Excess hair growth can be embarrassing. Particularly when the thick, coarse hair is on highly visible areas of the body, such as the face. It is important to remember that unwanted hair has an underlying cause, and can be treated. There are lots of options to get rid of unwanted hair so you do not have to live with it. Find out more about our top three treatments: IPL, Electrolysis and Laser.
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1. IPL to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair
SkinBase IPL is a fantastic treatment used to get rid of unwanted hair caused by hirsutism. IPL hair removal works by targeting the melanin in the unwanted hair with quick pulses of light. Within the follicle, the light energy converts into heat and builds up. Once the heat reaches a sufficient level, the follicle breaks down so new hair cannot be produced. To get rid of unwanted hair, the process is most effective in the ‘anagen’ phase of hair growth. Approximately 30% of hairs are in the anagen phase at any one time., so multiple sessions are necessary.
Typically, a course of 6-10 treatments is recommended to achieve the best results. To ensure most hairs are targeted in this stage of growth, treatments will be staggered on average every 4-6 weeks. Any hair regrowth you do have will be softer and finer than before. SkinBase IPL is not painful, and includes a unique, cryo-cooling handset for maximum comfort. The flash handset also has a large spot size, so treatments can be done quickly, even across larger body areas.
2. Electrolysis for Unwanted Hair
Electrolysis is another method used to get rid of unwanted hair. During a treatment, a skincare professional will get rid of unwanted hair by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle. The needle is even thinner than hair, and carries an electrical current used to destroy the hair growth cells. Once the follicle is destroyed, the dead hair is pulled out with tweezers. As hair goes through stages, multiple electrolysis sessions are necessary to achieve the most permanent results. Typically, electrolysis will be done between one and six weeks apart, 8-12 sessions may be necessary depending on the individual. Electrolysis focuses on one follicle at a time to get rid of unwanted hair, therefore, a treatment takes significantly longer than IPL, or even a laser treatment. However, it is effective for darker skin tones, and lighter hair, which are not suitable for IPL and laser
3. Laser to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair
Laser hair removal is another popular choice. This method uses a concentrated beam of light to get rid of unwanted hair. The light heats up the hair follicle, causing damage and preventing further hair growth. The pigment in the hair attracts the laser, so darker hair absorbs the laser more effectively, which is why people with dark hair and light skin are ideal candidates for laser hair removal. Laser beams are a single wavelength of light, so the treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated. Multiple laser sessions are necessary to achieve the best results. Laser is an effective method used to get rid of unwanted hair, but may require downtime following treatment.
Get Rid of Unwanted Hair
Which option you choose will depend on your individual hair type, treatment preferences and skincare goals. Ensure you consult a skincare expert to help you make a decision. You can find your nearest SkinBase Therapist here to get started with IPL.
