For many of us controlling unwanted body hair is a necessary chore. The problems areas tend to be on the face, on or under the arms, chest, back or neck. There are many ways to remove it and prices vary depending on the method you choose.
Chemicals or depilatories are creams like Nair or Neet that contain sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide mixed with thioglycolate.
These are creams that tend to be easily applied but depending on skin sensitivity and amount of time left on the skin can cause burns.
Shaving and depilatories tend to be the 2 most popular and least expensive methods for hair removal.
Both can cause skin irritation and many contain a moisturizer.
Waxing away hair will remove it from the follicles. The wax is heated to a creamy consistency so it can be applied to the skin: But not hot enough to burn the skin.
Once the wax is cooled it is rapidly pulled in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove unwanted hair.
The results are longer lasting than traditional shaving but can be painful. Sometimes this is referred as pulling or ripping hair out by its roots.
Sugar Waxing and as the name indicates it does contain a sugary substance that works in much the same way as traditional waxing but the clean up is much quicker.
Vaniqua (eflornithine hydrochloride) sold by prescription only is a topical based cream to reduce and inhibit unwanted facial hair. Many have a problem with facial hair around the lips and chin. Vaniqua can be applied twice a day and each application should be at least 8 hours apart.
Because Vaniqua can take 4 to 8 weeks maybe longer to work; it is recommended that you continue to
use your current methods of hair removal.
The negative side effects of Vaniqua can be any one of the following:
- Tingling
- Burning
- Acne
- Skin rash
- Swollen patches of skin
- Severe skin irritation
- Stinging
- Tight chest
- Bleeding of the skin
- Swollen face, mouth, lips
Vaniqua does not remove unwanted facial hair (UFH). It inhibits the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase in the hair follicle. The enzyme stimulates hair growth in the skin. The end result is a slow down of unwanted hair growth; effectively reducing the use of hair removal methods.
It is FDA approved.
Discuss the use of Vaniqua with your doctor especially if you are:
- Pregnant
- Have allergies
- Have broken skin in the area with excess hair growth
Vaniqua in terms of costs can be a bit pricy about $70
Electrolysis is a permanent form of hair removal. A current of electricity is passed through a fine needle inserted into the hair follicle. It burns the hair root destroying the follicle. Each hair follicle must be treated individually. Electrolysis requires repeated treatments and can take anywhere from 1 year to over 18 months.
The cost of electrolysis can range from $22 to over $90 per treatment. Treatment times can vary from 1-3 years; depending on the patient.
Licensing guidelines are not standardized.
The final hair removal alternative is hair removal by laser. Unlike electrolysis it can require fewer treatments, less discomfort and none permanent long term results. Depending on the area of the body treated results can last from 11 to 17 weeks. The costs can range from $50 to over $1200 per treatment.
There can be scarring because the procedure removes melanin from the skin.
Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination; but this is changing.
Today Nd Yag lasers have rendered good results with dark skin.
Be sure and consult with your laser technician.
When speaking of costs for both laser and electrolysis consideration must be given to session time length. These can vary greatly from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
As you can see, there are many solutions for removing unwanted body hair. The final decision will depend on expense, and your goals.
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