Methods of Superfluous Hair Removal: Smooth Skin Secrets

Hair grows beneath the skin in follicles. Hair is nourished by blood vessels, which supply it with nutrition. 

Between hair growth and shedding, each hair goes through four phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Each hair can be in a different phase of the growth cycle at any given time.

Sometimes, the anagen phase shortens. Therefore, hair can become weaker and thinner after each cycle. This is why your diet should include key nutrients to ensure a healthy hair growth.

Stages of the hair growth cycle

The following stage of the hair growth cycle:

Anagen (Growing Phase)

The growing phase lasts 2-7 years and determines the length of our hair.

Catagen (Transition Phase)

This is a transitional phase that lasts about 10 days. The hair follicle shrinks and separates from the dermal papilla.

 Telogen (Resting Phase)

This is the resting phase, which lasts for about three months. Approximately 10–15 percent of the hair is in this phase at any given time. While the old hair rests, a new hair strand begins its growth phase.

Exogen (New Hair Phase)

This is the part of the resting phase where old hairs fall out and new hairs continue to grow. About 50 to 150 hairs may fall out daily, which is considered normal hair loss.

If hair enters the resting phase too early, excess hair loss and noticeable thinning may occur.

Superfluous hair and its purpose

The technical name for superfluous hair is hypertrichosis. In women, excessive hair growth can be observed on various areas of the body, such as the face (especially around the upper lip and chin), breasts, back, and abdomen.

Causes of Superfluous Hair

1. Some causes of the condition include stress, obesity, and genetics.
2. On sensitive hair follicles.
3. High levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
4. Certain medications/drugs.

Various methods of removing unwanted hair

Unwanted hair growth can be the result of hormonal imbalances, which can be treated with hormone therapy. 

However, sometimes there is no hormonal problem, or if it has already been treated, unwanted hair can be removed with various hair removal methods.

Hair removal methods fall into two categories: Depilation and Epilation

Depilation

In this method, hair is removed from the surface of the skin. There are various methods of depilation, such as: a. Abrasive paper b. Pumice stone c. Shaving

• Abrasive paper
• Pumice stone
• Shaving
• Depilatory cream

Abrasive paper

To remove hair, Abrasive paper is rubbed on the skin. This method was used in ancient times. Abrasive paper leaves cuts and rashes on the skin. This method is now obsolete.

Pumice stone

This is a porous stone that removes hair only from the skin. Pumice stones come in many shapes—square, triangular, oval, etc. 

This is a very slow hair removal process. It is never used in beauty parlors.  This method can be used to remove hair from the legs and arms. It is never used for facial hair removal.

Shaving

Shaving removes hair from the surface of the skin. Nowadays, some women are using shaving razors on their faces, but these are effective only for removing "peach fuzz" (fine facial hair). 

Shaving yields quick, effortless results and is suitable for the underarms and legs. Special models of shavers, designed specifically for women's body hair, are also available. 

Otherwise, razors generally fall into two categories.

• Manual razor
• Electric razor

Electric razors give good results. Apply body lotion or cream after using the razor. 

Depilatory creams

Depilatory creams are chemicals that dissolve hair so it can be wiped away or washed away. They are readily available over-the-counter for the face, arms, legs, and bikini area. 

Be careful using depilatory creams on the face; never apply near the eyes or too close to the mouth. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Note: Always perform a patch/allergy test 24 hours before applying depilatory cream. Apply a small amount of depilatory cream behind the ear. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then remove it.  If there is no reaction (redness or swelling) after 24 hours, continue treatment.

Epilation

This means that the hair is removed from beneath the skin. The hair is removed from the root.

There are different methods of epilation:

• Tweezing
• Threading
• Waxing

Tweezing

This is used to remove small amounts of hair. Tweezers are used to shape eyebrows, but they can also be used elsewhere or to remove ingrown hairs. Tweezers come in a variety of designs and sizes.

There are two types of tweezers:

Manual tweezers

These come in a variety of styles to find the one that best suits you.

Electric tweezers

One of the hair removal methods is electric tweezers. As the name implies, electrically charged tweezers are used to pull out hair.  Because each hair must be removed individually, like with regular tweezers, this method is very slow.

Threading

This method is used to remove small amounts of hair, such as shaping eyebrows, removing hair from the upper lip, chin, forehead, and any stray hairs. A coarse thread, typically number 40, is used for hair removal. 

Threading is a hair removal method originating in India and Central Asia. In recent times, It has gained popularity in Western countries. It also takes a lot of practice to perfect this technique.

Waxing 

This is an effective method for removing unwanted hair from large and small areas. 

There are two types of wax:

• Hot wax
• Cold wax

Hot wax

This is basically paraffin wax, heated directly on a heater and applied with a wooden spatula in the direction of hair growth. 

Hot wax does not use strips. This wax should be applied in thick layers so that it is firm enough to grasp when pulled off. This wax is typically used to remove hair from smaller areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, etc.

Cold wax

This comes in a semi-solid form. It is made of sugar, citric acid/lemon juice. They are thermostatically controlled heated or indirectly heated.

They are applied with a spatula in the direction of hair growth. Cold waxes are applied thinly and removed with strips of cotton or muslin cloth. These are used to remove hair from larger areas, such as legs, arms, and underarms. 

When using wax, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If not done properly, waxing can be painful. This technique requires a lot of practice to perfect.

Wax strips

Wax strips are the most convenient and easy-to-use hair removal method at home. They are easy to use.

Contraindications related to the temporary removal of unwanted hair

Contra-indications can be classified into those that restrict treatment. In other words, restricted means you can tailor your treatment around the contraindication, and restricted means you cannot treat the client until the condition resolves or until they obtain a medical referral.

Contra-indications

These can occur during or after treatment. It is important to provide your client with a complete and detailed explanation to help prevent these reactions.

The problems listed below are some of the precautions, along with the necessary treatment steps.

Erythema

This typically occurs after waxing and should subside within 24 hours. The client should avoid products or hot baths until the redness fades.

Blood spotting

Usually occurs in areas with strong hair growth, such as the underarms and bikini line. The areas should be cleaned with cold, damp cotton wool.

Bruising

Common in the bikini line area. Apply a cold compress. This should begin to subside after 24 hours. Some clients are more prone to bruising, so ensure that you and your client fully stretch the skin during procedures like waxing. Always note any occurrences on the client's record card.

Allergic reaction

The customer can read the product information at any time. If you suspect that a client is having an adverse reaction to a product, immediately remove all traces of the product and apply a cold compress after 24 hours. They should seek medical advice.

Broken Hairs

During waxing, strong terminal hairs can sometimes snap, which means that regrowth will occur more rapidly. This may be caused by poor technique or the use of unsuitable waxing products.

After care: Do's and Don'ts

It is crucial to discuss aftercare and home care with your client during the consultation so that potential skin reactions and preventive measures can be explained and clearly understood.

After care

For a period of 24 hours:

1. Avoid sunbathing or using sunbeds.
2. Avoid swimming in the sea or in swimming pools.
3. Avoid hot baths or showers.
4. Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant.
5. Avoid tight clothing.
6. Do not use performance products on the area.
7. No makeup or self-tanning preparations.
8. Do not touch or pick at the area.

Do's & Don'ts

1. Avoid excessive exposure.
2. Always wear sunscreen.
3. Avoid extremely hot baths.
4. Avoid hard/strong lotions or creams.
5. Avoid bleaching.
6. Wait for full growth.