About Permanent Facial Hair Removal

History

Prior to the wide use of electrolysis, women used waxing and tweezing to remove hair. Ancient Egyptian and Greek women used waxing regularly to rid their bodies of unwanted hair. In the early 1900's popular magazine editors and members of society's upper class endorsed cosmetics and beauty products that redefined femininity. This feminine ideal encouraged women to remove hair from their bodies. Today's modern woman continues her quest for beauty by removing any traces of hair on the face that society considers unattractive and masculine.

Permanent hair removal's goal is to destroy the follicle while in the anagen phase. The three stages of hair growth are: anagen, catagen and telogen. According to About.com, hair grows approximately 1 centimeter every 28 days during the anagen phase. Many questionable permanent hair removal solutions including: electric tweezers, photoepilators, x-ray hair removal and dietary supplements have attempted to weaken the follicle and delay hair growth during the anagen phase.

Three common methods of permanent hair removal are electrolysis, laser hair removal and a topical treatment. Electrolysis weakens the hair follicle through the use of an electric current. The laser hair method uses heat combined with a topical solution to remove the hair. Only a licensed medical practitioner should administer electrolysis and laser methods for permanent results.
Vaniqa (eflornithine HCl) Cream, 13.9%, is an FDA-approved topical cream that reduces hair growth. Only a licensed physician can prescribe this method. Vaniqa is used in conjunction with other methods of facial hair removal.

Hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure; most insurance companies will not pay for laser and electrolysis treatments. These methods are costly and may not produce permanent results in all cases. Electrolysis treatments require weekly treatments for a period of one year to two years for permanent results. Avoid direct sunlight after treating your skin with a permanent hair removal procedure.

Redness, skin irritation and swelling are the most common side effects of hair removal. Electrolysis can cause skin to keloid and discoloration of the skin. Side effects of laser hair removal are: swelling, redness, blistering, and scarring. Vaniqua's side effects include: redness, hair bumps and acne. Before attempting an at-home electrolysis treatment, visit your medical doctor for questions and concerns.