The July 18th Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a nioce article on hair removal by Sabine Morrow.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The heat is on for unwanted hair
</font><blockquote><font size=“1” face=“Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif”>quote:</font><hr /><font size=“2” face=“Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif”> Here are some of the more popular methods of removing unwanted hair.
Shaving: It’s still the most popular and one of the oldest methods of getting rid of hair. With care, any area can be shaved. It’s best to use a safety razor with either shaving cream or soap. Try to avoid shaving the same spot over and over. This can cause ingrown hairs. The downside of shaving is that it removes hair only at the skin’s surface and needs to be done almost daily to keep that smooth feel. Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not result in thicker, coarser growth.
Waxing: This method of hair removal – in which a warm wax is applied to the skin, then pulled off – removes hair at the root. It can be done at home or in a salon. While not entirely pain free, waxing is considered ideal for sensitive areas such as the bikini and face. Sugaring, an ancient hair-removal method similar to waxing, uses a sugar-based product that’s water soluble. There’s also cold waxing, which uses pre-waxed strips, somewhat similar to tape. Depending on how thick and fast-growing your hair is, results of waxing or sugaring last about four to five weeks. Salon prices vary, but you can find bikini waxes for $30; chin, lip or brows for about $12; and leg wax (from the knee down) $30. Home waxing kits, available at drugstores and beauty supply shops, start at around $7.
Depilatories: These creams, lotions, gels and sprays chemically dissolve hair. If you have sensitive skin, depilatories might not be the best choice. Some users find them messy and not very effective for thick hair. These are found at drugstores and mass merchandisers. Prices start around $2.50.
Laser: This method works by emitting a beam of light on the skin, which is then absorbed by the hair follicle. The follicle is killed and the hair no longer grows. Laser treatment can provide effective, permanent hair removal if done correctly, but it’s expensive, and repeated visits are necessary. Note that only about 75 percent of the hair is removed. It’s important to have the laser treatment done where there’s proper physician supervision. Average price for the first visit to have an upper lip treated is $200.
Electrolysis: This time-consuming but permanent hair-removal procedure involves tiny sterile needles or wires that are inserted into the hair follicle. An electric current kills the hair root, and the loosened hair is removed with tweezers. Since each hair is treated individually, this method could take months or even a year depending on the size of the area being treated. As with the laser treatments, make sure you go to a professional with a solid reputation. Electrologists charge $70 to $80 an hour.
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