Hair removal for teens is a growing trend. Teenagers are generally first in line when it comes to removing unwanted hair. As fine and light-coloured as it may be, hair is simply not tolerated. Young girls compare with each other: one friend shaves, the other doesn’t, one sees an aesthetician for waxing while the other is undergoing electrolysis. One question remains in the minds of many parents: at what age should we allow teenagers to begin hair removal and which method is the best?

There is no ideal age to begin hair removal; the best course of action is to discuss the subject openly with teenagers before they pick up a razor in the bathroom and shave all unwanted hair with unfortunate consequences. Here are a few methods of temporary hair removal, pilosity reduction and permanent hair removal available to today’s teenagers. We qualify certain techniques of “temporary”, because in these cases, hair is bound to grow back in the short or medium term, and it may even become darker and stronger than it was before.

Temporary Methods

Razors, clippers, depilatory lotions and abrasives are readily accessible low-cost methods. It comes as no surprise that they are very popular with teenagers. However, they generally stimulate hair regrowth, especially in sex-specific areas and the results are short-lived. In most cases, we can see the hair shaft stick out of the skin as early as the next day. As far as shaving is concerned, there is also a risk of cuts and infection if the razor is not properly disinfected or if it was borrowed from another family member. Mechanical epilators that use a coiled spring are a fairly painful method that yields mixed results at best. When using this type of device, the hair can become highly distorted and often breaks in its follicle, which promotes the formation of ingrown hair with or without infection. And hair regrowth is still stimulated and fairly quick. Bleaching creams give the hair a yellowish colour and open its scales, which increases its diameter. Even if a teenager has facial hair, it would be much better to use a different method, since this method makes the hair more noticeable once the effect of bleaching fades. Waxing and plucking are two hair removal methods that provide slower hair regrowth (up to three weeks), which is very convenient for teenagers. However, they can be painful for certain people. There is also a risk of distorted hair follicles or ingrown hair with or without infection if the technique is not properly executed. Hair regrowth is stimulated, regardless of the type of wax used: hard, soft, hot or cold, or even sugar.

Photoepilation

Hair removal by LASER or IPL (intense pulsed light) is not effective on all skin and hair types. The ideal situation is fair skin and dark hair. It is a costly technique that yields a reduction of pilosity rather than permanent hair removal. Moreover, remember that teenage hair is often quite fine and barely pigmented. For this reason, it would be better to wait until the end of adolescence before resorting to this method.

Electrolysis

Electroepilation (electrolysis) is, to date, the only permanent hair removal method known to be effective on all skin and hair types, regardless of the treated area. And with new technologies and the 27 MHz ultrarapid frequency now at our disposal, we can offer teenagers highly effective treatments with hardly any feeling. There are even insulated probes that can protect the skin surface while providing extra comfort and effectiveness. Electrolysis is therefore the ideal method to rid teenagers of unwanted hair for life. Particularly in the facial area, electrolysis is the method of choice for young women, because unlike LASER, there is no need to shave the face prior to treatment. Although it requires discipline, electrolysis is safe and has no side effects. For young girls, we do recommend waiting until the first menses before starting an electrolysis treatment to be certain her pilosity has reached maturity.

In short, regardless of the selected hair removal method, the most important thing is for teenagers to feel good about themselves. However, when the budget allows it, the ideal would be to offer them permanent hair removal. It’s an intelligent investment for which your teens will be eternally grateful.

Actually, hair doesn’t grow back, it just grows. Cutting or shaving the hair has no effect on its natural growth cycle. Depending on where it is on the body, hair grows about 1 cm per month. It goes through a growth phase, followed by a transitional phase and finally a resting phase before falling out of its follicle. Even though this process happens all over our body, we may not always be aware of it because we don’t really notice the hairs falling out unless we see them on our pillow or in the shower.

A hair cut in its growth phase will simply continue to grow at its usual rate until the end of its cycle. If the hair is cut during its transition or rest phase, it will simply stay at the cut length until it falls out or is replaced by a new hair. It may seem to us that the hair is growing back progressively but in fact, it is simply following its natural cycle until it is replaced by new hair. As such, a teenager who now only needs to shave one side of his face, will not have more hair on that side of his face 5 years later.

The razor cuts the exposed part of the hair. The hair seems thicker because it has been cut bluntly by the blade and lost its tapered end. This can give the impression that the hair is growing back faster and darker.

There is, however, an exception to the “shaving doesn’t make hair grow faster” rule. The rubbing of the razor does create an abrasion that stimulates blood flow (hyperemia), and it is possible that this increased blood flow can help the hair grow. This only holds true, however, in cases where the hair follicle is located in the epidermis (i.e. almost at the surface of the skin) like on a woman’s upper lip for example. As such, a woman who decides to shave the peach fuzz on her upper lip may, in fact, be encouraging hair growth in that area.

Today, rather than shaving, many hair removal methods with lasting results are available to us. With electroepilation and photo epilation, hair growth can be effectively reduced if not completely eliminated. In fact, electroepilation is a highly recommended method to remove facial hair as it requires no shaving prior to treatment.

In hair removal as in many other fields, new technologies keep showing up. To make an educated choice of treatment, you must know the different methods, how they work, and their benefits. Let us show you two of the most effective technologies currently on the market: electrolysis and photoepilation.

ELECTROLYSIS

Today, electrolysis is still the only method to permanently eliminate hair. This technique involves inserting a filament into the hair follicle all the way to the bulb. An electrical current is then applied which destroys the cells that cause hair growth. Thermolysis techniques are the most frequently used because they are quick and work on all types of hair regardless of their phase. Other methods, called Blend, combine this electro-coagulation with a direct (galvanic) current to produce a chemical destruction. They require longer application, but are very effective against strong and distorted hairs. To use the Blend, however, the hair must absolutely be in the anagen phase because the galvanic current requires maximum hydration to create the chemical reaction (caustic soda) that will destroy the germinal cells.

Today, electrolysis is very comfortable thanks to improvements in the apparatus, which are more powerful and produce very fast current (in thousandths of a second). Additionally, with the ultrarapid frequency of 27 MHz, available on Apilus devices, the current can hardly be felt. This frequency, twice as fast as other hair removers on the market, makes electrolysis accessible to all because of the greater comfort offered. If you want a 100% effective and permanent hair removal treatment, opt for electrolysis. This technique developed 130 years ago has managed to adapt to and benefit from the most advanced technologies.

PHOTOEPILATION

Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices emit a light ray that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. These dark pigments intercept photons and the energy produced is converted to heat. It is this heat that penetrates into the follicle and destroys the hair’s germinal cells via thermal transfer. Photoepilation allows the treatment of large areas of the body, and is specially recommended for people with dark hairs at the anagen phase.

However, this does not produce 100% permanent hair removal. It is more often referred to as long-term hair removal with a reduction of about 80% of the number of hairs and their diameter. This percentage may vary from one person to the next and from one part of the body to another. For permanent treatment, the remaining hair has to be treated with electrolysis. Besides, in spite of the many advantages of this technological evolution, certain skin and hair types require special precautions or simply can’t be treated with photoepilation, for example:

• Black skin because the risk of burns is too high. It is possible to reduce the intensity, but it would then be insufficient to satisfactorily destroy the hair.

• Gray, white, blond or light hair because of the lack of dark pigmentation (melanin). Not enough light is absorbed to destroy the hair and its bulb.

For quick results and to cover large areas of the body, photoepilation is the perfect solution. It reduces hair in a short time. It will not, however, allow you to effectively treat all types of skin and hair, and does not provide permanent hair removal.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Both methods have proven their effectiveness and benefits. Electrolysis is differentiated by the fact it can treat hair and skin of any color. It is also the ideal technique for facial hair. On the other hand, laser and IPL can reduce the amount of hair on larger areas in a short time. It is therefore up to the operator to suggest a treatment better adapted to each customer, considering phototype, hair color, the area to be treated, contraindications, sensitivity, time and the available budget. An accurate diagnosis and a clear explanation of the likely results are certainly a must.

Thermocoagulation is the treatment or removal of unwanted skin imperfections or anomalies

The following skin imperfections are superficial which can be treated effectively by Thermocoagulation. The process will improve the skins appearance by reducing or eliminating those unwanted imperfections. A thermocoagulation specialist is able to treat: visible facial veins or capillaries, skin tags, angiomas, milia, keratosis, angiokeratomes, open pores or unwanted piercings.

Thermocoagulation utilizes the High Frequency Current to discharge pin point heat energy to treat skin imperfections and collapse the spider veins upon contact. The energy created by the high frequency current produces a thermal lesion and the immediate disappearance of the imperfection or vein while preserving the epidermis. All that may remain is a tiny circular red mark that disappears within hours post treatment to leave a micro-crust which itself disappears usually in a matter of days. The treatment is extremely safe and unlike other treatments does not pose risks of heat blisters or scarring.

Facts and Benefits:

• Effectively treats skin imperfections such as spider veins, angiomas and skin tags
• Fast treatment time and a “walk in – walk out” procedure with no down time for recovery
• Imperfections, spider veins and other vascular lesions instantly disappear
• Minimal discomfort in comparison to other treatments
• No bruising, scarring or hyper-pigmentation post treatment
• Ability to successfully treat sensitive areas like the face, nose, ankles and knees
• Proven procedure that is minimally invasive with high degree of safety

Interested by an ever-evolving profession that allows you to combine your passion for beauty with your entrepreneurial spirit? With the significant growth of the hair removal market and the growing accessibility to quality training, the electrologist profession is being chosen by more and more people wanting to turn their passion into a successful career.

The Attractiveness of the Permanent Hair Removal Market

Well established for several years, the ” hairless ” trend continues to grow. More and more people are using permanent hair removal to get rid of their superfluous hair. Although initially the clientele of aesthetic institutes was mainly composed of women, men are increasingly investing in hair removal. This steady growth in demand for such services on the market thus creates exciting business opportunities for hair removal professionals.

Turn to Electroepilation

Electroepilation is the only method of hair removal recognized as 100% permanent by Health Canada, the FDA and the worldwide medical community, making the electrologist the only person able to offer a truly permanent hair removal treatment. Although photoepilation, with laser and IPL, is a very popular technique, it has limits that only electroepilation can overcome. Scientific studies have demonstrated that photoepilation is not effective on less pigmented hairs and dark skin, in addition to being risky on the face and contraindicated for the eyebrows. To provide a complete service that meets the expectations of customers looking for a definitive solution for unwanted hair on all body areas, electroepilation is a must for any beauty institute.

Becoming your own boss in less than a year!

One of the great benefits of electroepilation is the speed with which this profession can be learned. It is possible to complete the professional training and start a business in less than a year! So you can become your own boss and have control over your work schedule, while developing your business and living on your passion for beauty. In addition, when comparing hair removal to other fields, the initial investment is relatively low and therefore makes entrepreneurship more accessible to professionals.

The Académie Dectro offers online electroepilation courses to make this profession more accessible around the world. This is the ideal option if you want to progress at your own pace and have a flexible schedule. The theoretical portion of learning can be done anywhere and anytime, while practical training is performed at one of our accredited Académie partner around the world.

Skills

Because electroepilation is a treatment that requires a lot of precision, the technician who applies it must be thorough and have good vision. The insertion of a fine probe in the natural opening of the hair follicle and reaching proper depth requires good dexterity in order to guarantee the best results and a maximum comfort for the client. In addition, the electrologist must know the structure of the skin and the hair in order to properly plan the treatment, recognize the contraindications, choose the right probe, modalities and parameters to adapt the treatment to each client.

Being an electrologist is a rewarding profession that aims to make customers happy with their appearance by establishing a bond of trust with them. It must be understood that for many people, eliminating unwanted hair exceeds the need to look good. The real impact of electroepilation is reflected not only on the physical level, but also on a person’s confidence and positively affects his or her overall well-being.

To find out more, email Donna on sales@thelaserbeautique.co.za or visit www.apilus.co.za

10 steps for a perfectly epilated face

Electroepilation of the face is a very popular practice. In fact, what better way than electrolysis to get permanently rid of unflattering hair on the upper lip, chin and eyebrows! Facial hair removal, however, requires precision and attention because of the great sensitivity of this area. So here are a few tips from professionals to make your job easier and ensure your customers get the best results.

1 – Are you having difficulty making an insertion when working on the neck or the space in between the eyebrows? Stop twisting yourself around and place a roll pillow under your customer’s neck. This will allow you to tilt the head back and make those areas more accessible and the insertion easier.

2 –It is critical to properly adjust the height of your stool when treating the face to facilitate insertion and ensure your shoulders are in a relaxed position.

3 – For a sensitive area like the face, the ultrarapid 27.12 MHz radio frequency of the Apilus xCell is unbeatable. Indeed, the 27.12 MHz frequency is fast and concentrated, making the treatment a lot more comfortable than that of any other epilator. The sensation is so light your customers will not hesitate to ask for more treatments!

4 – When you treat facial fuzz, use two magnifying lamps: one at 5 diopters which you keep turned off and use to magnify your field of vision, and another that you place to the side to create a shadow at the base of the hair with its light. This will allow you to better see the fine unpigmented hair. You can also go for a system like the Opti-vizion that, in addition to favouring ergonomic positioning, allows you to be even more precise with its up to 80 dioptres magnification.

5 – The excess hair under the nose is often harder to remove and can cause more pain. For better skin tension and greater comfort, ask your customer to pull her lip down. This technique facilitates probe insertion into the follicle without excessive handling of the area.

6 – After the brows, the chin is the second most asked area for facial electroepilation. This area is often affected by hormonal disorders or imbalances, especially among women over 35. When the disorder or imbalance sets in, new follicles start producing hairs. This situation becomes a problem for the customer and the electrologist. In such cases, the MultiPlex displacement technique with the Pro-Tec IsoGard probe is recommended. We suggest 45 to 60 minutes of treatment per session, depending on the customer’s tolerance. Appointments will have to be closer at the beginning of the treatment and can later be extended to 3 weeks apart. Remember that when there is a hormonal disorder or imbalance, there is no mitotic stoppage.

7 – With age, some men are surprised to find short, usually pigmented hair appearing on the tip of their nose. The electrologist must be careful when programming the settings for this type of hair. In fact, there could be an unfortunate cutaneous reaction because these follicles are rather superficial. In this situation, the PicoFlash or MicroFlash technique is ideal, and the Pro-Tec IsoGard probes are recommended.

8 – Since the upper lip is the most sensitive area of the face, it is recommended to start the session in this area. Once that zone is completed, apply some Yi-zhiBaume creme-balm, then a compress of ToniqA lotion. This will rapidly soothe the redness and oedema while you treat the other areas.

9 – When treating the eyebrows, first brush the eyebrow in the direction of natural growth. With a white pencil, mark the area to be epilated. This will allow you to visualize the final shape of the eyebrow and explain to the customer the changes you’ll be making. Treat one hair at a time, starting with the largest one. Reassess your work frequently. Never epilate the upper part of the eyebrow because with aging, the eyelids tend to droop. Leaving hair on the upper part of the eyebrow helps create the illusion the eyelid is higher, which reduces the appearance of signs of aging.

10 – Sun protection is essential at all times, especially after facial hair removal. With a zinc-base formula, the OmbraCrème total protection creme is specially designed to protect from UVA and UVB rays, regenerate and soothe the skin. It also prevents the formation of pigment spots and hides redness.

Ready to put these tips into practice?