Hair Today Gone Tomorrow (p.40)

By Karen Albright

With the warm weather here to stay, summer activities seem to be on everyone’s mind. Many are making sure that their skin is in shape to look its best in bathing suits, shorts, sundresses, and strappy sandals.

With this in mind, there are a multitude of options on the market today when it comes to hair removal. Here is a look at the pros and cons of a few of today’s most popular options for getting permanent and close-to-permanent hair removal results.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting, if not permanent, hair removal results. Although it is possible for the hair to grow back, laser removal can provide excellent results that last for months, if not years. Designed for every skin tone, lasers emit a specific wavelength absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicles. The laser vaporizes the pigment in the hair follicles for a split second, which eliminates or dramatically reduces re-growth of the hair.

Different types of lasers for different skin tones, whether tanned, light, or dark, are used to provide safe and effective results. Capable of treating many hairs in a very short period of time, the laser can treat large areas efficiently. Laser removal is one of the more expensive hair removal procedures, and people typically require about six treatments over a period of several months for optimal results. Possible temporary side effects include redness or swelling of the treated area, blistering, crusting, or possible scabbing. Despite the expense, laser hair removal is the most effective option for permanent hair removal.

ELECTROLYSIS
Electrolysis was the first method shown to provide permanent results, though some areas may need to be treated twice to achieve permanent hair loss. The goal of electrolysis is to destroy the hair follicles one at a time, preventing re-growth, by applying electricity to the follicle through a needle. While it can provide permanent results, this process is time consuming, as each follicle must be treated individually. Multiple sessions are required, and side effects can include redness, swelling, and scabbing.

WAXING
For larger treatment areas, waxing provides the most affordable option, and is something that can be done easily from your own home, should you have the grit to do it yourself. Salons and spas also offer this service with professional results. It is great for areas such as the back, chest, and legs. The results from waxing last longer than those from shaving (up to a few weeks), and you may notice lighter hair re-growth after repeated sessions.

BUFFING PADS
It’s hard to escape the TV commercials for Smooth AwayTM, a brand of abrasive pads that slip under your palm and promise to whisk away hair. The pads exfoliate as they pull the hair out, leaving your skin smoother to the touch. While the process must be repeated every two weeks, it is relatively inexpensive, is seemingly painless, and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Unwanted hair can become a thing of the past. Hopefully this article gives you a better idea of which option is best for you, so you can enjoy a whole new experience by the pool this summer.

Karen Albright is president of BodyLase Skin Spa, a medically-oriented skin spa offering the latest innovations in laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging treatments. BodyLase has two Triangle sites, located at 6531 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh and 501 Keisler Drive in Cary. For more information, visit www.getbodylase.com.