Waxing Is Not Always Lyrical



UNSURPRISINGLY WAXING is often the first choice hair removal method for both men and women.

It is fast and long-term – shaving, by contrast is a way way behind. Unfortunately waxing comes with a certain pain. It can also cause breakouts, and like any procedure involving the hair follicles, carries the risk of acne.

Yet you can take some steps to reduce your risk, A good start is to make sure your face is thoroughly washed before the procedure to ensure dead skin cells or bacteria won’t pose a problem. You should also alert the person conducting the wax to your acne-prone skin, so that they can take any precautions necessary.

And always consider the alternatives before deciding on waxing, a move that could save you money and physical pain. If you have already ruled out shaving, maybe hair removal creams could be a better fit.

If you are looking for permanence in a solution, laser hair removal is the way to go. It is less painful than waxing but yes it can be quite expensive. Follow ups may be required every 6 months to a year. Whatever choice you come to, you don’t want to end up regretting your decision. So give every potential solution the closest consideration..

Hair to a Title?

WHAT DOES CHINA’S MANE MAN Yu Zhenhuan have in common with famously coiffed actress Julia Roberts? Well, this thespian too wants to be recognized for his acting abilities and not just for the hair - which covers 96 percent of his body.

The 32-year-old is planning hours perhaps weeks of laser-hair removal. “I just want to prove that I have talent and I don’t need this hair to be someone,” said Yu, who first found success in a movie called “Monkey Boy’s Treasure Safari.”

His fame reached hair-raising lengths in 2002 when Guinness Book of World Records declared him the hairiest (er, furriest) person in the world. He has since lost that title to the Wolf Boys of Mexico, Victor and Gabriel Ramos Gomez, who have hair covering 98 percent of their bodies—although after the first 95 percent, you’re really just splitting hairs.

PERHAPS at some point you have had to face the problem of unwanted hair and tried various methods for hair removal. What hair removal technique is most appropriate for you is dependent on factors like the concentration or location of hair growth, your skin type and its sensitivity.

The most widely used technique of hair removal is shaving. Although effective and inexpensive, the flip side is that it is only short-term and you need to continue shaving on a regular basis in order to maintain hair-free skin. Shaving is also widely practiced for the removal of chest and leg hair.

Another technique is waxing hair off the body. However the procedure is messy and usually cannot be done without help from another person. The advantage is that while waxing, the hair is removed from the base resulting - since hair takes about two weeks to grow back - in a longer span of hair-free skin. However, bear in mind that waxing hurts and so is not suitable for sensitive parts.

Application of hair removal lotion is yet another commonly used method, and since its application is not complicated, you can do it on your own. It is pain-free but the effects don’t stay as long as those of waxing. There is also a danger of rashes developing on the skin as a result of the constituents present in the cream.

Individuals having unbalanced hair growth can choose to have hair taken from higher hair growth areas and get hair transplant done in parts with lesser growth. Such a process is usually complicated and should be avoided if possible.

The last method, also the costliest,, is laser hair removal treatment. The main advantage of laser treatment is its permanent results, but in order to avoid marks or other accidents, it should only be undertaken by trained specialists.

Hair Removal- My Journey

Into Hell.


David Wallach in Chicago Now, writes on a journey of discovery "that left me bloody, swollen, cut to shreds and exposed to the world. I tried to unlock the secrets of successful hair removal. I went seeking out the knowledge and wisdom of some of the finest hair removal experts in the country to not answer the question of why, but how. Here's what I found out.

Endurance athletes shave.


Why do we shave ? (ladies don't zone out, there are going to be tips later) In a 112 mile bike ride, it doesn't make us that much faster, and yes if you've ever wiped on your bike, it does help with the road rash. Lets face it, a hairy chest or back and a wet suit coming off, can be a little "uncomfortable."

Ironman champion Peter Reid understands that shaving doesn't make you that much faster, but also admits there is something about a clean close shave. "I usually use an electric clipper once or twice a week, but right before a race then I go with the full on super close shave...It psyches me up, like a special weapon for race day."

Listen up Kona qualifiers, Peter shared his secret grooming weapon that he only brings out for the Big Island. " Hawaii is the only race I shave my arms...I get in the water and I feel smoother, then I know I'm ready."

So there is the psychological factor? Or is it that we are taking a page from our over tanned, over muscular friends the body builders, and know that we look a little more sexy and a little more cut, with silky smooth "bits."

I now spend more time in the shower than my wife, making sure I'm all slick and smooth before heading off to a group ride or masters swim class with the other shaved down boys in spandex.

If you have ever felt the pleasure of cutting your nipple with a razor, then you know there is a right way and a wrong way to hair removal. Basically there are four main ways to remove hair from your body. Shaving, waxing, lotions and laser hair removal.

Shaving.

Shaving is relatively quick, more or less painless, and inexpensive, it acts as an exfoliate (remember that word), done properly it can be good for your skin.

Most of us have been shaving one part of our bodies or another for years, but have we been doing it right. Razor bumps, in grown hairs, razor burn and even infection are all a cause of shaving gone wrong.


James Davis knows the ins and outs of shaving. James aka Elaine Lancaster is "the" Diva Drag Queen of South Beach society and has spent a little time with a razor.

"There are just some parts of your body that don't need razor bumps, so I make sure I take very good care of every inch of my skin. That's key, take care of your skin, wash with warm water, use an exfoliating soap or loofa to bring out all the ingrown hairs, shave, with shaving cream, condition with an after shave balm or lotion, you'll feel the difference"

James told me, "your skin and hair, just like your muscles need to be conditioned to shaving." Following a shaving routine, that includes two different/clean razors for your face and body. In other words don't use the same razor on your face and body, and change the blades!

Equally important is the type of razor. Come to find out that I haven't been doing everything wrong in the shower. James and I both use the Gillette Mach 3 Turbo with vibrating head (insert joke here). Three razors instead of the cheap single blade disposable really make a difference. By letting the razor do the work and not rushing through the shave like an amped up age grouper bursting through T2, will give you a close smooth shave.

Lotions.

Lotions can leave skin smooth and clean and also avoid nicks and razor stubble. You won't have to use them every day, and many act as an exfoliate, so if you don't have the time to start a good shaving routine, this may be a good alternative.

However, if you have sensitive skin like I do, you may want to steer clear. How did I find out that I have sensitive skin? Well, after being given a complimentary bottle of Nair for men at the gay pride parade ( I know, it's a theme, strictly coincidental) I rushed home to try it on my chest, and though it clearly states that you should test a small area before using, I decided "hell, I'm an Ironman, how bad could this cream be?"
5-7 minutes later I found out. My skin was so burned and blistered, I thought I would have to go to the hospital, I looked like a shaved down Freddy Kruger. Test a small area first.
It was my fault, however, I will never use that stuff again, to me it makes more sense to rub your skin on the sidewalk until the hair falls off. Not for me.

Waxing.

I have always been an admirer of a good wax job.
This is a pretty cool option if you want to keep the hair off for a while and take care of your skin. Waxing like lotions works below the hairs surface and keeps you hair free for days or even weeks. The one thing about waxing is that before you get waxed, you have to let the hair in the area you want to be waxed grow out a bit, so in your quest to be hair free, you will have to cope with being hairy for a little while.

My wife set a challenge and dared me to not just wax my legs but to go for the whole Matzo ball, from my waste down.

A Brief Aside:

Before being waxed I used to say that if I was ever President I would make it mandatory that all women should have the "Brazilian." Now that I have been through the torture that is waxing, I have changed my view on the subject, it should no longer be mandatory, but it sure would be appreciated.

Waxing is a little intense. Having the hot wax put on my legs and man bits was actually very nice. Women are wimps, how do they not like this? Then it started! Tearing the hair out of my body, strip by agonizing strip! I realized I was in way over my head, yet there was no escape. Forget the water boarding controversy, this is real torture. "I give in, I give in!!!! I'll tell you anything you want to know, just make it stop!!!"

I was crying like a 17:01 Ironman finisher, not happy! I found out that the things to look for if you go the waxing route is in the wax. DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME! That wax is usually cheap, and I can't imagine doing this to yourself! Make sure the wax has essential minerals and natural ingredients, and a good mix of Gatorade and vodka might not hurt either. Guys, if you are foolish enough to go for "the whole matzo ball," call and make sure they provide that service. You don't want to end up in the County lock up with newly waxed legs.

When it was all said and done, and my tears dried, my legs and "stuff" looked great! Very smooth, very nice. Would I do it again, yes, though legs only. Do I recommend it, yes, just be warned.

Laser Hair Removal.

My new best friend. After bring cut, burnt and plucked, Laser hair removal is a walk in the park. I went to the American Laser Centers. After talking to their medical director Dr. Kathleen Gilmore, she told me that laser hair removal is a medical procedure (though not too risky) and it's better to go to a place that has a doctor on staff, just in case (which they do).

At the very least, I thought if it was as painful as waxing, having a doctor around they might be able to write me a prescription for a sedative?

"Laser hair removal is relatively new science and American Laser Centers use the most advanced laser on the market, which means great results and minimal pain. " A good thing.

It's different than electrolysis, in electrolysis there are a lot of factors that depend on the quality of technician, and if you have a bad or inexperienced technician you could end up with burns or scars on your body.

"The type of energy is different, safer and easier to have done. There is no yanking or other type of major discomfort that normally comes with hair removal, a laser light travels down the hair shaft, and permanently removes those hairs."

It is permanent, let me say this again, permanent. Once it's gone, it's not coming back, so think before you jump. Normally it takes about 6-10 visits, and will cost you anywhere from hundreds to a few thousand dollars, but if you spread the cost of shaving cream, razors and time over the rest of your life, it's not all that bad of an option.

I got my chest and back lasered, and it felt like I was being snapped over and over by a rubber band, uncomfortable and I can't imagine that feeling on my junk, but much better than waxing! Would I do it again, yes, do I recommend it yes, if you have the time for many visits and the money.


The cool thing is that there are plenty of options out there for you to explore from the very affordable to the high tech. Remember to take your time, read instructions, ask questions and understand what you're getting into.


I have been shaved, waxed, burned and lasered, I feel like Darth Vader, but the bottom line is that I am smooth, silky and ready to train, race and just look groovy.

Manscaping now as male

as going to a ball game




FOR men, even a generation ago, the idea of trimming, waxing and removing body hair was unimaginable. Now, manscaping has become acceptable as any manly activity.

If you feel like your body hair is getting out of control, there are options from a daily routine to permanent body hair removal.

Here’s a quick guide to assess your situation and choose the right method of hair removal:

How do you know if your body hair is out of control?

Trust someone who’s been there – you’ll know. Whether it’s an offhanded comment from your wife or girlfriend, jokes that your friends make about getting you some permanent hair reduction or just looking at your self in the mirror, there are obvious warning signs. The problem is, you probably miss them because you have gotten used to your body hair and don’t notice on a day-to-day basis what kind of impression it makes. When you become uncomfortable about taking your clothes off, uncomfortable IN your clothes, or start seeing hair in strange places, your body hair is most likely out of control.

Will people find me more attractive?

Look at the competition. When Top Ten lists of sexy men (albeit celebrities and models) are periodically released, how many of those look like a werewolf? Men are allowed to be smooth these days, or at the very least are expected to look like they’re in control of their body hair. In caveman times, body hair was perhaps a sign of vitality – today, women love the feel of soft skin and prefer to see the muscle tone of their men. Not convinced? Start watching some episodes of Sex and The City and you’ll quickly learn.

What’s the best method for me?

Everyone is different. Just like how bodies can differ from each other, the amount of hair, how coarse the hair is, and where the hair grows can vary wildly from man to man. So, the choice of hair removal methods has also grown. Some guys will start by just plain shaving – which causes the same problems taking a razor to the face. Waxing is a little more effective, as long as you can withstand the pain. There is also laser hair removal for men these days that is an excellent option for getting rid of unwanted hair permanently.

Is there really such a thing as permanent removal?

Yes. Laser technology and methods of hair removal have progressed enough that it is now a reliable and preferred way for permanent hair removal. Most guys don’t necessarily want to add another routine to their schedule. By choosing laser hair removal for men, guys can be free of out of control body hair after just several quick treatments. It doesn’t matter where the hair is – the back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and genital area are all safe. And if you’re looking for thinning out rather than complete removal, it is the only permanent method that will allow for it.

Getting to the Root of Laser Hair Surgery


LASER hair surgery has been around for a long time and is increasing in popularity. Waxing, threading and plucking body hair are cumbersome, time consuming and worse... not even permanent.

But with laser hair removal treatment you can be rid of your unwanted body hair relatively quickly. And with results permanent or at the very least near permanent.

Not all the unwanted hair follicles will be treated by the laser in one session. So if you choose to go ahead with laser hair removal you will always need multiple sessions.

It's possible that you will still have a small amount of hair growth in the treated body area, but these few hairs are usually acceptable to the person who has undergone treatment.

So how exactly does laser hair removal surgery work? The whole concept rests on the idea that colored substances will absorb heat. If you heat up these colored substances enough, they will eventually burn and be destroyed.

The hair follicles under the skin contain melanin, which is a chromophore - colored organic molecules. These absorb the laser's heat and the follicles containing the targeted melanin will eventually burn and be destroyed. It might take one laser pulse or three, but a hair follicle currently producing hair and therefore containing melanin is certainly going to be destroyed by the laser.

Not all follicles can be destroyed in one session since at any given time some will be in a resting phase where no hair is produced. No hair - no melanin!

Laser Treatment

and

Skin Types.



AS we get older, more wrinkles, lines and hair grow in unwanted places. And a first goal says health and beauty writer Amy-Jo Strutt, is to provide some straight facts about laser hair removal.

The first question most people ask is will they make a good candidate for this type of treatment?. The number one requirement is that one's hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. So if you are fair skinned and have dark, unwanted hair, you would indeed be a good candidate.

Dark skinned people tend to absorb too much laser energy and therefore are not considered candidates for this procedure. People also want to know about permanent hair removal and the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis.

One thing to keep in mind is that laser hair removal or electrolysis is not cheap. It can range in price from a few hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the size of area being treated.

The average treatment cost is approximately $500 and most people require about 4 treatments. Your best bet is to go and speak with a consultant who will be able to give your more specific pricing information. Shaving, waxing and plucking are other hair removal techniques; however, they are not effective at permanent hair removal.

The most common areas people look for hair removal is the bikini line, legs, face, upper lip, chest, underarms, back and abdomen. This can be done using the laser hair removal or electrolysis procedure which claims to be a permanent hair removal process. It does tend to be painful, but most people consider it tolerable.

There may be some temporary post treatment swelling and redness but this will quickly subside. Others have experienced permanent pitting or scarring so before you begin any treatment you must gather as much information as you can to make an informed decision.

No matter which hair removal process you choose, you will likely feel more confident and happy with your appearance.

A Hairy Back

is SO

Uncool!




IS unwanted hair causing you embarrassment and ruining your social life? Men of all ages suffers from excessive back hair, and if you decide to get rid of his back hair there are many removal options at his disposal.

These include electrolysis, laser hair removal, waxing, and shaving. Each of these back hair removal products has pain, comfort, and cost factors you need to consider before making a decision.

The most common methods of removing back hair are described below, from the most painful to the least painful method.

Electrolysis: Without question the most painful method of back hair removal - a sharp needle is stuck deep under your skin, all the way to the hair root.

A licensed electrologist then sends an electric current through the needle to destroy the hair follicle.

Each unwanted back hair must be separately removed using this procedure, and owing to the large area involved , it is impossible to remove all back hair with a single treatment session. Complete back hair removal will require multiple treatments over several months, and can take up to one year.

Laser hair removal: This procedure is similar to electrolysis except that a man's back hair is removed with a special laser instead of with an electric shock.

A major benefit is that each hair does not have to be individually removed. Although laser hair removal results in less pain than electrolysis, it can still be quite painful. Complete back hair removal usually requires at least 6 treatments.

Waxing: One of the oldest methods of back hair removal man has used, waxing can be done at a beauty salon or at home. Hot wax is spread on the hair to be removed and allowed to harden.

The wax is ripped from the skin, pulling the hairs out by the roots. All hair may be removed in a single session. The entire procedure must be repeated every 2 to 3 weeks, when the hair grows back.

Shaving: There is no easier way to remove hair from his back than by shaving. The tricky part is HOW to shave your back.

A man's back is large and has curves, plus he just can't see his whole back. If you've ever cut your chin while shaving, you can imagine what your back could look like after using a normal razor.

The problem isn't the method, it's the tool.

A personal body shaver is the ultimate back hair removal tool. It's not a razor, since there are no exposed sharp blades, and a personal body shaver is the most versatile hair removal system ever invented.

Safe, painless, and easy to use. You don't need a professional beautician to get a hairless, soft, smooth back every time.

..

Loved and

Unwanted

IN today's image conscious world having hair protruding from unwanted places is a major turn-off and concern.

In truth we have become somewhat phobic about body hair. And this is far from being a women only issue; men want the hair on their chest and back to be removed. So the scenario can be summarized as increased dislike for out-of-order hair growth.

And there's an irony here. Cautious about hair loss from our head, we deliberately want our body hair be removed from elsewhere .If you are a man or a woman, unwanted hair on your face especially becomes a matter of disgust as the hair become harder to conceal.

But the growth of unwanted hair can be controlled and removed. There are various treatments and techniques of getting rid of unwanted hair, and it is possible to do so at home.

Waxing

Waxing is used all over the world as the best home solution for unwanted hair growth. However waxing should be done by the beauty experts, but you can do it at home with waxing kits available in the market. Waxing is considered to be an effective method as it pulls the hair out form the roots, providing you with long lasting freedom against hair growth. There is one disadvantage of waxing, the procedure is very painful. Generally waxing is used on underarms, legs, arms, eyebrows and bikini lines.

Depilatory Creams

These creams are again a good alternative as a hair removal method. They contain a special and unique ingredient which dissolves the visible hair as well as the hair beneath surface. This ensures a long lasting freedom from unwanted hair on your different body parts, and the process is just needed to be repeated once a week for the good results.

However it can be very messy as you need to apply the cream on your skin for a certain time period. It also requires caution as prolonged or heavy application can cause your skin to burn or become spotty. But these creams when applied with care leave your skin smooth and hair free.

Electrolysis


Electrolysis hair removal technique is the only method which provides you with the permanent hair removal. During the process, the follicles of your hair are destroyed. This involves use of a needle through which electric current is delivered. Besides the advantages of permanent and effective hair removal, this process has many disadvantages. It is time consuming, costly and painful, and needless to say, should only be performed by a licensed electrologist.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal - the removal and destruction by heat of the follicles of the hair - is a much faster and painless alternative for hair removal, an effective treatment for long term freedom from unwanted hair growth.

The Pros and

Cons of Going

Laser

ALTHOUGH laser hair removal is an excellent option for long-term removal of unwanted hair, it is not without its risks. Because it is a medical procedure, be sure to discuss the risks with your doctor before deciding to undergo the procedure. Weigh the risks against the rewards to determine whether it is right for you. The good news is that laser hair removal has a very low risk of complications.

The possible risks include:

• Incomplete hair removal. This is the most common risk you take when undergoing the procedure. Sometimes, laser hair removal simply won't work as well as you had hoped. 6-8 treatments are necessary to treat all of the hairs in the area. Some hairs may regrow after treatment, especially if you have very light hairs or the laser was not calibrated correctly. Although some people believe that the procedure can cause more hair to grow, this is simply incorrect. There are actually no recorded incidents of increased hair growth following laser hair removal treatments.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Lightening or darkening of the skin is usually temporary, although it could last for a few months or even become permanent. This is an important risk to consider if you have dark skin, because the lasers used to treat hair on dark skin carries a higher risk of skin lightening.
• Changes in skin texture. This is a rare complication resulting from using lasers against the skin.
• Bleeding. This rarely occurs during the actual procedure. It is usually due to incorrect settings on the device, or not using a protecting gel on the surface of the skin.
• Infection. Following the procedure, there is a remote possibility of infection. This is more common if the treated area blisters as a side effect of the treatment. Cover the affected skin with an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Scarring. Rarely, blisters or burns that occur as a side effect of treatment may turn into scars. Whether they scar depends on your body's ability to heal. The type of laser used can affect the possibilities of scarring, as some lasers are more intense than others. If you experience excessive pain during the procedure, alert the technician immediately. It may be a sign that the device settings need to be adjusted.

To minimize your risks during laser hair removal, choose an experienced doctor. Fully trained doctors will be able to choose the right laser for your situation and adjust the settings accordingly. Look for a doctor who offers the latest technology, which tends to be safer than older lasers. If you use a qualified doctor, the risk of complications associated with laser hair removal is very low.

Louise Bently is the author of Home Laser Hair Removal Systems which has more advice about the many aspects of laser hair removal at home. Discover more about how to minimize any laser hair removal risks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Bently