaring is similar to waxing, but uses a "sugary", sticky substance instead of wax. Threading is a method of removing hair by using a twisted thread which catches hairs as it is rolled back and forth on the skin. Rotary epilators are implements which grab hairs and pull them out by the roots. Rotary epilators are often electric or battery-powered and are more efficient than tweezers because they remove many hairs at a time.

In searching for more permanent hair removal, there are several options which have varying degrees of success. There are a number of methods available which use chemicals, electricity or both.

The most highly regarded of these permanent methods is electrolysis. It is the most "permanent" of all the methods when executed properly. A hair-thin metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle without puncturing the skin. Then an electric pulse is sent through the probe to the follicle, which in effect kills the follicle so that it can no longer produce hair.

The next most successful method of hair removal is done with lasers. While some people have reported permanent hair reduction, there isn't much known about how long the reduction typically lasts or how often the reduction truly is permanent.

In laser hair removal or reduction, a specific wavelength of light is transferred from a hand-held wand into the skin. The dark pigment in the hair attracts the laser light. This causes damage to the hair follicle so that new hair growth is diminished or non-existent. There is no damage to the surrounding skin. Dark hair seems to have the higher success rate in removal. Lighter hair does not have as much pigment to attract the light.

There are also various methods of restricting hair growth through the use of prescription medications. These methods need to be discussed with a physician and most require a doctor's prescription. There are a variety of oral medications as well as topical medications which can be used with varying degrees of success in eliminating unwanted hair.

If a person chooses the more permanent routes of electrolysis or laser treatment, he or she should spend some time researching the availability of each in their area. They should then contact several different clinics and gather as much information as possible. It is always a good idea to check out the office or clinic for cleanliness of the establishment and staff. The staff should be friendly and welcome questions.

Ask for rates and payment options. Get a written copy of any guarantee the clinic may make in regards to results and always get a copy of your consultation form. Visit several places offering either electrolysis or laser before making your decision. Doctors are essentially salespeople, too, and they want your business. Make sure you are familiar and comfortable with everything involved before going forward with your treatment.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

by Virginia Wong

There are many different techniques to remove unwanted hair. Some of these include waxing, shaving, coils, electrolysis and laser. Although each has its advantages and disadvantages, they all perform the same function. That is removing unwanted hair.

One such technique that has become quite popular these days is laser hair removal. This technique works by using a laser on the hair at a specified wavelength that emits a specialized light. The light from the laser is passed through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. This light actually targets the melanin (colour) in the hair follicle and damages it, thereby causing the hair to fall out. Interestingly, the use of certain laser for removing hair has been approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the technique is popular, there are advantages and disadvantages of using this method.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal process has advantages in that larger areas can be treated. In addition it is also safe enough to be used on all parts of the body such as the face, back, underarm, bikini line, legs and arms. Compared to electrolysis, it is less painful as the laser only causes a slight burning sensation compared to the needle prick feeling of electrolysis. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is usually long lasting.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

One disadvantage for laser hair removal is that not everyone is the perfect candidate for this type of treatment. Those with lighter skin and dark hair have a much higher chance of permanent hair removal than grey, red or blonde hair. In addition, those with dark skin or who are tanned are also not good candidates as the laser may cause damage to their skin due to high pigment levels. The reason being is that dark hair contains a pigment called eumelanin which effectively absorbs more laser energy and therefore results in more effective destruction of the hair follicle. Due to the higher effectiveness of the treatment towards dark haired fair skin patients, it leads to fewer treatment and is therefore less costly. Other the other hand, grey, red and blonde hair contain a pigment called pheomelanin that absorbs less laser energy reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore extra treatment is required for the same effect. So before you sign up for this treatment, make sure you know the principal of this treatment. If you are not an ideal candidate, be prepared for extra treatment charges.

Laser hair removal is expensive due to the multiple treatments required. The reasons is that hair grows in a cycle that ranges from approximately 6 to 12 weeks and this is the amount of time that it takes hair to grow from the base of the follicle to the surface of the skin. As hair grows during these cycles, only a portion of the hair is being treated during this growth period with each laser treatment. Therefore multiple treatments (approximately four to eight depending upon your colour of your hair and skin) are required during this growth period. This is so that each treatment allows total coverage on all hairs during the various growth cycle. This can range from approximately a four to eight week interval. As discussed above, darked hair patients with fair skin require less treatment.

The average cost per treatment ranges from $500 and about four sessions are required. Again, this number will differ depending upon the size of the area treated and the colour of your skin and hair. To get an exact cost, a consultation on pricing is an individual process and it is best to discuss this with the laser center.

Once you have decided to undertake this treatment, make sure it is performed by an experienced laser treatment centre. Due to different state regulations, there has been varying level of compliance with laser hair removal centres and this has resulted in improper treatment by unskilled clinics. Some states require a doctor to perform the treatment, whilst for others; anyone including "unskilled" personnel can perform the treatment. Read the latest news on laser hair removal for more information. These improper unskilled clinic may result in burns (similar to sunburn), lesions, skin discolouration that can last several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth. One rule to remember is that cheaper is not always the best, so find the best laser hair removal centre around.

For more information visit Laser Hair News and laser hair directory.

The Endless Cycle

The hair grows, you shave and the hair grows back.
Then you wax and pluck, but hair grows back again.
And again.
It's an endless cycle - you shave, you wax, you pluck.

If you are a busy person, you have no time to repeat the process as often as the hair grow claims. Your life style requires to consider some pretty intense treatments to stop or at least to slow this process.

There are many thousands of hair removal products available on the market. All of them declare their full ability to permanently remove hair. But before you sign up be sure to know something about any procedures, such as training of the professional performing the procedure or clients' testimonials.

In the situation of a product that declare permanent hair removal, be interested to read instructions, ingredients and potential side effects and hazards.

If you think that laser surgery is an available option for you, check into the potential for a free consultation. This way you have the opportunity to ask questions related the procedure and to know how long the hair growth will be stopped.