Threading as a hair removal option

Threading also called khite in Arabic and fatlah in Egyptian, is a less common method in the West for removing hair at the root, used primarily on facial hair. Rows of stray hairs are yanked out with twists of cotton thread.

Threading hair is so basic to women in the Middle East and India that it can be compared to girls learning to braid each other’s hair as children. Traditionally, threading is used on the entire face, including upper lip, chin, eyebrows, sideburns and cheeks. Most American cosmetologists are not trained in the procedure. Threading requires using a trained practitioner for removing unwanted hair temporarily.

How does Threading work?

The way threading works is that the practitioner uses a piece of regular cotton thread and through a series of twisting the thread, removes unwanted hair from the skin by entwining the hair in the thread.  The benefit of threading as a hair removal technique is that the hair can be removed at any length.  Hair re-growth usually occurs within 2-4 weeks after threading.  

How to Do Threading

The first time you have threading done, you should have it done by a practitioner.  Pay careful attention to the method the practitioner uses so you can do threading yourself.  Consider it “tuition” so you can learn how to do it yourself. 

The practitioner holds one end of the cotton thread in his or her teeth and the other in the left hand. The middle is looped through the index and middle fingers of the right hand. The practitioner then uses the loop to trap a series of unwanted hairs and pull them from the skin. There are also devices made that can hold the thread during the procedure.

THE PROCESS OF THREADING

1.     Using approximately 2 feet (24 inches) of thread length, take both ends of the thread and knot them to form a circle.

2.     Hold the thread with both hands, and wind it around ten times so a twist forms in the middle.  The thread will slightly resemble a bowtie.

3.     Place the thread around the index finger and the thumb on both hands.

4.     Push the wound section of the thread right and left by opening and closing your fingers simultaneously.

5.     Position the hair you want removed alongside the wound part of the thread. Simultaneously open and close your fingers on one hand to move the wound part over the hair you want removed.

 

The Best Areas on the Body to use Threading

Threading is most effective on smaller areas of the body where you want unwanted hair removed.  The best places to use threading for unwanted hair on the body for men and women are:

·      Eyebrows

·      Facial Hair

How Long Does  Threading Last

After using threading as a method for hair removal, expect to use threading every four weeks, when the hair grows back.  Hair may grow back lighter in color and thinner and less coarse then original hair appeared.

Pros and Cons of Threading

PROS

1.     Relatively inexpensive

2.     Neat

3.     Less painful then tweezing

CONS

1.     Sometimes difficult to find a practitioner

2.     Skin can become itchy

3.     Can cause ingrown hair

4.     May cause skin irritation/puffiness

5.     May change skin pigment

 

The Risks of Threading

1.     Skin irritation if you have sensitive skin

2.     May cause ingrown hair

3.     May change pigmentation of skin

 

Threading Tips

1.     Excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane and similar products

2.     Make sure the thread is strong and made of 100% cotton

3.     When threading eyebrows, draw the desired eyebrow shape on your brow before threading

4.     Make sure you always hold the thread taut.

Waxing and Sugaring, the difference?

Waxing or Sugaring removes your hair for the short term, it is quick and accessible.  Waxing and Sugaring have the same basic premise.  Apply a sticky solution to the skin surface on the unwanted hair.  Then using strips of cloth, place them over the treated area and quickly pull the cloth off the skin, pulling the hair out of the skin by the root.  It is quite a popular method for temporary hair removal for women as well as men.  Waxing or Sugaring is successful if done by a professional practitioner for removing unwanted hair temporarily.  It is a bit more difficult to do either of these methods yourself.

Waxing and sugaring have less hair breakage at the surface of the skin that can cause ingrown hair problems.

Waxing differs from sugaring in that waxing uses hot wax that may cause a burn if applied too hot.  Cold wax is also a method of waxing available but is less effective.  The heat from the hot wax helps to open the skins pores making it easier to remove unwanted hair.

Sugaring is done with a paste that is at room temperature.  It begins to warm up with the body temperature of your skin as you use the sugaring compound, making it more pliable.  The sugaring compound is made of sugar, lemon and water.  The only contraindications for sugaring are Retin A users and Acutane users.  People who have used Retin A in 3 days prior to sugaring should not be sugaring.  People who have used Acutane, must wait 6-12 months before sugaring.

Sugaring exfoliates as it removes the unwanted hair, making it a more desirable way of removing hair then waxing.  Exfoliation helps alleviate pain associated with hair removal.  The exfoliation also prevents any rashy bumps that are sometimes associated with hair removal.

How does Waxing  work?

Waxing is a temporary method to remove unwanted hair from the face or body.  Liquid wax is applied to the skin and strips of cloth are adhered to the wax.  The cloth strips are then pulled off the skin in the direction of the hair growth, removing the unwanted hair.  Hair re-growth is slow, and usually occurs within 2-8 weeks after waxing.

How does Sugaring  work?

Sugaring is also a temporary method of removing unwanted hair from the face or body.  A combination of sugar, lemon and water is mixed to form a paste.  The paste is at room temperature and applied to the skin.  The paste is dragged against the direction of hair growth and then just like tweezing the paste is flicked in the opposite direction pulling the hair out by the root.  You never want to sugar in the opposite direction because hair would break off and it would not last very long.

How to Wax

Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin.  A cloth or paper strip is then adhered on top of the wax and ripped off with a quick motion in the direction of the hair growth.  This removes the wax, the unwanted hair, and dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and soft.

How to Sugar

Sugaring is similar to waxing.  The sugar paste only sticks to the hair and not the skin making it less painful.  Sugaring paste is prepared with common household items and may be left at room temperature.  The area for hair removal is then dusted with powder prior to the sugaring application.  After the paste is applied, strips of cloth or paper are then applied to the sugaring paste and ripped off in the direction of the hair growth.  A more advanced method is also available where the strips of cloth or paper are not used.  Instead, the paste itself acts as the cloth and the paste is flicked in the natural direction of the growth pulling out the hair.

THE PROCESS OF WAXING OR SUGARING UNWANTED HAIR

1.     Apply the wax or sugaring agent over the target hairs in the direction of the hairs natural growth

2.     Apply strips of cloth or paper over the treated area.

3.     Rip the strip of cloth or paper off the treated area in the direction of the air growth removing the unwanted hair.

4.     Apply hand pressure over treated area to help dispense the pain.

The Best Areas to Wax or Sugar on Your Face or Body

Because waxing or sugaring involves the pulling of more than one hair at a time, it is most effective on larger areas of the body or face.  It is a fast easy process and is best done through a certified or licensed practitioner.

The best places to wax or sugar unwanted hair on the face or body for men and women are:

·      Upper lip

·      Eyebrows

·      Chest

·      Back

·      Legs

·      Bikini Line

·      Buttocks

How Long Waxing or Sugaring Lasts

When wax or sugaring paste is taken off in the direction of hair growth, hair removal lasts longer.  Hair re-growth usually occurs within 2-8 weeks after waxing or sugaring.

Pros and Cons of Waxing Hair

PROS

1.     Long lasting

2.     Re-growth is finer hair

3.     Quick if done by professional

4.     Very useful method for heavy hair removal

 

CONS

1.     Painful

2.     Difficult for small areas

3.     If not done properly can cause injury to the skin

4.     Some areas are difficult to do yourself

The Risks of Waxing

1.     Burn if wax is too hot

2.     If not cautious skin can rip off along with wax

3.     Bruising of skin

4.     Rash if you have sensitive skin

The Risks of Sugaring

1.     Bruising the skin

2.     Rash if you have sensitive skin

Waxing and SugaringTips

1.     To avoid skin appearing darker after waxing or sugaring, avoid sun exposure for 48 hours after waxing.

2.     Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions when waxing.

3.     Patch test the waxing or sugaring agent on the skin before using to avoid allergic reaction.

4.     Hair should be at least 1/8 inch long when performing waxing or sugaring

5.     Wash skin thoroughly and dry it well before using either method of hair removal.

6.     If painful and discomfort after waxing or sugaring, apply a pain reducing gel or lotion over treated area.

7.     After waxing or sugaring, apply a warm washcloth over treated area to soothe area.

8.     For removing facial hair, apply a thin amount of waxing or sugaring agent and work in small areas at a time.

If you are looking to grow hair or thicken the hair on your head, this product is THE BEST!  Guaranteed results within 2 months!

For other options on hair removal check out bleaching, depilatories, threading, tweezing, laser, IPL, shaving options available. Should you even bother removing your hair at all?

What’s a depilatory anyway?

Depilatories are somewhere between shaving and waxing or sugaring as a method for hair removal. A depilatory can be in the form of a gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, roll on or powder. Depilatories are a mixture of a mildly caustic chemical that contains a form of calcium and sodium. When this chemical is applied to the skin, it dissolves the keratin in any hair shaft, providing hair removal that goes just below the skins surface. Most depilatories smell quite unpleasant, however you can clear large areas of unwanted hair quickly and remain that way for a longer time then you would if shaving. Depilatories are a simple do-it-yourself method of removing unwanted hair temporarily.

Depilatories may not be the best answer for hair removal if your hair is coarse. Coarse hair tends to be stubborn when trying to remove the hair from desired areas on the body. Depilatories work best on fine, soft hair. They are ideal for use by women who only have soft peach fuzz to remove and people from an Asian background who tend to be less heavily fuzzed.

How do Depilatories work?
Depilatories are a temporary method to remove unwanted hair from the face. They are ideal for use on large areas of unwanted hair. The calcium, sodium chemical combination tends to dissolve the keratin from the shaft of the hair allowing it to be removed gently when the cream is removed. Hair re-growth usually occurs within 2-3 weeks after using depilatories.

How to Use Depilatories
When trying depilatories for the first time, be sure to try a patch test on your forearm just in case you have a reaction to the chemical agent. It is fairly rare for this to happen, but these caustic chemicals may cause skin irritation, discoloration or allergy.

As with any product, read the manufacturers label and instructions before using. Apply the recommended amount of solution on the desired area. DO not forget to time yourself because leaving one of these agents on the skin for too long can cause burns which may be painful. When removing a depilatory cream, if all the hair is not removed, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REAPPLY THE DEPILATORY. Doing so will cause the skin to burn.

THE PROCESS OF USING DEPILATORIES
1. Always clean the skin first by applying a warm compress to the area hair is to be removed. This opens the hair follicles and removes any soil that may in the way of the cream working.
2. Apply the depilatory agent liberally over the area of hair to be removed. Always follow the package instructions.
3. Leave product on the hair and skin for the designated amount of time. This varies according to manufacturer.
4. When removing the product, use a damp cloth in downward strokes
5. Rinse off excess product on the hair and skin.

The Best Areas on the Body to use Depilatories
Depilatories are most effective on large portions of the body where a lot of hair is to be removed. If you are considering using depilatories on your face, make sure that the product was designed for that purpose. These types of products tend to be very strong smelling from the chemical compounds they contain. The fumes from these chemicals can cause eye irritation. Depilatories should never be used on chapped, open or broken skin.

The best places to use depilatories for unwanted hair on the body for men and women are:
• Bikini line
• Pubic region
• Chest
• Back
• Legs
• Under Arm

How Long Do Depilatories Last
After using a depilatory agent for hair removal, expect to use the depilatory agent again in 4-5 days, when the hair grows back. Hair may grow back lighter in color and thinner and less coarse then original hair appeared.

Pros and Cons of Depilatories
PROS
1. Relatively inexpensive
2. Quick
3. Very useful method for large areas of the body
4. No Pain
5. Exfoliates the skin as it works

CONS
1. Possible allergic reaction
2. Strong chemical smell, fumes
3. Messy application
4. Results vary largely
5. Not advisable for small areas on the face

The Risks of Using Depilatories
1. Chemical burn from prolonged use
2. Rash if you have sensitive skin
3. Skin discoloration if darker skin tone

Depilatory Tips
1. Test a small patch of skin first to determine if there is an allergic or sensitive reaction to the depilatory agent. Wait 24 hours before using the agent.
2. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions.
3. Set a timer to ensure that the depilatory remained on the unwanted for the suggested amount of time according to the manufacturers instructions.
4. If skin becomes itchy after use, discontinue use of the depilatory and apply a soothing lotion such as aloe vera or an anti-inflammatory skin cream.
5. To minimize irritation, try not to exfoliate (do not scrub the skin or use a mask or cleaning agent) beforehand and be sure to follow up the depilatory with a thorough rinsing and moisturizer.

For other options on hair removal check out bleaching, waxing, sugaring, threading, tweezing, laser, IPL, shaving options available. Should you even bother removing your hair at all?

Tweezing Hair…ouch!

Tweezing removes your hair for the short term, it is quick and accessible. Tweezing is merely a process of removing unwanted hair by pulling the hair out close to the skins surface. It is quite a popular method for temporary hair for women. Tweezing is a simple do-it-yourself method of removing unwanted hair temporarily.

Tweezing does in fact increase the coarseness of the hairs and can distort the hair follicle damaging it permanently. Eventually scars and ingrown hairs may occur from these distorted follicles which make subsequent permanent hair removal technically more difficult.

Each time a hair is tweezed out it is being removed from the dermal papilla just under the skins surface. The re-grown hair may rebuild a deeper, stronger, darker hair to replace the one tweezed out.

How does Tweezing work?
Tweezing is a temporary method to remove unwanted hair from the face. It is not recommended for the body. Metal forceps are used to pull the hair from it’s base close to the skin surface and pulled out in the direction of the hair growth. Hair re-growth is fast, and usually occurs within 6-10 days after tweezing.

How to Tweeze
All you really need for tweezing hair is a mirror and a good pair of tweezers. Tweezers come in many shapes and sizes. Some professionals prefer slanted tweezers as they seem to be more accurate. Depending on what part of the body you are tweezing, you want to take care when pulling the hair from the base, closest to the skins surface to ensure you removed all of the hair rather then breaking it. If working on your eyebrows, brushing the hair in the direction of growth makes it easier to figure out which hair you want to remove by tweezing.

THE PROCESS OF TWEEZING HAIR
1. Brush the target hairs in the direction if the hairs natural growth
2. Isolate the hair you wish to remove
3. Hold the skin taut to prevent excess pulling
4. Direct the tweezers so that you are tweezing in the direction of the hairs growth.
5. Pull just one hair at a time to control the tweezing.
6. When holding the tweezers, pull the hair gently but with a quick and smooth direction.

The Best Areas to Tweeze on Your Face
Because tweezing involves the pulling of one hair at a time, it is most effective on smaller areas of the body or face. It can be a time consuming process.

The best places to tweeze unwanted hair on the body for men and women are:
• Upper lip
• Eyebrows
• Stray hairs

How Long Tweezing Last
Tweezed hair usually re-grows within 2 weeks of being tweezed. If hair was tweezed and a small white, hard deposit was at the end of the hair when tweezed, hair may take a little longer to grow back. That white calcified bulb on the end of the hair means that the hair was in its growing stage of development and since the hair bulb was removed, hair takes a longer time to develop.

Pros and Cons of Tweezing Hair
PROS
1. Relatively inexpensive
2. Very convenient
3. Quick
4. Very useful method for stray hairs on face and eyebrows

CONS
1. Painful
2. Difficult for large areas
3. Requires use of a mirror
4. Some areas are difficult to do yourself

The Risks of Tweezing
1. Pinching the skin as you tweeze
2. May cause ingrown hair
3. May cause pitting and scarring
4. Should not be used for nose hair, as infection may occur

Tweezing Tips
1. Hair can be softened first with hair conditioner or shaving cream before tweezing to make hair removal easier.
2. Warm the skin before tweezing to ensure hair removal by opening skins pores.
3. Invest in a professional pair of tweezers with a pointed tip for hair removal accuracy.
4. Use natural lighting whenever possible.
5. Pull the skin taut and remove hairs as close to the root as possible.
6. Tweeze in the direction of hair growth.
7. Close the pores after tweezing by applying cool compresses to area tweezed, or use an astringent to help close the pores and clean the area.

For other options on hair removal check out bleaching, waxing, sugaring, threading, depilatories, laser, IPL, shaving options available. Should you even bother removing your hair at all?

To Shave or not to Shave?

Shaving removes your for the short term, it is quick and accessible. Shaving is merely a process of removing unwanted hair by cutting the hair close to the skins surface. It is quite a popular method for temporary hair for both men and women. Shaving is a simple do-it-yourself method of removing unwanted hair temporarily.

Shaving has always carried some common misperceptions about the practice. People thought that shaving against the grain would cause hair to grow back thicker and denser. Study after study has examined the effects of shaving and has confirmed that shaving has no effect on hair growth rates or density. Shaving does, however, change the appearance of the hair. Whether with the grain or against it, shaving results in a blunt, squared off edge to the hair. Whereas the naturally growing hair had a smooth tapered end, the shaved hair maintains its square end, giving the appearance of a thicker hair, when in reality the base of the hair is the same diameter as it always, just without the taper.

How does Shaving work?
Shaving is a temporary method to remove unwanted hair from the face or body. It is the process of dragging a razor across the skins surface to remove the hair from the base along the skins surface. Hair re-growth is fast, and usually occurs within 24 hours after shaving.

Shaving as an art form
The perfect shave is what most men strive for every morning and most women wish for when shaving various parts of their bodies. It is an effortless shave that’s baby smooth, and without any of the usual skin irritations, redness and the burning sensation most people seem to feel is par for the course when it comes to shaving.

Shaving was once thought of as an art form. It was a male tradition that used to be passed down from father to son. Somewhere along the line when it became easier to use disposable, inexpensive razors, rather then a precision made metal tool, and people’s hectic schedules got even more rushed, this art form lost its luster.

How to Shave
There are two types of shaving hair, wet shaving or dry shaving. Both of these methods will remove the hair along the skins surface.

Wet shaving is just a term that implies, keeping your face or other body part wet with plenty of hot water before, and during the entire shave. It is always a good idea to take a hot shower or wash the part being shaved with warm water to open up the pores for a closer shave. After wetting the surface with water, a lubricant is applied. This lubricant can be in the form of a shaving cream, gel or foam. With this layer of lubrication, the blades of the razor skims the skins surface instead of dragging on it, which is the main cause of skin irritation, redness and shaving bumps.

Dry shaving involves the use of an electric razor. This type of shaving is ideal for the face ONLY. The razor removes hair in much the same way as wet shaving does, however it does not require any type of lubrication or a wet face to dry shave. Electric razors consist of a series of rotating blades which are held behind a metal foil that is perforated preventing the blades from coming into direct contact with the skin. The hair being shaved pokes through holes in the foil area and are removed by the rotating blades.

THE PROCESS OF WET SHAVING
1. Wet the area being shaved with warm water to open the pores in the skins surface.
2. Apply a lubricant to the wet skin, such as a shaving gel, cream or lotion
3. Make sure the blade on your razor is new or in good condition.
4. Rinse the razor blade with warm water.
5. Draw the razor in the direction of the hair growth, always keeping it in contact with the skins surface.
6. Rinse the razor with each stroke to make sure the blades are cleaned of excess shaving lubricant for a closer shave.
7. Wash off any excess shaving lubricant left on the area shaved, and pat area dry with clean towel.

THE PROCESS OF DRY SHAVING FOR FACE ONLY
1. Make sure electric shaver is clean, and if it has a battery make sure it is charged prior to shaving. If the electric razor requires it to be plugged in, make sure plug is in good working order.
2. Starting at the sideburns, applying slight pressure, run the razor along the side of your face along the grain of the hair.
3. Work your way towards the front of the face and neck area.

The Best Areas to Shave on Your Body
You can shave facial or body hair everyday if needed with virtually no pain or discomfort. Shaving is fine is for any skin tone and any type of hair. If hair is excessively long, it should be trimmed with scissors or other implement prior to shaving. Shaving works best on hair that has growth of 1/8 – 1/4 inch in length.

The best places to shave unwanted hair on the body for men and women are:
• Face
• Neck
• Under Arms
• Legs

How Long Shaving Lasts
When shaving you should expect visible re-growth within 12-24 hours after shaving. The hair follicles are always making hair and re-growth may not be visible immediately, but rest assured you will need to shave again within a 24-36 hour period. Shaving is a temporary way to remove unwanted hair.

Pros and Cons of Shaving Hair
PROS
1. Relatively inexpensive
2. No pain
3. Very convenient
4. Quick
5. Exfoliates the skins surface

CONS
1. Stubble appears quickly
2. Hair regrowth is coarse and blunt edged
3. Does not remove hair under skins surface
4. Razors need to be replaced often

The Risks of Shaving
1. Risk of nicks and cuts to the skin
2. Risk of ingrown hair if blade is not sharp
3. Can cause skin irritation such as razor burn and dry skin

Shaving Tips
1. Shave in the shower, pores are open for a closer shave when in warm climate.
2. Apply a slick lubrication such as a shaving gel, cream or lotion, this allows the blades to glide over the skin without scraping
3. Use a face scrub to massage and open pores, prime follicles and raise stubs for a closer shave. This exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can cause acne, ingrown hairs and infection.
4. Use a sharp blade and discard after 4-5 uses.
5. Avoid irritants that can damage your skin and create swelling after shaving. Never use alcohol on the area shaved after shaving.
6. Calm skin after shaving by applying a soothing moisturizing lotion.

For other options on hair removal check out bleaching, waxing, sugaring, threading, depilatories, laser, IPL, shaving, tweezing options available.  Should you even bother removing your hair at all?

Bleaching…hiding your hair

Bleaching leaves your hair intact and is quick and accessible. Bleaching is merely a process of hiding unwanted hair by lightening the color of the hair to a soft blonde hue. It is quite a popular method for hiding hair for many women. It does not remove hair. Bleaching is a simple do-it-yourself method of hiding unwanted hair temporarily.

How does Bleaching work?
When bleaching your hair the color of your hair is stripped, exposing your “natural” hair pigment. Bleaching can make moustache hair almost invisible. When bleaching keep in mind there is a color range for the final outcome after bleaching. The color can range from a rusty orange to a pale yellow. The final bleached color of your hair are determined by the quantity, type and distribution of color pigments inside the hair. Bleaching radically alters the original proportions of these pigments.

Bleach Kits
Bleaching can be done with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide or commercial bleaching kits. Either one of these methods require products that may be purchased at your local food market or pharmacy. Before purchasing your product of choice, make sure you read the instructions on the outside of the packaging to be sure that the method you choose is easy to use and includes detailed instructions. Instructions will vary among manufacturers. Most bleach kids come with two essential components, the hair bleach mixture, which is often in cream form, and the activator mixture that is almost always in powder form.

How to Use Bleach
You’ll need a hair bleaching kit, a warm washcloth, tepid water, and a mirror.

THE PROCESS
1. Wash the part of the body to be bleached with a mild cleanser and pat area dry.
2. Prepare the bleach according to the instructions that came with the bleaching kit. After preparation bleach should appear like a white paste or cream.
3. Apply the bleach with the spatula that most kits come with, or you may even use a wooden spoon. Apply the thick layer of the paste to areas you are trying to cover.
4. Set a timer and leave bleach on for the shortest amount of time specified in the package directions. Wipe away a small part of the bleach after the estimated time described and see if hair is desired color.
5. If necessary reapply the bleach to the area you removed it from and let set for several more minutes.
6. Once hair is lightened as desired, remove bleach using a washcloth and tepid water, rinse area treated thoroughly.

The Best Areas to Bleach on Your Body
You can bleach facial or body hair every couple of weeks with virtually no pain or discomfort. Bleaching is best for body hairs that are dark and thin. Hairs that are thick and long are not suitable for bleaching because they look all the more prominent after bleaching. Bleaching hair on a skin that is too dark will result in the lightened hair ending up looking more conspicuous against the darker skin tone, so, bleaching is best for medium to fair skin tones with dark hair.

The best places to bleach unwanted hair on the body for men and women are:
• Face
• Neck
• Arms and Forearms
• Back
• Chest
• Legs
• Stomach

How Long Bleaching Lasts
Bleaching is effective for as long as the hair exists. In other words, it bleaches the hair, which is above the surface of the skin, therefore the color of the hair becomes much lighter with the peroxide product which is used. The hair cannot change color, it won’t go dark again; but as the hair grows, that part which is produced from the hair follicle, beneath the skin and gradually protrudes above the surface of the skin, that will be dark. You get your re-growth, of the bleached or the unbleached hair, in exactly the same way as you get re-growth on the hair of the head. Bleaching lasts as long as it takes for the hair to grow out. It may last for a couple of weeks or it may last for a month, depending on how much hair there is, and how quickly it grows.

The method for bleaching unwanted body hair is the same as the method for bleaching unwanted facial hair.

Pros and Cons of Bleaching Hair
PROS
1. Relatively inexpensive
2. No pain
3. Very convenient
4. Lasts as long as the bleached hair remains in its follicle, can be up to 16 weeks.

CONS
1. Repeated bleaching can raise the scales of the cuticle permanently and upset the moisture content.
2. Bleaching becomes more difficult since the ability of the hair to absorb fluids increases to a great extent. As a result, those hairs will be bleached badly and will assume uneven shades.
3. Repeated bleaching will make the hair brittle and weak with very little luster or shine.
4. Skin pigmentation may appear lighter then usual after bleaching process and remain for several days.
5. Itching sensation in bleached area may occur.
6. Very unpleasant odor

The Risks of Bleaching
1. If bleaching agent is left too long on skin, a redness may appear and remain for several days. Redness may feel like a sunburn.
2. Asthma, urticaria and syncope are reported as the side effects of the sulfate activator. Because of the fumes emitted.
3. Be sure to stay away from your eyes, as the fumes from bleach can be irritating and if you get bleaching agents in the eye it would be quite painful and may need medical attention.
4. Bleaching should not be done on sensitive body areas like the bikini area because of the risk of skin damage and irritation.
5. One should not bleach if the target area skin is broken, irritated, inflamed or infected or if there has been a previous skin reaction to bleaching.
6. Bleaching may not be the appropriate method for people having sensitive skin.

Bleaching Tips
1. DO NOT use bleaching agent if you think you are pregnant.
2. A skin patch test should be conducted before using bleaching agent. Allergic reactions may occur.
3. Never combine the two bleaching kit components until you are ready to begin bleaching.
4. Immediately discard any unused portion of the bleaching agent.
5. If NO redness, irritation or eruption occurs you can proceed with the fill application.

Hope this bleaching advice helps you in making a decision to remove your hair or not to remove your hair. Check out shaving, tweezing, waxing, sugaring, threading, depilatories, laser, IPL, shaving options available.

Why are some people hair-ier than others?

There are two main types of hair on the human body: vellus hair and terminal hair.

Vellus Hair
Vellus hair is soft, fine strands of hair that cover your entire body, also known as “peach fuzz”. Most women, children and pre-teens have vellus hair on their chest, back and face. Vellus hair may appear more noticeable on women with darker skin tones.
The purpose of vellus hair is to regulate body temperature. When your body temperature drops, vellus hair tends to stand straight up on the skin, creating a barrier between what is making you cold and your skin’s surface.

Hypertrichosis
Some people have more vellus hair on their bodies then others. This condition is called hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis is common when the testosterone levels among women who are menopausal, or post menopausal rises, and the estrogen level decreases.

Hypertrichosis may also occur in people who are on certain medications containing testosterone, danazol, corticotrophin, (ACTH), metyrapone, anabolic steroids (testosterone, DHEA) and glucocorticoids such as prednisone. These medications may cause increased vellus hair and terminal hair growth (see below) as well as convert vellus hair into terminal hair.

Hypertrichosis is a common adverse effect of cyclosporin, a chemotherapy drug, and minoxidil and diazoxide used for the treatment of hypertension.

Terminal hair is considered developed hair. This type of hair is stronger, coarser, and darker then vellus hair. Terminal hair is typically found on your head, under your armpits, and in your pubic region. This type of hair may be very curly on some individuals.

During the onset of puberty, the sebaceous glands are highly active. This gland is located at the base of the hair follicle under the skins surface. During the onset of puberty this gland tends to be overactive. It plays a role in converting vellus hair into terminal hair. Sebaceous glands produce oil on the skin and hairs surface. Overactive sebaceous glands can create oily hair for many teens.

Many people want to get rid of the unwanted hair on their bodies and there are a variety of ways to do this:
“Do it yourself” methods include:
• Bleaching
• Shaving
• Tweezing
• Depliatory Cream
• Waxing or Sugaring
• Threading

“Do it yourself” or using a certified practitioner include:
• Waxing/Sugaring
• Threading

Methods requiring a licensed practitioner:
• Laser
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Depilation lasting several hours to several days can be achieved by:
1. Shaving or trimming either using a manual or electric shavers
2. Friction by using a rough surface to buff away hair
3. Depilatories which can come as a cream or “shaving powders” that chemically dissolve hair

Epilation lasting several days to several weeks can be achieved by:
1. Tweezing, by pulling out each individual hair
2. Waxing, using either a hot or cold layer of wax applied and then removed with porous strips
3. Sugaring which is very similar to waxing, but with a sticky paste in place of wax
4. Threading, which is also called fatlah or khite, in which a twisted thread catches hairs as it’s rolled across the skin
5. Rotary epilators that are devices which rapidly grasp hairs and pull them out by the root

Hair Removal 101

There are many places on the human body where you may consider removing hair. Less body hair, will make a person have less of an odor, especially when they sweat. Many articles have stated that the purpose for body hair on humans was directly connected with sexual attraction. The odors one’s body gives off, acts as pheromones to attract the opposite sex. Body hair holds those pheromones longer.

Although having smooth and hairless skin is a current trend, it is still a matter of preference and function why people remove body hair. Furthermore, how much of the body hair is removed also depends on the individual.

Pubic area (bikini line) is one of the top locations for this process for both men and women. When you’re young, vellus hair grows in the pubic regions of your body. As you go through puberty, that vellus hair turns into terminal hair and becomes thicker and coarser. In Western cultures many women opt to remove hair from their bikini line.

A growing number of men have started practicing male pubic hair removal methods for various reasons.
• Some say removing all of the body hair including the hair on their pubic area keeps away odor causing bacteria because it usually gets dark and moist down there.
• It is safer for both partners if the man removed his pubic hair because this can keep his partner’s private parts free from itchiness after intercourse.
• Others do it to enhance their sexual experiences. They believe that male pubic hair removal on the penis area will make one’s erection look bigger.
• If you’ve been in a relationship for some time now, shaving it off might create new interest from your partner which can help increase sexual excitement.
• Others even go to the lengths of creating designs on a shorter patch of pubic for novelty reasons.

Armpits rate as the second most common place to remove hair for women. While having hair in the armpits is acceptable in most cultures for males, it is not as acceptable for females. During the 1960’s and the invention of women’s lib, many women opted not to remove their armpit or leg hair. Currently that practice has not been widely adopted by Western culture.

Leg hair is the second most popular area Western women remove hair. Women remove leg hair mostly for aesthetic reasons. Men may choose to remove leg hair for a sport, including cycling and swimming.

Chest hair grows within the region of the male body between the neck and the abdomen. Chest hair begins to grow when a male enters puberty. Some men prefer less hair on their body and opt for hair removal.

Back Hair is another sex characteristic of some men. Many men remove the hair on their backs for a variety of reasons, most often vanity.

Facial hair removal for men is done for a variety of reasons.

Eyebrows are a common area to remove facial hair for both men and women. Sculpting the shape of an eyebrow can create a defined look for the appearance of the overall face. Many people pluck the hair between their eyebrows for vanity reasons.

Eyelash removal is not a common practice among men or women, although there is a disorder called Trichotillomania that is associated with this habit. Trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder that affects people mostly during their teenage years and may continue throughout life unless treatment is sought. Some women remove their eyelashes to enable them to wear false lashes, preferring lashes that are longer and fuller.

The desire to have smooth, hairless skin and to remove excess or dark hair usually begins in adolescence and tends to be a lifelong pursuit. Whether it is hair on the face, armpits, legs, bikini line, or other body parts, many women AND men are intent upon having the hair on their scalp be the only visible hair on their bodies.

There are many options available to remove unwanted hair, but few options to get rid of hair permanently. Each person should chose a method or combination of methods that works best for them depending on cost, time available, skin type, and the desired hair-free area.

There are numerous methods for removing or hiding unwanted hair. Some methods are “do it yourself”, others require the assistance of a licensed practitioner.

“Do it yourself” methods include:
• Bleaching
• Shaving
• Tweezing
• Depliatory Cream
• Waxing or Sugaring
• Threading

“Do it yourself” or using a certified practitioner include:
• Waxing/Sugaring
• Threading

In a few future posts I will discuss each method and the pros and cons of each.

Shaving….for women with the Schick Quattro

The worst part of being a women is getting rid of unsightly hair, anywhere on the body. The things we have to go through to keep our appearance as we wish are merely methods of torture. Waxing, sugaring, laser hair removal, or threading. No matter what method I try, I always go back to shaving.

The problem I find with shaving are those nasty little razor bump. I did find a trick recently to get rid of the razor bumps that I wanted to share with you all. IN addition to having tried a new type of razor. First the razor bumps: In order to eliminate razor bumps, you must thoroughly exfoliate your skin before shaving. This will release the hair that is trapped in the follicle so it can be shaved. If the hairs have not poked out of the follicles yet, you’ll just end up shaving off a bump of skin and irritating it; thus, red bumps! I exfoliate like crazy and scrub my legs pretty hard with those scrubby gloves that are sold everywhere (works well on the bikini area also – I DON’T DARE SHAVE THERE WITHOUT EXFOLIATING FIRST!).

As far as the Schick Quattro goes, this is the best razor I have ever owned. I have never cut myself and it shaves closely AFTER I have exfoliated. With my old razors, I dreaded changing the blade because I knew the brand new razor would cut my legs for at least two weeks before it got a little dull. Not so with the Schick Quattro! It has a heavier and better quality feel than other ladies razors. I have used my husbands razor at times and I always liked the heaviness of the razor because I felt I had more control over the razor. The Schick Quattro has that quality about it. It definitely offers more control while shaving.

I have tried many, many razors over the years and I can honestly say this is the best one I have ever used. What a relief! The only negative is that the refills are a little pricey but the blade does last for quite a while.