Body Hair Removal Man

Mechanical epilators have an electric rubber roller or coiled spring that catches the hair and pulls it out, somewhat painfully, and tends to miss some hair. Hair must be about 1/4" to 1/3" long for the epilators to work. Epilators should not be used on very sensitive skin such as the face, genitals, or armpits.

Braun, the German manufacturer, has two epilator types, one for about $70 called Silk Epil Select and one for about $100 called Duo-Select which is available only through the Sharper Image catalog. Most reviewers prefer the more expensive Braun epilator which has 2 speeds, 2 tweezer strengths, plus an electric razor attachment for skin areas too sensitive for the tweezer action.

Epi-Lady epilator utilizes a coiled spring that is rotated by an electric motor. As the hair enters the spaces between the coils, the coils grab the hair and pull it out down to the hair root. This product has received good reviews and comes in several models, priced from $39 to $79.

Remington sells the Smooth and Silky epilator which also uses a rotating spring but offers different springs for different types of hair.

What Causes Excess Hair?

Hirsutism is a condition in which there is excessive growth of hair on the face or body. It can occur in both men and women without discrimination and is caused by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to male hormones (called androgens). It can also be caused by abnormally high levels of these hormones.

Some medicines promote Hirsutism, such as birth control pills, hormones and anabolic steroids. Women of Mediterranean ancestry, Hispanic women and African American women tend to have more body hair than women of Native American or Japanese ancestry. The condition seems to run in families and your doctor may want to run some tests to find out what the underlying cause may be.

What can you do to get rid of the excess hair? If you're overweight, lose it. This reduces the amount of androgen hormones in your body that causes increased hair growth. Stress can also elevate your androgens significantly.

Beyond diet, there a many options available. Below are a list of medically established methods to eliminate excess or unwanted facial and body hair:

1. Transdermal Electrolysis: One of the easiest procedures to perform currently available. No needles are used making it very safe and popular among "needle phobic" clients.

2. Waxing and Tweezing: This is a great way to temporarily relieve the embarrassing condition of unwanted hair. Results usually last 2-4 weeks and can be incorporated with more aggressive, as well as permanent, treatment options.

3. Topical Formulations: The sodium-hydroxide suspension Liquid Electrolysis damages follicle tissues on contact. This is one of the most substantial advancements in the field of epilation cosmetology in many years.

4. Anti-Androgens: Carefully formulated androgen blocking agents designed to interrupt the hormonal signals which tell hairs to grow.

5. Short-Wave Probeless: This procedure has been in use for many years, providing excellent result. It is virtually painless, making it perfect for the extra-sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.

6. Laser Epilation: An exciting new technology which is faster than electrolysis. Laser is also non-invasive, so there is no risk of infection by poor sterilization procedures.

7. Conventional Electrolysis: Blend or Galvanic, generally considered the most reliable and efficient method of permanently removing unwanted hair.

8. Microlysis: The newest of all hair removal procedures available with a strong popularity in Europe. Works similar to Transdermal, but incorporates powerful anti-growth liquids to the protocol.

Recent, unexplained hair growth could be a sign of more serious health concerns including, but not limited to: adrenal virilism, Stein-Leventhal syndrome, ovarian cancer, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, or iatrogenic reactions. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any of these conditions.

Recommendations

YES, you can rid yourself of that ugly hair!  Choosing the right system is the most important step in the entire process of hair removal. There are so many procedures available it can be rather confusing. We encourage our customers to fully educate themselves before making an investment in epilation equipment or committing to a treatment schedule at a professional establishment.

Important Factors To Consider

Method

Discomfort level 0-10

Face friendly?

Self-treat?

Operator friendly?

Treatment time per hair

Needle Galvanic

4

yes

yes

Requires some skill

15-30 seconds

Needle Blend

7

Uncomfortable for some.

yes

Requires some skill

1-2 seconds

Laser

5

Uncomfortable for some.

Not Recommended

Requires moderate skill

1-2 seconds

Transdermal

2

yes

yes

Easy to work with

15-30 seconds

Microlysis

2

yes

yes

Easy to work with

15-30 seconds

Short-Wave Probeless

1

yes

yes

Very easy to work with

2-7 seconds

Liquid Electrolysis

2

Not Recommended

yes

Requires some skill

5 minute treatment

Anti Androgens

0

yes

yes

Easy to work with

N/A