FACE THE FACTS: Facial hair removal treatments – what’s right for you?
Whether using a traditional or technology based method, one thing’s for sure, facial hair removal is a versatile service that continues to prove hotly in demand.
Let’s face it, whilst hair has its place, unwanted facial hair is at best an inconvenience and can be a real nuisance with many of us choosing to make regular efforts to remove it. Despite being a common problem, for many women, it is socially unacceptable and embarrassing. It tends to result in a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem and often leaves people at a loss to know how to deal with the problem or where to get the most appropriate treatment.
Well despair no more, for a solution is at hand! Check out our guide to the most in demand facial hair removal treatments available for keeping your face hair-free.
When it comes to removing unwanted hair, many women will try a combination of approaches. Most will have tried the usual methods of bleaching the hair or removing it by plucking, threading, shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams. When used correctly these methods help to effectively remove the hair, however they only offer a temporary solution. The problem is that the hair tends to grow back and needs to be repeated on a regular basis. Not to mention that these methods may also prove harsh on delicate areas of the face causing pain, irritation and redness. Not ideal when choosing to go about your daily activities immediately after leaving the salon, as many of us don’t want to make it obvious that we’ve just tackled our unwanted lip hair!
Whilst waxing and other more traditional methods of hair removal are most likely going to remain as the top favourites for salons, some customers may be looking for a more permanent solution for treating their unwanted hair. These treatments include electrolysis, IPL and laser therapy.
The past decade has seen more salons using light based therapy such, as laser treatments, due to the increased demand for permanent hair removal as well as high profile celebrities boasting about its effects.
“More than light”
Virtually pain free with results that last years, Laser and IPL treatments are fast and highly effective, but how does it work? Well, these light treatments use safe, short bursts of intense pulsed light to remove unwanted hair from ALL body sites in minutes. a thin layer of gel is applied to your skin prior to treatment to allow the maximum amount of light to enter the skin. The application rod is placed against the skin and a controlled pulse of light is released. the light is absorbed by the pigment “melanin” in your hair. Melanin converts the light into heat which then travels down the hair shaft and into the base of the follicle. The hair will be prevented from growing any further once enough damage has been done over the course of the treatment.
So what’s the difference between IPL and Laser?
The difference in the two treatments is the waveband in which the light is emitted on. IPL has a broad waveband (or colour) of light whereas Laser emits light in parallel beams using only a single wavelength. the results between the two aren’t much different as both laser and IPL require the hair to be in its growth phase in order to be successfully treated. Approx 30% of hair will be in this stage at any one time which is why a course of around 5-6 treatments is advised to see the optimum results in hair removal.
Some clients won’t be suitable for light treatment therapies for a number of reasons, such as skin colour and light hair pigmentations. In this case, electrolysis would be their best bet for permanent hair removal.
Electrolysis is ideal for both men and women, this innovative technology targets the deeper layers of skin where the hair follicles are and destroys the root. A very fine, flexible needle is inserted into the follicle and a small current is then passed through the needle which destroys the follicle which prevents any more hair growing from that particular follicle in the future. But don’t worry, it isn’t as scary as it sounds! Just like laser, no anaesthetics are required. This method requires consistency and numerous treatments are required. Clients usually start with 10 -15 minute sessions once a week, with sessions becoming less frequent as the hair weakens. To decide which option is best for you, book in for your free consultation. Whichever method you opt for, one thing is for sure, you will feel more confident as the hair growth slows and disappears and wonder why you didn’t start the treatments years ago.