Overview
Unwanted facial hair is a part of life for many women. Discouraged by the use of smelly depilatories and frequent tweezing to remove unwanted hair, more and more women are turning to permanent hair removal options. From the use of FDA-approved lasers to electrolysis, there are options to help you get rid of unwanted facial hair once and for all.
History
Ancient Greek and Egyptian women regularly used wax to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. In the early 1900s, members of the European societies’ upper classes and popular magazine editors endorsed beauty products and cosmetics that redefined femininity. This idea encouraged women to remove body hair. Today, this feminine movement continues as women are still removing any hair from the face that society may consider masculine or unattractive.
Function
The goal of permanent hair removal is to destroy the hair follicle while it is in the anagen phase. Anagen, catagen and telogen are the three stages of hair growth. According to the American Hair Loss Association, hair grows at the rate of about 1 centimeter every four weeks during the anagen phase. A number of questionable hair removal solutions have attempted to delay hair growth and weaken the follicle during the anagen phase. Some examples of these solutions include dietary supplements, X-ray hair removal and electric tweezers.
Types
The three common methods of permanent hair reduction and removal are topical treatment, laser hair removal and electrolysis. Electrolysis uses an electric current to weaken the hair follicles. Laser hair removal combines a topical solution and heat to remove hair. During the laser hair removal process, a topical solution is applied to the area of unwanted hairs and a laser passes over the area, heating the hair follicles, which damages them and prohibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal should only be administered by a licensed medical practitioner. Vaniqa Cream is an FDA-approved topical treatment that is used to reduce hair growth. Vaniqa can only be prescribed by a licensed physician and is normally used with other facial hair removal methods.
Considerations
Most insurance companies will not cover electrolysis or laser treatments, as hair removal is considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure. Both methods are expensive, and neither are guaranteed to produce permanent results. In order for electrolysis to lead to permanent results, weekly treatments for one to two years are required.
Side Effects
According to “American Family Physician,” swelling, skin irritation and redness are the most common side effects associated with hair removal. Electrolysis can cause discoloration of the skin. Laser hair removal side effects include scarring, blistering, redness and swelling. The side effects of Vaniqa include acne, hair bumps and redness. If you choose to begin an at-home electrolysis treatment or any of the previously mentioned methods, consult your physician to address any concerns and questions.
