Get Rid of Hair- The Facts part4

Get Rid of Hair- The Facts part4 is the last in a series on hair removal terminology. This series should clear up vague definitions thrown around that pertain to hair removal so that you will have a better understanding of what to expect when that particular term is being used.

Part 4 is on hair reduction. What does hair reduction mean? Several lasers have proven that they can reduce coarseness and also lighten hair on a permanent basis and they call this hair reduction.

Some consumers experience permanent hair reduction while others do not. The perfect candidate would be someone with light skin and dark hair. You see the laser can lighten skin as it does hair and cause discoloration in dark skinned individuals creating uneven skin tones which is just as bad, if not worse, than unwanted hair. However, even the ideal client isn't guaranteed to experience permanent hair reduction and it's still unknown as to why.

The FDA started out accepting the definition of reduction as a stable reduction of coarse dark hairs. Then changed it to: "Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over a time greater than the complete growth cycle of hair, which varies from 4-12 months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area.

The reason they had to change their definition was due to abuse of terminology during advertising that led to unrealistic expectations. Many consumers were disappointed when results didn't match their expectations.

All the same concerns that were explained in The Facts part2 on lasers apply here as well. After all, a laser treatment is a laser treatment whether, you're going for permanent hair removal or reduction. Advertisers say after three or four treatments the hair isn't going to return, but as you know now, as you've read here, that there's always a chance it may.

This is the last in the series Get Rid of Hair- The Facts. Hopefully, you're more knowledgeable on definitions of hair removal and what they mean so that you can make better, more informed hair removal/reduction decisions.

Get Rid of Hair- The Facts part 2

Get Rid of Hair- The Facts part2 is on semi- permanent hair removal. What does semi- permanent mean? It's kind of a newer term used for laser techniques and simply means that hair will be gone for a few weeks and possibly months.

Just to be clear however, laser treatments don't work as well for some people as others for example, lasers are not as effective on gray, white or very blond hair. The laser light is attracted to dark colors, therefore, those with light skin and dark hair tend to fare better than their dark skinned counter parts since the laser light may burn the dark skin. It doesn't matter if the skin is tanned or natural the result is the same.

This is how it works. A beam of light (the laser) passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the hair absorbs it and in the process is destroyed. A topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce pain or discomfort.During the treatment you will experience a stinging sensation as the instrument is held to the skin along with a strong odor of singed hair. You will also have to wear goggles to prevent accidental exposure from the laser light.

Consider semi-permanent removal in small areas such as bikini area, eyebrows, lip, underarm and chin due to high cost and time required. However, if money and time is no problem you can get most any area of body hair removed by lasers.

And then there's the cost. The average treatment is $425, however, the best thing to do is set up a consultation with a physician to get a better understanding of your particular case. Choose wisely, make sure you have a reputable practitioner.

Now, for the good part and that is the hair won't grow back for weeks, maybe months, results vary from person to person. And better yet, it may not come back at all, after several weeks of treatments.

The FDA has approved laser hair removal as a safe means of hair reduction. To-date, there have been no illnesses or diseases related to the laser. The only side effect is a sun-burn like reaction or rash which disappears quickly.

Get Rid of Hair-The Facts part 3 is on long term hair removal and coming soon. Part 1 was on Permanent Hair Removal in the post just below this one. This series is to give you the information you need to make the best choice available for your hair removal needs.