Back & Shoulders

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

Hello everyone,

Apologies for jumping straight in at the deep end, though I am hoping someone can advise me of the best way to treat my increasingly growing back hair. :frowning:

A few years back I suffered a serious attack to the kidneys. Since them I have been on medication and my body has transformed in many ways. These have had a severe impact on my confidence. The only good thing is the way I view the world today and try to be a better person. I am becoming more able to return to a ‘normal’ life now, though all the treatment has caused 2 MAJOR concerns:

  1. Hair loss (on my head)
  2. Unwanted body hair growth (back, shoulder and upper arms)

2 years ago when the hair was first becoming apparent on my back, my sis’s friend waxed it for me. I could put up with the pain and interestingly enough the hair came out really easily (as spotted by the girl doing it). This gave me hope of them being just fine and not coming back. I was wrong. Slowly it has developed in stength/coarse’ness.

Also as my skin is very sensitive from much of the medication I later suffered really nasty ‘spots’ and irritation - exactly what I didn’t want when going on holiday.

Currently I use a depilatory cream (called Veet here in the UK). This works but does not last very long.

So I have been thinking about buying an electrolysis machine to try at home. A few questions:

  1. What machines are recommended? I have read through some of the recommended ones on ebay – but could not find one model that is popular with a lot of users.
  2. Does the repeated use help destroy the follicles from coming back? or just prolong return?
  3. Anyone else with sensitive skin tried one? (obviously I would do some test patches first).

This is pathetic after being through such a life changing ‘event’ but I am really down about the way I appear. I know it’s vain and I should be grateful I am returning to a normal life. I enjoy the gym and sports, but daren’t expose my body unless I’ve used the cream.

I really could do with some beginners advice and support on this. It looks like a great site and community here, I’ve read a few of the posts and see there are many people like me.

Thanks in advance.

#2

nobody? :S

#3

Are you thinking of doing electrolysis on you back,shoulders and arms yourself? :o This will not be possible if this is your plan.

Electrolysis is very technical and one must not only have decent equipment for performing electrolysis, but a steady hand, and a very good eye (insertion skills) with knowledge of the skin’s anatomy.

So what is your plan?

Dee

#4

It is quite possible to buy a machine and do electrolysis on yourself. But, you need to become more familiar with the whole electrolysis process before evn weighing the decision. You need to go for ten or so treatments to understand what goes on and what’s in store. Also, you need to understand ranges and limitations. You can only do areas you have a clear view of, about eight to seventeen inches from your eyes depending on your magnification. You need to understand that, to do it right, you need to drop several hundred on supplies, books, binoculars, and a machine.

You won’t be able to do your back, but you can train with someone else to do this with the same commitment level as you. Shoulders will be partially difficult, and arms the easiest of the areas you name.

You have to understand that it’s kind of an all or none type thing. If you buy cheaper equipment, it will be a more difficult task, you will become more frustrated, and you will most likely stop after a few sessions. If you buy good equipment you will improve faster and get better results right off the back.

The thing here is, you need to get a better understanding of the whole process. What flash is, what blend is, and what types of machines you will be in the market for. At this point it would be difficult to advise you. I don’t want you to throw away your money. Schedule a few appointments then let us know what you’re thinking then.

Mantaray

#5

wow - thanks Mantaray.

sounds advice there. looks like I will need to spend some time looking into this. like so many others I was looking for a ‘quick fix’. :frowning: Though safety first. :slight_smile:

So if I was to pursue the method of electrolysis, over time are there any results of permanent hair removal?

Thanks again - I’m sure I will have lots more questions!

#6

Electrolysis is permanent. It is the gold standard by which we measure against other types of hair removal.

Electrolysis is permanent. Can’t be said enough. :slight_smile:

#7

WOOOWHOOOO! That’s great! Gives me REAL hope. I really want shot of this problem. I wonder how long it will take? I know everyone is different (as we’re all special :)) but does anyone know of any stories where removal worked really quickly? Are we talking weeks/months/years (hopefully not)

I’m wondering if it’s worth me buying this equipment and learning it all or finding a good specialist and allowing them to do the work - might be quicker? and cheaper? maybe? :S

You state it is the ‘gold standard’ against all other methods - I assume this includes laser? Therefore it means that electroylis can give better results?

Thanks,

#8

please read the FAQs on laser. the problem that you will face is that upper arms and shoulders are hard to treat with laser, especially if the hair is not very coarse and dark and dense. so, your bet is probably electrolysis. like people mentioned above, you will not be able to do this yourself (unless you are a contortionist) since you won’t be able to reach these areas to make proper insertions into each hair follicle, which is what electrolysis involves.

In terms of time frame, you didn’t specify if all the areas you are talking about are covered with hair or if it’s spotty etc, and you didn’t provide pictures. so we have no idea how much hair you’re talking about removing, i.e. how many hairs. however, you need to consider this carefully because electrolysis is a committment. it will probably take you 1-2 years of consistent treatments (once a week to start to once every 3 weeks or so by the end, over the course of 1.5 yrs or so) to get to a complete clearance. the best way to tackle it is to have aggressive treatments to clear the entire area first, so that you’re only coming in to kill new weak hair as they show up afterwards. Also, consider the financial investment, which will be at least several thousand dollars.

You can read many stories on here from men getting these areas done as we speak. read through them and decide if this is something you want to commit to to achieve permanency or if you are better off sticking with temporary methods.

#9

Thanks LAgirl - very much appreciated.

At present the hair is dark, it’s getting coarser too. It’s mainly on my shoulders, with finer ‘whispier’ hair coming further down. (I didn’t think to post some pics - might thrown some up if brave enough) :smiley:

I was trying to find a laser hair place here in the UK that is close to me. There seems to be a franchise called sk;n, who have been around for a few years. They currently charge £179 (so that must be approx $360 or near enough). This is expensive, considering it would probably take several treatments. I will go and look at the laser section as you suggest.

I must admit I want the quick fix method (don’t we all). The place I mention offer a free consultation and a £25 test patch - which it might just be worth giving a go and see how it works.

I’d also like to go and read some of the other stories by the other guys on here.

Thanks :slight_smile:

#10

Be very mindful that, as much as the laser industry cheerleaders want you to get laser, that laser can induce even more hair growth. This isn’t rare, and it’s not uncommon. You’ll then end up going to electrolysis, but will end up paying even more to climb out of the more-hair-because-of-laser rut.

Allure Magazine’s latest poll on laser, only 6 out of 10 walk way from expensive multiple treatments only somewhat satisfied, if that.

100% walk away from electrolysis satisfied.

Don’t believe the hype. Do the right thing.

‘Fear of an Electrolysis Planet’

Mantaray