JOE.ie looks at the different types of permanent hair removal treatments available and provides expert advice before you go ahead with treatment.
So, you’ve reached that age when the hair on the ridge on your ears is thickening from the near-transparent fluff which once existed and when you lie on the floor your back is frequently mistaken for a rug.
Modern males are continuing to strive for the ultimate personal appearance and now, more than ever, we feel a pressure to look good. This is perfectly fine, however, it will hit your pocket to keep your body follicle-free in the areas which should be just that.
Shaving, waxing and smearing creams all over your body will give a quick fix solution but let’s focus on permanent methods of removing all of that unnecessary hair which, let’s face it, is not very appealing.
Getting started
The first thing you need to be aware of before deciding on which treatment option to go for is that the hair removal market is completely unregulated. If you see what looks like a good deal it is advised not to jump at the chance, otherwise you may be left permanently scarred or with excess hair growth – both side-effects of botch jobs.
Secondly, if you are thinking about getting treatment for permanent hair removal you should go for an assessment with a specialist to find out which treatment will best suit your skin type.
Electrolysis treatment
The once popular electrolysis hair removal treatment is now a thing of the past, according to the experts we spoke with in some treatment clinics and beauty salons around the country.
Electrolysis once boasted the best track record for the ridding of hair for long periods of time, in some cases permanently, but it is now virtually non-existent.
“Laser treatment and sound wave are the best methods nowadays,†a representative of Neelu’s Beauty & Remedial Salon in Dún Laoghaire said.
“There just isn’t the demand for electrolysis anymore so we’ve stopped doing it,†she added.
Sound-wave treatment
Epilpro is a sound-wave treatment for permanent hair reduction. This treatment option is widely regarded as a superior alternative to conventional electrolysis. A big strike in its favour is the fact that it is non-invasive, pain free and needleless. Perfect for the cry-babies among us.
It’s claimed that this treatment, provided by Neelu’s, leads to regrowth rates much slower than that seen with electrolysis.
Another plus is that Epil-Pro hair removal is suited to all skin types and hair colours.
Laser treatment
The key to successful hair removal is destroying the entire follicle down to the bulb while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue, according to the Aesthetic Laser & Skin Care Clinic in Cork.
Epilight hair removal, a laser treatment, takes a number of treatments and only works on dark pigment hair. Unwanted hair is gently removed by light that penetrates the target hair shaft. Men suffering from folliculitis on the face and neck area can be treated effectively by this method.
“Prices on this treatment vary depending on the treatment needed,†a representative from the clinic told us. “We recommend that you come in for an assessment and we can take it from there.”
The top advice on permanent hair removal methods comes from Dr. Patrick Treacy at the Ailesbury Clinic in Dublin.
“It all comes down to what machines are being used for laser treatment,†Dr. Treacy told JOE.ie. “IPL treatment is currently the best on offer. It’s about the difference between beauty and medical treatments. Most people don’t know the difference.
“People need to be vigilant about what clinic they go to. It’s a totally unregulated market,†he warns.
“It costs in the region of €2,000 for a male to have his full back done with us. It’s not time consuming – six to ten treatments and it’s over. The chest, nipples and legs are other common areas which men come in for but the back is probably the most popular.”
For more information on hair removal treatments click here.
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