Electrolysis: A Growing Option for People with Unwanted Hairs

While certain European and middle-eastern cultures find a slight mustache on a woman attractive, a few hairs on the female chin titillating, hairs under a woman's arms naturally scintillating, and a pair of hairy legs acceptable -- the majority of people in the United State find unwanted upper-lip hair quite distasteful.  For a woman, a few unwanted chin hairs (beard) is too masculine, an underarm bush keeps unpleasant odor and women with hairy legs are generally a major turn off.

Excessive hair growth on women is caused by hormonal imbalance, commonly known as Hirsutism (medical name for imbalance).  Everyone is born with both male and female hormones.  The dominant hormone is determined by gender.  However, in some people, there may be an increase of the opposite sex hormone and this dominates the rate and position of hair growth on their bodies.   In women, an increase in male hormonal secretion means excessive hair growth in areas men normally grow hair.  These areas are the upper lip (mustache), the chin (beard area), the sideburns, chest, and groin (bikini line).  Hair may grow in these areas in varying degrees and some women grow more hair than others.

What women need to know is that unwanted hairs can be removed permanently, without pitting, spotting or scarring the skin-- problems that are more common among women of color.  While I was in training at a prestigious and well-known school of electrolysis, treatment of people of color was only mentioned once.  This was said in passing.  "African-Americans distorted hair follicles, so make sure you use a very high current.” Upon my realization that electrolysis for people of color was no different than for anyone else, I embarked on a quest to learn more about the treatment of pigmented skin.  My discovery on this subject matter led me to information that I already knew but now put into practice.  The most important difference among all hair is the variation of the curl.  It is imperative that an electrologist learn to treat hair of all gradients of curl in order to be successful.

Once I made the decision to become an electrologist, I became better versed on the issues regarding skin and hair as they relate to people of all races.  As a result, I specialize in hair removal for people who have developed a difficult or severe case and people with problem skin and people of color that have problem skin.  The success rate for my clients continue to increase tremendously and more people are calling to request treatment.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing any unwanted hair growth, please consult with a professional electrologist who is experienced with the needs of his or her skin type as well as the treatment of problem skin.

What causes Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is the term used for increased hair growth in women.  It refers to a male pattern of hair growth, e.g., more common in the upper lip (mustache) and chin (beard) areas, and/or occurring darker than usual on the limbs, extension of pubic hair on the abdomen (stomach) and legs, etc…  What is considered normal body hair growth on a woman, and what is considered excessive body hair (hirsute) also depend largely on cultural factors and race.   
Hirsutism is for the most part, a genetic problem.  It can also be a direct result due to side effects of certain drugs.  Frequently excessive body hair in women is directly linked to polycistic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  There are different severities of ovarian cysts.  Also, a client who is given an injection of Hydrocortisone (or any steroid) due to a sports injury, etc… may develop a case of excessive body hairs almost immediately after the shot has been administered.

Methods of Hair Removal

Bleaching
Bleaching camouflages excessive hair and appears less obvious.  However, hair remains and may continue to grow.

Shaving
Shaving, if necessary twice daily, will prevent unsightly razor stubble.  Shaving, if done lightly, does not make the hair grow back thicker.  Close shaving will activate hairs at the root, resulting in thicker and darker regrowth.

Waxing
Waxing needs to be repeated.  Depending on rate of regrowth, every two to six weeks.  The warm wax hardens on the skin and as it is stripped off the hairs are pulled out with it from the roots.  Pulling any hairs from follicle activates hairs at the root.  Therefore, regrowth is usually thicker and darker.

Epilady
The Epilady removes the hair by a combined pull and cut.  Again, pulling any hairs form follicle activates hair at the root.  Therefore regrowth is usually thicker and darker.

- Folliculitis (infected ingrowns) is an unfortunate risk of plucking, shaving closely, and waxing.  Inflamed, and painful pustules may develop.  Folliculities may take several weeks to go away.  Oftentimes, hair removal must be suspended until this problem goes away.

Electrolysis/Thermolysis
Electrolysis or thermolysis results in permanent hair removal.  A small area is treated every few weeks.  Unskilled treatment may cause scarring.

Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is more effective on darker hairs on lighter complexion.  Laser treatment is used for permanent reduction of hair.  In come cases, may be permanent

Hair Removal Creams
Often cause increased sensitivity with continued use.  May irritate thin skin.  Especially around upperlip.
Home Used Hair Removal Gadgets
Inexpensive home use machines sold in major department stores and through the mail quite simply, can only afford temporary, usually painful, costly and ultimately ineffective.  There is no comparison to electrolysis as performed by a highly trained electrologist.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Antiandrogen medicines (which counteract the male hormone) may be used for women with moderate to severe hirsutism.  In many cases the hair growth slows down and the hairs become thinner and less noticeable.  It takes between six and twelve months to notice much difference, and then the medicine should be continued for several years.

Spironolactone 50 - 200mg daily can slowly reduce hair growth 


PREVENTION

It may be possible to prevent hirsutism in people who are susceptible to it.  Here are some suggestions:

• Lower consumption of red meats.  It is a fact that cows are injected with growth hormones which are passed on to your body during metabolism.

• Steer clear of steroids.  E.g.  hydrocortisone, certain contraceptive medication, and various hormonal injections.

• Do not wax or tweeze unwanted hairs.  This activity will activate hair growth by increasing blood circulation at the root of the hair follicle.  Cut hairs with scissors if you need to.

• Select an licensed electrologist

• Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion, especially if you feel you may have a hormonal imbalance.