When the laser hair removal alternative first hit the general market back in 1995, everyone thought it would be the final and permanent answer to the problem of unwanted body hair. Now that it's ten, almost eleven years later, the word is out - Laser hair removal is NOT permanent.
There have been reports of hair remaining removed for up to 3 months, but at best, that can only be described as, "semi-permanent". Especially since laser hair removal is so expensive and quite painful, now that it's no longer considered permanent, people are looking for a laser hair removal alternative.
As permanency was such a big draw towards laser hair removal, electrolysis is the one proven laser hair removal alternative method that people can look into.
While there really isn't any guarantee that even electrolysis is totally permanent, because the stimulus for new growth can never be permanently removed and it is possible for a new root cell to develop, electrolysis is the closest to permanent hair removal as you're going to get.
You need to be aware that the laser hair removal alternative, electrolysis, is somewhat similar to laser treatments in that it is expensive and quite painful.
Actually, electrolysis is more painful, even with the use of a topical anesthetic. Because while laser treatments employ a laser light to disable hundreds of hair follicles, (the skin depressions from which the hair grows), electrolysis employs a fine wire that's threaded along the hair shaft into the hair follicle which is then charged with an electrical current to destroy the hair root at the bottom of the follicle on each individual hair.
There is the risk of electrical shocks and infections, in addition to swelling, redness, pinpoint scabbing and permanent scarring following electrolysis.
And while sessions range in price from $50-$150, which is far less expensive than laser hair removal treatments that cost between $500-$1,500 per session, what makes the laser hair removal alternative of electrolysis so expensive is that it can take one or more years to complete, with sessions once a week.
This kind of monetary and time investment, as well as the painful procedure and after effects, is what keeps electrolysis from being the most popular laser hair removal alternative.
One laser hair removal alternative that is quite popular is waxing.
There are kits you can buy to use at home, that range in cost from $10-$90, but research reveals that most people don't have what it takes to follow through with their own waxing. This is because waxing involves spreading a sticky substance on an area of the unwanted hair, covering it with a cloth strip, allowing it to sit for a moment and then, as quickly as possible, ripping the strip away from your body to pull the hair out by its roots.
While this laser hair removal alternative is not anywhere nearly as painful as electrolysis or even laser treatments, it's still a good idea to use a numbing spray or gel beforehand, even if you're not doing it yourself at home. This is why most people go to a salon or spa to have their waxing done. The cost usually runs right around $50 for smaller areas and obviously more for larger areas like a man's chest or back.
You need to be aware that the laser hair removal alternative of waxing can have some painful after effects because it is possible that a layer or two of your skin could be removed along with your hair. You can expect some swelling, redness, rawness and even some blisters. So if you're waxing for some special occasion, definitely have it done several days ahead.
This type of laser hair removal alternative can last for three to eight weeks. And don't be surprised if you come up with some ingrown hairs.
Another laser hair removal alternative that has been around for a long while and still sells well is the depilatory.
Most people are familiar with the cream or lotion depilatory, but today you can get it as a roll on, which is a little less messy. All of these cost around $10. Whichever form you use, the principle is the same: You apply the solution to your hair, allow it to sit for a few minutes while the chemicals basically melt your hair, and then wipe away.
This sounds easy enough but, you need to be aware that because this laser hair removal alternative employs harsh chemicals to dissolve your hair, it is not suitable for any sensitive areas of your body. Bikini lines are okay, but no where else in the pubic area.
This type of laser hair removal alternative will need to be done every few days. And it can also create ingrown hairs.
And be prepared that once these chemicals mix with your hair, there will be a most unpleasant odor that will remain on you, anything you use while applying it and even in the room where you apply it for quite a while.
But the main drawback of this laser hair removal alternative is that it doesn't always get all the hairs you're wanting removed. And then you're left with the decision of whether you should risk second and third degree burns, (when you can already expect some swollen and red skin), by applying it again, or try to finish the job by shaving this now raw skin ...
Which brings us to the laser hair removal alternative of shaving with a wet razor.
The simple act of skimming a sharp blade along the surface of your skin to cut down hairs remains to be the most used method of hair removal to date. While you can pay some bucks to invest in a quality razor and then in its special blades, it's worth the investment because the cheaper models are just that - Cheap. And they can't possibly provide you with the cleanest, closest and smoothest shave, which is what you're after.
While this laser hair removal alternative is easy to do, convenient and quick, the main disadvantage is that it can cause some major skin irritations if you don't take all the precautionary steps beforehand and if you're not very careful while shaving. No doubt you're familiar with razor burns, bumps and rashes which can lead to ingrown hairs.
There is one more laser hair removal alternative that is getting known and gaining in popularity because not only is it inexpensive, but it's easy, quick and, most importantly, safe to use on any/every part of the body without worry of unpleasant after effects.
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