Hair Removal with Depilatories, Electrolysis, Laser, and Vaniqa

 

Hair Removal with Depilatories
Depilatories use a chemical called thioglycolate mixed with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide to literally melt the hair away. Thioglycolate disrupts disulfide bonds, which are chemical bonds that hold skin and hair cells together. The disulfide bonds that hold hair together contain more of the protein cystine than do the disulfide bonds that hold skin cells together. Thioglycolate is more effective on disulfide bonds that contain cystine. The major side effect of a depilatory is skin irritation because the chemical can melt away skin cells.

A depilatory is applied to the area with unwanted hair and left on for 3 to 15 minutes. During this time the chemical dissolves the hair and the resulting jelly-like substance is wiped or washed off after the appropriate time. The chemical should be tested first on a small skin area at least 48 hours before applying it to a large area. Applying a hydrocortisone cream after hair removal may help decrease irritation.

Hair Removal with Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current to the follicle root. This procedure actually burns the hair root theoretically preventing it from producing more hair. Each hair follicle must be treated individually and may take several treatments to destroy the follicle. Electrolysis is a permanent form of hair removal but it has several drawbacks. First, there are no standardized licensing guidelines for electrolysis so finding an experienced, effective technician is difficult requiring talking to clients who have experienced permanent results. Second, this method requires repeated treatments for up to 12 to 18 months. Hair follicles that are in the telogen phase are more difficult to destroy than hair follicles in the anagen phase. Shaving approximately 3 days before an electrolysis treatment ensures that the hairs that are visible are in the anagen phase. Finally, side effects can include pain, infection, keloid formation (for people who are susceptible), hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.

Hair Removal with Laser
Laser treatment of various skin conditions has blossomed, as laser technology has become more understood. Hair removal is a common application of laser technology, but it is not permanent and not for everyone. Lasers work by emitting light at various wavelengths, energy output, and pulse widths. The wavelength used determines the skin structure it will affect such as veins, melanin, or water. Most lasers used for hair removal target melanin and are therefore designed to burn structures that contain melanin. The more melanin, the more damage. It makes sense that laser hair removal works best for light-skinned people with dark hair. As with electrolysis, hair follicles in the anagen phase are more easily destroyed than those in the telogen phase. Therefore, laser treatments for hair removal must be repeated. At this time it appears that laser treatment, while not causing permanent destruction of all hair follicles, does retard the regrowth of new hair.

Hair Removal with Vaniqa
Vaniqa is a prescription-only topical cream that has been FDA-approved for reducing and inhibiting the growth of unwanted facial hair. The active ingredient in Vaniqa is eflornithine hydrochloride, which has been used to treat African sleeping sickness and certain cancers. Vaniqa works by inhibiting an enzyme that is needed for cell reproduction and other cell functions necessary for hair growth. Vaniqa is applied twice a day to areas of unwanted facial hair. Noticeable results are usually observed after 4-8 weeks of therapy. Application must be continued for as long as inhibition of hair growth is desired. Vaniqa continues to reduce facial hair growth for up to 8 weeks after discontinuing treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome Ways of removing hair

 

Shaving

Shaving unwanted hair is cheap and quick. But hair grows back quickly. Lots of people think that shaving hair makes it grow back faster or thicker. But that isn't exactly right. Shaving off the ends of hairs can make them feel thicker. Shaved hairs may also feel sharp or bristly. The hair doesn't grow back any faster.[1] But shaving can irritate your skin.

Hair removal creams

Hair removal creams dissolve hair above the skin. Again, the hair will grow back quickly, probably within a few days. These creams can be expensive if you use them often. They may irritate your skin, especially if you use them a lot or on sensitive parts of your body, like your face.
Waxing

Waxing removes hair by the roots, so it takes longer to grow back. You can get waxing strips to do it yourself at home, or have it done as a beauty salon. But waxing can be painful and it can irritate your skin. You may get in-growing hairs, which can get infected and sore.
Electrolysis

Electrolysis aims to damage the hair root (follicle), so that the hair doesn't grow back. It's done by beauticians in salons. A fine metal needle is put into a follicle, and a small electric current damages the root of the hair. But it takes a long time to cover all the hair you want removed, and treatments can be expensive.[2] Some people find it painful.

Electrolysis needs to be done by someone who's been specially trained. And it's important that all the equipment is sterile. Make sure whoever treats you is qualified to do it.
Laser treatments

Laser treatments use a focused beam of light to damage the hair root (follicle). It slows down the growth of hair, and after several treatments (maybe around four) you may find the hair doesn't grow back. It works best if you have light skin and dark hair. That's because the laser is set to destroy dark hair, without damaging surrounding light coloured skin. If your hair is light or your skin is dark, it won't work so well.

Some people find laser treatment painful. Your skin may be red and inflamed for a couple of days afterwards. And, like electrolysis, it can be expensive to cover all the hair you want to have removed.

Lots of private clinics offer laser hair removal. If you decide to have this treatment, make sure the clinic you choose is registered with the Healthcare Commission. Clinics providing laser skin treatments must register by law. You can ask to see a certificate of registration, or check at the Care Quality Commission's