Superfluous Hair

The intensity of the battle against unwanted hair is cultural to a certain extent. For example many women in Mediterranean region are unconcerned with body hairs, where as the Middle Eastern neighbors laboriously pluck all the hair from their body. In North America it is estimated that consumers spend $1 billion dollars a year on electrolysis alone.

The first step in solving the dilemma of excess or unwanted hair is to determine its cause. If the problem is not medical than once again lasers are leading the way to new and more effective ways of eliminate unwanted hair. Other more traditional methods of hair removal include electrolysis, waxing, shaving, plucking or chemical depilatories. A combination of the techniques may be the most ideal approach depending on the goals of the individual. The alternative to removing unwanted hair is camouflage by bleaching.

Laser hair removal

How do lasers remove hair?
There are currently two techniques being used to remove unwanted hair with laser. The first technique utilizes a new generation of alexandrite, and ruby lasers, which have long pulse duration. These lasers have an affinity for pigment in the hair root and on application the productivity of the hair root is decreased. The hair root is stunned into a prolonged sleeping phase of up to eight months or more. When the hair roots wakes up it has been weakened and may not be capable of further growth. A single treatment with alexandrite or ruby lasers may be enough to eradicate fine, dark hairs. If hairs are light in color, thick or deep they may require multiple sessions or they may not respond at all.

Other photo optic light sources, which are similar to lasers, are also being used in a similar fashion to remove hair. Although they are not lasers they are often referred to as such.

The second technique utilizes one of four lasers: the Q- switched short pulse duration ruby, the alexandrite, the Nd: Yag or the variable pulse width (VPW) green lasers. These lasers have an affinity for darker pigment. To attract the laser light to the follicles a black carbon gel is spread over the skin and then wiped off. Some of this gel remains in the pores of the hair follicles. When the laser light is applied it passes harmlessly through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the dark pigment of the carbon gel. The energy emitted by the laser light when it is absorbed causes the carbon molecule s to break into minuscule particles. The heat transmitted in this process damages or destroys the adjacent hair follicles. The hair growth in the treated area is significantly reduced or in many cases is completely eradicated. More than one session is usually required to achieve the desired results. The thermolase hair removal system utilizes this technique and has been approved for this purpose by the food and drug administration in the United States.

Response to either method of laser removal is variable depending on the type of hair, the color of the hair and the depth of the hair root. No assurances can be made as everyone responds differently. For this reason a test site is recommended before proceeding with extensive therapy.

Potential complication exists with all forma of hair removal. Failure to respond to the laser light, pigment changes in the skin, or even scar, could occur, although the risk is low. Allergic reactions to the gel may occur if the second technique is used. One would expect inflammation in the hair follicles for approximately ten days after the procedure.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal technique where, an electrical current is passed into the hair follicle, rendering it inactive and causing the hair to fall out. Currently, three methods of electrolysis are used: galvanic current, electro coagulation, and radio wave. Each differs in the amount of time the procedure takes and the number of hairs that can be removed. The galvanic method is slowest. Claims have been made that radio wave electrolysis is less uncomfortable and causes fewer pigmentary problems; this, however, has not yet been adequately substantiated.

The galvanic current appliances have been adapted for home use (for example, permatweez), and although it is a slow, tedious process, for many this is prefemble to going for regular, and sometimes costly, sessions at a salon.

An electrolysis program is a long- term commitment and it is often comfortable. Topical anesthetic creams can help minimize the discomfort. Possible complications include scarring, irregular pigmentation, infection, and flare – ups of acne and herpes simplex (cold sores) in the area being treated.

For this reason it is important to be treated by properly trained and experienced electrologists. Some geographic locations have licensing bodies for electrologists; most, however do not. It is best therefore, to speak to a knowledgeable physician or to request references before starting a course of treatment with an unknown technician.

Other hair removal techniques

Waxing
Waxing is really a way of plucking a lot of hair to be removed. It cools and is pulled away from the skin taking the trapped with it. Irritation often accompanies this procedure and is due to either the actual plucking or to the warm wax. This subsides within a few hours to a couple of days leaving a smooth hairless surface leaving a smooth, hairless surface for a several weeks. Regrowth occurs within 5 to 9 weeks. Prior to rewaxing, the hair must grow in to above the skin surface for the wax to adhere to it. This temporary period of new hair growth might be socially uncomfortable.

During the regrowth period ingrown hairs may be troublesome. If so, run hot water over an old toothbrush to softeb the bristles, than brush the skin twice daily in those areas. This helps lift the curved; irritating hair tips out of the skin and, minimizes the problem.

Repeat waxing over a period of time weakness weakens the hair follicle and gradually reduces the amount of hair growth in the area waxed.

Rotating coil appliances
As with waxing, this is another form of diffuse plucking. Small rotating coils catch the hairs and pull them out by root. The advantages of this device are that there is complete control over how much or how little is plucked and the effect lasts longer than techniques like shaving. An example of this appliance is Epilady.

Shaving
A common misconception about shaving is that the more hair is shaved, the thicker it becomes. A typically hair shaft is wider in the middle than at the ends and when it is cut off, it will appear thicker and coarser as the body ages. Therefore, after shaving for a long time, the hair is thicker , not because of shaving, but because of aging process. Although women find shaving acceptable method for getting rid of unwanted hair on some parts of the body such as the legs, it is not acceptable for other body parts, particularly the face.

Are there any other mechanical removal techniques?

Tweezing, plucking, pumice stones, and sandpaper- like gloves are some of the other techniques available.pumice stone and sandpaper like gloves are used to remove fine, excessive facial hairs but can be irritating to the skin.

Tweezing and plucking are commonly used to trim and shape the eyebrows and to remove isolated hairs, for example hair in moles and around nipples, but it can cause inflamed and infected pustules. A small dab of fucidin antibiotic ointment applied after plucking can prevent infection. If this is a persistent problem, it may be preferable to cut the undesirable hair off flush with the skin, using scissors or a razor.

Occasionally, repetitive tweezing may result in enough damage to the hair follicle that the hair will die and no lnger present a problem.

Chemical depilatories
Some examples of chemical depilatories include Neet, Nudit, and Nair. These products break down the strong sulphur bonds that hold proteins in the hair together. The hair becomes soft and weak and can usually be wiped away. Unfortunately , the skin in the area of unwanted hair often becomes irritated with this technique. Subsequent inflammation may stimulate the pigment cells to produce more melanin resulting in the darker skin in the area ( post – inflammatory pigmentation). To prevent these problems the instructions for the use of the depilatory should be followed carefully, and it should first be tested on a small area.

A dermatologists could prescribe a mild cortisone cream to apply immediately after using depilatories to prevent skin irritation and hyperpigmentation ( darkening). If darkening does occur, bleaching creams such as Reversa HQ and NeoStrata HQ amy be used to lighten the skin again.

Camouflage
Bleaching or dying unwanted hair is the best camouflaging technique but like chemical depilatories, this process may be irritating to the skin.

What if excess hair is due to hormonal imbalances?
Unwanted hair in certain parts of the body, may be due to an excss of androgens or to an over sensitivity to a normal level of androgens in the body.

If the underlyong cause is a hormonal imbalance due to a tumor , the tumor must be surgically removed. If, however, the hormonal imbalance is due to other reasons, such as certain types of drugs, an overproduction of androgens ( amle hormones), or hyper sensitivity to normal amounts of androgens, the following prescription medications may be used to control unwanted hair:

• MARVELON AND DEMULEN: These oral contraceptive are best used for the combined problem of acne and excess hair. Its advantage in these circumstances is that it does not contain any substances related to androgen nor can it be broken down in to androgen products by the body. Positive results are usually seen after 9 to 12 months of continual use.
• Aldactone ( spironolactone ): this medication is a water pill, or diuretic, which is frequently prescribed to reduce body fluid. It has also, however, been effective in controlling unwanted hair, even when hormonal levels are relatively normal. The usual method of use is to start taking small daily doses and gradually increase them. Patients taking aldactone are also instructed to drink 16 ounces of water or other fluids a day. It takes 9 to 12 months to see positive results. Dryness of the eyes and mouth, and an increased, some women may experience irregularity in the menstrual cycle. When prescribed for men, this medication may cause thickening of the breasts. Another disadvantages is that it may have the opposite effect and actually increase hair growth.in fact, aldactone is sometimes prescribed for women who have male pattern hair loss to prevent syuch loss and to encourage hair growth.
• Androcur ( cyproterone): this medication is known as a progestational agent and has some anti- androgen properties. Because of these properties, it should be taken with oral birth control pills, preferably marvelon or demulen, or it could affect a developing fetus. It should not be used for 2 months prior to attempting pregnancy nor should it be taken by those with liver or kidney problems. It is started at a small dose and is gradually increased to a larger dose as the tolerance level improves. Positive results are usually seen in 6 to 12 months.
• Euflex ( flutamide) : this oral medication is effective in the treatment of excess hair. By blocking the action of the male hormone, it decreases hair growth on the face and body, yet thickens the hair on the scalp. It takes about 7 to 24 months before these changes occur. It cannot be given to men because of its influence on the male hormones. Flushing, dry skin, decreased libido, breast discomfort, and nausea are some of the potential side effects of this medication. There is also the risk of liver disease so careful monitoring is essential.