Can finasteride (propecia) help my hair grow?

Finasteride is the generic name for the brand names proscar and propecia. Finasteride was initially marketed for treatment of enlarged prostate. However, during the clinical trials it was observed that some men complained of hair growth. The amount of hair growth during these trials was never quantified and in most cases was mild. This did not stop the drug company from turning the product around and marketing it for males going bald. There is both a 1 mg pill and a topical solution available for hair growth.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride inhibits an enzyme in the body called 5 alpha reductase. This enzyme normally converts testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The company claims that the 1 mg pill can lower levels of DHT and help minimize hair loss. A lot of numbers are given by the company on the success of this drug in restoring hair.

So what is the real evidence?

If there ever was a scam, than this is it. Finasteride at best only grows a strand of hair here and there. There is not an individual on this universe that can step forward and claim to have decent hair growth following use of finasteride. Individuals have used finasteride for more than 5-10 years, and in the majority, the drug has done nothing. The drug is expensive and in 99.9999999% of individuals, it does nothing. In the other 0.000001% of individuals, they may get some pubic hair growth.

Therefore, the best advice for those who have loss of hair or baldness, get used to the condition or get a wig. There is no drug out there that will grow more than 1-2 hairs a year. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the drug market that works for hair growth. If you have no money and are going baldness, get used to that bald look, wear a hat or get rid of your mirror. If you have money and are going baldness, just enjoy life. Hair transplant is an option, but it is exorbitantly expensive and often does not work great. Baldness sucks especially when it occurs in the prime of your life, but I would rather be bald and have money, then be bald and having wasted all my money on a worthless drug.

What is telogen effluvium? Part 2

Symptoms

The biggest complaint by all individuals affected with telogen effluvium is that hair is shedding at a high rate. Further most individuals will also complain that the remaining hair is less dense. The hair loss can occur in patches but compete baldness is rare. The entire episode of hair loss lasts about 6 months. Most individuals will give a history of emotional turmoil or some physical health problem a month or two preceding the problem.

The diagnosis of telogen effluvium is not difficult but one needs to see a skin doctor. An average family physician will have no clue about this disorder. The most important fact about this disorder is that there is no scarring.

Known stressors that can cause telogen effluvium include a change in medications, change in diet, pregnancy, delivery of a baby, immunization, acute illness, or major injury.

Other causes of telogen effluvium include:

- Crash diets
- chronic iron deficiency
- heavy metal poisoning
- medications like beta-blocker, blood thinners,
excess use of retinoids and various vaccines

The most definite way to make a diagnosis is a scalp biopsy but often an astute dermatologist can make a diagnosis without the biopsy. If a metabolic cause is suspected, blood work may be required.

All individuals who develop telogen effluvium have to understand that the disorder is transient and will resolve in 6 months. The only treatment for telogen effluvium is reassurance. If you have telogen effluvium from an identifiable cause like diet, iron deficiency or use of medication, your physician will recommend changes.

Many young people hate being bald for a few months. for them it is better to cover the head with hat, wig, or a scarf. The use of minoxidil or propecia has not been shown to promote recovery. The medications almost never work, are expensive and are useless.

What is telogen effluvium?

Some people start to lose hair all of a sudden and this type of non-scarring hair loss is often referred to as telogen effluvium. In the majority of cases, the hair loss is related to stress, a metabolic problem in the body or a reaction to a medication. Almost all individuals recover spontaneously within 4-6 months.

Telogen effluvium can cause hair loss on any part of the body, but it is hair loss on the scalp that is most obvious.

Hair grows in various cycles and the resting phase of hair growth is known as telogen. This resting phase usually lasts about 3 months but can vary few weeks on either side. During the telogen phase, the hair is already inside the hair follicle but has not yet pushed itself onto the skin At anyone point in time, about 10% of hair is in telogen stage. Whenever stress or a physical problem occurs, the telogen phase can be affected. The hairs which are expected to come out of the hair follicle, do not show up and a bald patch appears.

Telogen effluvium is quite common and many adults experience this hair disorder at some pint in their lives. The disorder is only of cosmetic significance and is not life threatening. All races, cultures and both gender can be affected.

Women tend to experience telogen effluvium more than men and this is most obvious just after pregnancy. Women and young adult males also are most alarmed by the hair loss and commonly seek some type of medical help.

Telogen effluvium can occur at any age but is uncommon in infants < 6 months)

IPL for hair removal part 2

Is the treatment painful?

Definitely yes, try touching your skin with a burning cigarette. It hurts. IPL also stings but only for a few seconds. However, the treatment is repeated many times and is not fun

How long between each IPL session?

Most people need several sessions and each session is spaced 4-6 weeks apart

Does IPL work on all skin types?

No. In people with dark skin like Africans, Asians, Orientals, or Latinos, the treatment generally does not work

Can all types of hair be removed with IPL?

Not always. Darker hair responds best. Those with blonde or white hair show a poor response

Does IPL have side effects?

Yes anytime you fool around with heat and skin, side effects can occur. The transient side effects of IPL include redness, mild pain, and swelling. These side effects usually resolve in a few days.

Can complications occur with IPL?

Sure, IPL can hurt, cause scarring, skin discoloration and blisters. Skin discoloration and scars sometimes can be permanent complications

Is IPL treatment permanent?

The therapist and physicians always says yes. The factual evidence from patients says NO. Hair will disappear for 3-9 months.

Does IPL work in men?

Yes, it works the same in men. However, since men’s hair is a little more sturdy and durable, it needs longer treatment and hence more expensive

Can IPL be used on all body parts?

Yes, it can be used on the back, shoulders, arms, legs, neck, nose, beard, lips, and armpits

What happens after treatment?

The therapist will apply a skin moisturizer and you will be off home. Once you get home, just keep away from the sun for 4-6 weeks. If you do go out wear a sunscreen.

Can IPL remove all the hair?

No at best, you will see 60%-80% hair removed

What is cost of IPL?

Definitely not cheap. Each session can cost anywhere from $300-$700 depending on area of skin being treated. There is absolute no guarantee that it will work and there are no refunds.

Is it covered by insurance?

No, Medicare and health insurance plans do not cover any cosmetic procedure

Final point

IPL can remove hair but it is not permanent, neither is it painless. it is also very expensive. For those who have money to spend, perhaps it may be worth giving it a try. For those who have little money and am not sure, save your money and continue with whatever you have been using. Just to get all the facts- many testimonials on cyberspace are negative about IPL

IPL for hair removal

For years, people have been trying to remove hair using light. In the 70s and 80s, there were very crude devices known as flash lamps, which essentially removed hair by burning the hair as well as skin. These devices never caught on but now we have much fancier and sophisticated devices known as intense pulse light therapy (IPL).
IPL is not very different from a laser. The device emits a beam of light that passes through skin and enters the hair follicle. The heat generated then destroys the hair follicles.

What do the doctors say about IPL?

Vendors of this therapy say the treatment is gentle, long lasting and painless (for the consumer two facts two remember- never believe what a vendor or doctor says about cosmetic therapy, and secondly if the price of a therapy is not listed on the website- it means that the treatment is expensive and most likely does not work).

Where is IPL performed?

IPL is usually performed at a spa or a clinic. Prior to IPL treatment, the skin is covered with a topical anesthetic or a cold ice pack for about 20 minutes. The eyes are covered with special goggles and then the device is held close to skin and activated. As the device is rolled over skin, one can see light flashes being emitted. The light penetrates the skin and damages the hair follicle. Some of the hair is removed at the time of the procedure but the majority of hairs take about 2 weeks to fall off.

How long does treatment last?

Each IPL treatment session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. This duration of time depends on how much hair you need removed and what your threshold for pain is.

How many sessions are required?

Well, in all of cosmetic surgery, nothing is ever accomplished in one session. Almost everyone requires many sessions.

Does IPL work in everyone?

NO, the treatment does not work in everyone. Those with fair skin and dark hair respond the best.

Skin discoloration after laser hair removal

A fair number of women who undergo laser to get rid of their hair develop excessive whitening of their skin (hypopigmentation). The whitening of skin occurs in a round patch and does not cause any symptoms but can create an aesthetic problem. White discoloration after laser is a common problem in dark skinned individuals and is not rare at all. While the exact number of individuals who develop this problem after laser is not known, judging from the complaints over the internet, the numbers are quite high.

For most individuals with this problem, if any recovery is going to happen it usually occurs in the first 1-2 months after treatment. After this time period, if the skin is still discolored, it is unlikely to become normal again. This is something the physicians never tell you when you first see them. Unfortunately, there is no treatment of hypopigmented skin that occurs after laser. The only remedy is to wear camouflage creams or cover the area with a garment.

The best advice for all individuals who have had this complication is to stay away from future laser treatments- or better still, keep away from physicians who offer laser therapy. Mucking around with nature almost never pays.

Laser Hair Removal-costs Part 2

Not a single clinic, spa, or physician ever tells you that you will only need one session for laser hair removal. Each and every one of them will ask you to make multiple appointments- another big scam. And rest assured, the majority of the them will offer you discount packages- like $50 off or free hair removal from your nose or some crap like that. Think, if laser was that great why give away a discount? And do not think a $50-$100 discount is lot (wait till you see the final price below).

In most cases you will have to go anywhere from 4-10 times (enough times to leave a big cash deposit for the health care worker to put down his/her BMW).

Laser removal for a few hairs on the upper lip may not take long but you will still pay a fair amount. On average, when you walk into a salon or spa to get your hair removed by laser, be prepared to pay anywhere from $400-$800 per session. Moreover, for about 6-8 treatments, that can cost anywhere from $3,000-$, 5000.

That is an awful lot of money to spend on a treatment that is painful, not permanent, and not guaranteed to work. Go online and read testimonials about laser and hair removal. The majority are negative- so become a wise consumer.

Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic and NEVER covered by Medicare or any other health insurance plan (do not listen to the hogwash by doctors who say it is)

Please consumers, be wise. The current economy is tough. Save your hard earned money for a hair removal treatment which is cheaper, less painful and that always works. Razors and waxes may not sound romantic but they work.

Costs of Laser Hair Removal- The Facts

The FACTS for the consumer

For example if I had a product that was damn good and did all the wonderful things like the doctors claim, Why not give out a price and let the consumer know the facts? If it works great and is safe, consumers will come even if it is expensive. Anytime you see a website on cosmetics with no price, think twice before you get any treatments. These places are guaranteed to be expensive.

For the consumer Fact 2- anytime you go to a website and there is no price given out, just go elsewhere. Would you ever walk into a car room and buy an automobile with no price listed? Would you shop your groceries in a store if there were no price listed? Cosmetic surgery deals with your body and health and there are risks with lasers- while the complications are rare, they are irreversible and you do not get your money back.

All these websites (esp the health care workers including doctors) give some bullshit reason as to why the price varies and some wishy-washy answer why the price cannot be listed. All nonsense.

Now that we got the facts out of the way, let us get to the price of laser hair removal.

Intense photo light therapy to remove hair- another fad? Part 3

Does IPL hurt?

Again, the physicians say it only feels like a snap of a rubber band. Patients say yikes, that hurt. Sure, it hurts. It is more like a sharp needle prick. That is why all physicians use a cooling gel to numb the pan

Can everyone undergo IPL?

No, certain individual will not improve with IPL. These includes individuals:

- with blonde or white hairs
- with dark skin like Orientals, Asians and middle easterners
- who have a recent sun tan
- who have a history of extreme sensitivity to light treatments
- with a recent skin infection
- who have been using accutane recently
- Pregnant women

Are there any testimonials on IPL?

Sure, there are a lot of testimonials on cyberspace. The majority of individuals have only negative things to say about IPL. Some claim that is does work initially but the hair comes back. The majority claim that it does diddly squat and hurts like hell.

Is IPL covered by insurance?

No, Both Medicare and private medical insurance carriers do not cover for treatment which is considered cosmetic

What is the cost of treatment?

Not cheap. A single session of IPL can range anywhere from $350-$700. Also know there are no refunds and if something goes wrong, you have to pay additional money to fix it.

Is IPL hair removal permanent?

Definitely not- hair will come back. The hair free period may range from a few weeks to a few months. most individuals claim that hair does come back in a few months.

Is there a different between IPL and Laser hair removal?

The only major difference is how they are spelled. However, they both have three things in common- both work similarly, are expensive and not permanent (in other words not worth the money- or in other words—too much hype about nothing)

Final Note

For the consumer- the fact that there are so many queries and treatments for hair removal should immediately indicate that there is no ideal hair removal method. Except for electrolysis, there is no hair removal method which lasts more than a few months. IPL is just another cosmetic fad going passing through, more designed to make money for the health care workers rather than of any significant benefit to patients.

Besides being painful, temporary, and terribly expensive, this is definitely not a recommended therapy. For those who want hair removal, stick to the old-fashioned razor and or wax. These methods are cheap, have very few side effects and they work all the time as predicted-the same cannot be said of IPL

Intense photo light therapy to remove hair- another fad? Part 2

How many treatments of IPL does one require?

Well, there is nothing in all of cosmetic medicine that is ever cured in a single session. So all individuals require multiple session- usually anywhere from 6-12 and the richer you look, the more the sessions you will be prescribed or more cosmetic procedures will be recommended. For those with little money, few sessions can be arranged. For the individuals who undergo few sessions, it is claimed that IPL will gradually limit the amount of hair growing in future.

When do the repeat sessions take place?

Because hair grow in cycles, most physicians recommend that one wait 4-6 weeks to repeat the next cycle of IPL treatments

How long is each IPL session?

Generally, not long. The five hairs on the upper lip may only take 2-3 minutes but the groin or the leg can take an hour.

Does IPL have any side effects?

Yes, definitely. Most individuals do develop redness and swelling from where the hair was treated. These side effects are transient and disappear in a few hours. When the area treated is small, the individual can return back to work or their life style on the same day.

However, when large areas of body area are treated, one may develop a fair degree of discomfort and blistering. This may take a few days to resolve. So you stay at home for a 2-5 days.

Does IPL have any complications?

You bet. Some individuals do develop either excessive darkening or lightening of the skin. Some of these skin discolorations may return to normal but not in every case. Sometimes, these changes are permanent. Some dark skinned individuals also develop keloids which are worse looking the hair and even more difficult to treat.

Does IPL remove hair from all skin types?

Well, the physicians who perform the procedure say yes but many patients who have had the procedure say no

When does one see results after IPL treatment?

Some hair may fall off at the time of treatment but in most cases, the dead hair starts to fall in 7-14 days

Intense photo light therapy to remove hair- another fad?

Almost every single week there is an announcement that there is new a permanent method to remove hair. First, it was the razor, than it was wax;, followed by depilatory ointments, then laser and now we have IPL or intense pulse light therapy. Most spas, salons and even some physicians have gone on the bandwagon to advertise IPL as the best method to remove hair.

Just what is IPL?

IPL is just like a laser in that there is a beam of light, but the wavelength at which is light is emitted is broad. And what does all this mean? Well the IPL will have maximal effect and decrease the amount of injury to normal skin. The other benefit is that patients do not feel pain (well that is what the doctors say- see later).

So how does IPL work?

Well, IPL removes all the hair that you do not want in your body. In fact, it can remove hair from any part of your body. The light energy is focused on the hair and absorbed by the hair follicles. This destroys the hair follicle so that it will no longer grow. However, since hair does grow in cycles, new hair will be visible but these can be treated with multiple treatments later on. So far, all sounds good.

How is the procedure done?

All IPL treatments are done at a spa or a salon. When you get there, you will be made comfortable and the area of the body with hair will be exposed. The technician will apply a thin clear gel to cool the top of the skin layer. The IPL device is then switched on. The wavelength for the IPL is selected by a physician and is individualized based on skin texture and hair color.

Can IPL used everywhere on the body?

Sure, physicians claim it can be used on the upper lips, ears, nose, under arms, bikini, groin line and even around the anus (I sure would like to use the IPL on a physician’s arse and ask him how it feels!). The cosmetic physicians claim that hair can be removed without any discomfort

Does IPL work in men?

Sure, IPL always works when people pay money. However, hair removal in men is slightly difficult because the hair is more thick and coarse.

Ingrown hairs- prevention & treatment

Prevention

There is no real magic trick to preventing ingrown hairs.

- If you sit for long periods, start walking and avoid
pressure on the buttocks
- If you wear tight underpants which causes friction,
wear loose clothes

When shaving the following tips may help prevent ingrown hairs.

- When you shave, leave your hair slightly longer
- Avoid shaving against the direction of hair growth
- Do not repeatedly shave hair in the same area. If a
small stub is missed, leave it for the next time
- Use a sharp razor
- Try not to shave using just plain water. Use a shaving
lotion- this makes the strokes easier and creates less
friction
- After completing shaving, use a moisturizer

Treatment

The majority of individuals with ingrown hair usually require no treatment. Most ingrown hairs resolve on their own. One may be able to see the responsible ingrown hair and remove it with a tweezer. IF it is deeply buried, perhaps it may be pulled out with a fine needle. Those individuals who have an ingrown hair that is causing pain or redness may want to see a physician. If the ingrown hair has become infected, one may need an antibiotic and removal of the hair.

Use of chemical peels and exfoliative agent to treat ingrown hair is going overboard. So try the simple things at home and only see a health care professional when the home remedies fails. Even for a simple ingrown hair, physicians charge a lot of money.

How can I get rid of ingrown hairs?

Many individuals are affected by ingrown hairs. In all cases, the stub of hair starts to grow, then curls inwards and back into the skin. While ingrown hairs can occur in everyone, some individuals are more predisposed to this disorder.

Who develops ingrown hairs?

Individuals who are obese, those who are always sitting and have a sedentary life style are more prone to ingrown hairs. Ingrown hair typically occur on body parts which have constant external pressure/friction- e.g. buttocks and back of thighs from prolonged seating. However, the rare ingrown hair can occur almost anywhere on the body.

Individuals who have curly hair are more prone to ingrown hairs. These days ingrown hairs are also seen in women who wear tight fitting undergarments and pants. Ingrown hairs around the pubis and groin are more common in women whereas men tend to get them around buttocks and back of the thigh.

Another common cause of ingrown hair is poor shaving technique. Always shave in the direction of hair growth and not against it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown hair are irritation, itching, and rarely infection.

All you want to know about Brazilian Wax Part 3

Brazilian waxing is done at a spa and usually takes 30 minutes for the actual removal of hair and 3- 5 days to get over the pain. At the spa, one lies down semi nude with the legs apart. It is best not to shave hair for a few days. All the long hair is snipped away and only a fine stub is left. This allows the wax to attach on to the hair.

Prior to application of the wax, the therapist will sprinkle talc powder around the normal skin to prevent wax from sticking to skin. Once the wax is applied, it is gently pressed with a cloth, which will attach itself to the wax. One the wax is cooled, the wax is usually stripped in the opposite direction of hair growth. This means that the wax is typically pulled from the pubis to the abdomen. Once the pubis hair is removed and if you are still in the S & M mood, then you will be asked to lie on your stomach and hold the cheeks of your buttocks so wax can be applied over the anal and buttock area. Once this part is done, any residual hairs will be removed with a tweezer. For those who prefer to have a strip of hair remaining on the pubis mound it can be trimmed or dyed. Finally, soothing lotion is applied to make you feel great.

The first time a Brazilian Wax is always painful. However, most people who get this wax done say that repeat attempts are less painful. Others say that one should take some Motrin or Tylenol 1 hour before the procedure. Some therapists also apply some ice or a topical anesthetic for a few minutes prior to the procedure.

After Brazilian wax, one must avoid the sun and wear a sunscreen. If not, the area will appear darkly colored. The waxed area is generally very sensitive immediately afterwards- so avoid hot baths, sauna, or whirlpools. To avoid extreme discomfort after the procedure, do not wear tight underpants or restrictive clothing. Most experts claim that one should not have sex immediately after a Brazilian wax, because the area is quite sensitive. One should not have to worry about this, because most people are busy trying to manage the pain and thoughts of sex are far away.

And how long does Brazilian Wax last? - Anywhere from 3-6 weeks and then you have to go through this great experience again. With frequent waxing, the hair growth usually is much slow, but rest assured it is not permanent.

The cost of a Brazilian wax average anywhere from $40-$100.

Final Word: Most individuals who have undergone a Brazilian Wax usually never again complain about the razor.

All you want to know about Brazilian Wax Part 2

So one may ask what is the big deal about Brazilian wax? Why all the controversy?

Well take a few strands of hair from the pubis or the anal area in your hand- and pull then pull out manually- get the idea? It is no piece of cake. Most describe it as painful – excruciating. In addition, once the hair has been removed, the area around the pubis and anus remains hypersensitive- while you may look sexy and have smooth pubis, thoughts of pain are more common than eroticism.

In any case, some women do get this procedure done only once and then stick to another gentler method of hair removal.

The actual technique of Brazilian waxing is the same as waxing anywhere else on the body. Warm wax is applied and covered by cloth. When the wax has settled for a few minutes, the cloth is pulled and the wax pulls out the hair from the roots. Most people scream, some cry, others laugh—but rest assured it is a painful experience. In addition, the pain does not immediately go away. Sometimes the pain lingers on for 3-10 days. Besides pain, there are a few rare complications. Sometimes in individuals with very thin and sensitive skin, small piece of skin come off also, there is redness, blisters and one can even develop an infection- all this so that one can wear a thong.

There are even home kits for Brazilian waxing but the pain is not any less. For women, waxing should be avoided during midcycle, as the vaginal area is very sensitive during this time period. Similarly, women who are pregnant should avoid Brazilian waxing as the pain is magnified many fold.

All you want to know about Brazilian Wax

For the novice, Brazilian wax is simply another term to describe bikini waxing. However, over the years, Brazil waxing has been modified and there are many variants of the same procedure. Women who do not like hair in the pubic and groin area or those who prefer to wear thongs/skimpy bikinis usually undergo Brazilian waxing. Removing hair from the bikini line is not a new thing- it has been practiced in some form in many cultures and races.

In some parts of the Middle East, removal of bikini hair has been practiced for over 3000 years. Nothing much has changed about hair removal except that now we have different names and fancy procedures to remove hair from the same body part.

With Brazilian waxing, one generally removes all hair from the pubis and the anal area. In some cases, only a thin strip of hair will be left on the pubis mound. However, there are many variants of Brazilian waxing and the consumer can always request what they want (not everyone wants hair from the anus to be removed).

Some types of Brazilian wax involves removal of hair from the frontal pubis and groin area, and in some extreme cases, hair is removed from the pubis, anus, rectum, and even the buttocks. Removal of all pubic hair is also sometimes known as a Full Brazilian wax, Full bikini wax or the Hollywood wax.

Why does one pull their hair out? (Trichotillomania)

Hair pulling or Trichotillomania is a complex disorder and no one really knows why the individual pulls his or her hair. There are some risk factors which have been linked to this disturbing disorder and include:

Family history. There is a tendency for Trichotillomania to run in families. If there is a family member, either parent or sibling who has engaged in this behavior, chances are that or you may be affected. The chances of another family member developing same problem are about 5-25 percent.

Age: Trichotillomania usually first develops just after puberty and unfortunately in some cases, is life long. Children as young as 5-6 have been known to pull their hair. In such cases, it is not know if this is a case of temper tantrum or other behavior related problem. In children and teenagers less than age 16, the most common triggering factors are stress, the home environment, and school life. Common stressors in these individuals, which induce hair pulling, are changing school, divorce, death of a parent, constant moving and hormonal changes. It is commonly observed that younger children often pull their hair during bedtime or eating. Teenagers pull their hair in the daytime, most commonly in their bedroom, bathroom or in some secret location.

Gender: From medical follow-ups, it appears that women are more affected. However, these numbers have a treatment bias, as more women tend to seek help. Most men hide this problem and feel embarrassed to seek help. Overall, it appears that both genders are equally affected by Trichotillomania.

Feature of Hair: A few individuals pull out their hair because of a body image distortion. They simply do not like their hair. Some individuals do not like the color, others do not like the style and yet others hate the texture.

Emotions: The great majority of individuals who pull their hair out have emotional problems. Many of these individuals deal with their negative emotions (stress, anxiety, fatigue, loneliness, tension) by pulling out their hair. Estimates indicate that at least 40-70 percent of individuals who have Trichotillomania also have other mental disorder like depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or some type of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia)

Reinforcement: Some individuals find that after pulling the hair, they feel better. These individuals often pull the hairs and hold it close to their skin, which gives them a good feeling. Unfortunately, this creates a positive reinforcement and leads to a cycle of hair pulling.

Unfortunately, even when these risk factors are identified, treatment is difficult and relapses are common.

Laser Hair Removal Part 2

Can a suntan affect laser hair removal?

Sure. After an individual has a suntan, laser hair removal should not be done. One has to wait at least 4-6 weeks for the tan to disappear before the laser can be used. If the laser is used on an individual with a suntan, the chances of a scar, blistering, and skin discoloration are very high

What types of lasers are used to remove hair?

There are many types of lasers available to remove hair. The most commonly used lasers include the Ruby, Nd: YAG, Pulsed light, diode laser, and Alexandrite. The diode and the Nd: YAG are often used to remove hair from dark skinned individuals

Are there any preparations required prior to laser hair removal?

In general no. After the consultation, the health care professional will look at your skin, hair type and obtain photos to document the progress. Lasers are most effective at removing short stubs of hair growth. Therefore, the only thing required prior to a laser treatment is not to shave for a few days. Prior to the treatment is it is highly recommended that one not wax, pluck or pull the hairs

How is laser hair removal done?

Laser hair removal is an outpatient procedure. There are spas, clinics and many health care facilities using laser to remove hair. Before the start of the procedure, your eyes will be shielded from the intense laser beam by dark goggles.
The laser is like a small pen and emits an intense beam if light. The light enters the skin and generates heat. The heat then destroys the hair follicle.

Does the laser hurt?

Yes, it hurts. Despite what the technician or anyone says, laser does hurt and not just a wee bit. It is like a hot burn and not fun. To minimize the pain, the technician may apply a topical anesthetic (it rarely helps). Further, many lasers also have a cooling tip at the end to minimize the pain. Some technicians numb the skin with an ice pack before the treatment. In any case, laser hair removal is not pleasant experience.

When the laser destroys the hair, one can smell the hair burning. The duration of the laser procedure can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes, depending on where you want the hair removed.

What is cost of laser hair removal

The cost depends on where you want the hair removed and how much. In general, each laser session can cost anywhere from $300-$600. Because there is a bandwagon of people using laser to remove hair, select your technician well. Not only may laser not work but it definitely is not a fun experience getting burnt from a laser.

Laser Hair Removal Part 1

For some individuals, hair is a real nuisance. Over the years there have been methods devised to remove hair- just the number of methods advertised on a daily basis should inform the consumer that there is no ideal method of removing hair (no different from methods touted to promote weight loss)

There are many methods to remove hair and all of them have their pros and cons. The newest method of removing hair is laser. Laser mania is on the increase in North America. Whenever a problem with the body cannot be fixed, it appears the laser is always called in. thee are a number of portable lasers now available for hair removal and essentially they all work in the same way.

Where can hair be removed with the laser?

Laser can be used to remove hair from any almost any part of the body except the eye and the ear. Laser is currently used to remove hair from the chin, upper lips, bikini line, hands, back, chest armpits and legs laser hair removal permanent?

Is laser treatment permanent?

NO. Despite the media hype and what the health care professionals claim, laser is not a permanent treatment for hair. The majority of individuals who undergo hair removal with the laser notice absence of hair anywhere from a few months to a few years. To maintain the hair free benefit, future laser treatments are required.

Can laser remove hair in everyone?

Unfortunately, No, lasers are not for everyone. However, it is possible to predict who will respond to laser hair removal and who will not. The most important factors that determine success of a laser is your hair type and skin color. Individuals who have dark hair and fair skin get the best results. Overall, when the skin color is light and the hair is dark, the result will be satisfying. Individuals who have dark skin generally do not get the same results and in fact, many require a different type of laser and more treatment sessions

All individuals who have a dark skin color should seek a center that has experience in dealing with this dilemma. Special lasers must be used for dark skinned individuals

Vaniqa and Hair Removal Part 1

For the moment, Vaniqa has only been recommended for use in women only.

Certain individuals should not use Vaniqa. These include the following:

- Men should not used this product – no testing has been done
on this gender
- Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use this
drug because the Vaniqa has not been fully evaluated on the fetus
- Females under the age of 12 should not use this drug
- Vaniqa is only supposed to be applied on the face and chin.
- Vaniqa is not supposed to be placed inside the mouth, ears,
vagina, and anal area
- Further, if one has broken or inflamed skin, Vaniqa should be avoided.

To use Vaniqa, apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in for a few minutes. This is best done at bedtime. Apply the cream once more in the morning. The cream should be left on the skin for a minimum of 4 hours. If you have shaved, plucked, or waxed your skin, Vaniqa should not be applied for at least the next 4 hours.

Always thoroughly wash the hands after using Vaniqa.

Once the cream is dry, one can apply a moisturizer or sunscreen.

The earliest results are seen at about 4-8 weeks.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell in whom Vaniqa will work in whom it will not.

Vaniqa hair removal cream is not covered by any medical insurance plan or Medicare. The cost of Vaniqa is not cheap and ranges anywhere from $90-$120 for a month’s supply.

Vaniqa is only available with a prescription and there are only discounts if you buy more than 3 months supply (remember the old trick, buy two get one at 50%). Because there is no guarantee it will work, it is hard to recommend this product. Testimonials are hard to come by and despite the dealers making a lot of hype, anecdotal reports indicate that this cream is both a waste of money and time.

Final Verdict- Junk save your money and continue with the conventional razor or wax.

Vaniqa and Hair Removal

In the last few years, much has been made about a topical cream that can remove hair. The drug known as Vaniqa or Eflornithine was initially used to treat parasitic infections in Africa and was observed to cause hair loss. However, the drug company realized it could make more money selling this cream for hair removal than help poor children in Africa. So now the drug is heavily marketed as a hair loss product in the West.

Vaniqa is available as topical preparation and has been shown to remove hair in some individuals.

MIND YOU, Vaniqa does not work in all people for hair removal. While exact numbers are lacking, the number of people who respond to Vaniqa is anywhere from 10-50%. Even the hair removal intensity is not the same in all individuals. All the data reported are by the manufacturers and dealers and hard facts are not available.

Vaniqa appears to act by getting absorbed in to the skin and stopping growth of more hair. The drug has to be applied everyday for 8 weeks. All consumers should understand that this is not a permanent hair removal method. As soon as you stop the drug, hair will restart to grow.

Hair Pulling- Trichotillomania

Most of us love hair. Hair is associated with beauty, youth and vivacity. The more hair we have, the better we feel. But there are some individuals who are so emotionally tormented that they pull their hair. Known as Trichotillomania, this emotional disorder induces an irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair. While in most cases it is pulling out hair from the scalp, some may even pull the hair out of their eyebrows, groin and extremities. Hair pulling from the scalp is readily visible and some individuals go to great lengths to disguise this behavior.

Trichotillomania is more of an impulse control disorder rather and an obsessive or compulsive disorder. Individuals who have this disorder simply can’t resist the urge to perform an act that is harmful. While hair pulling is usually done with the fingers, it may occasionally be removed with instruments like razors, blades, combs, brushes or tweezers.

For some individuals the hair pulling is intentional and focused. They are aware of what they are doing, but for other individuals, hair pulling is an automatic event and they may not be aware of it.

The cause of this bizarre condition is not fully understood. Scientists have identified mutations in some brain neurons that may trigger the urge to pull out hair. In others, changes in the neurotransmitter serotonin and dopamine have been identified. But these discoveries are academic and have not helped treatment.

It is estimated that about 1-3 percent of the population may have some degree of trichotillomania. The disorder can affect both adults and children and may be seen as early as age 2-3. Why people pull hair is puzzling. Some individuals pull the hair out because the hairs may not be of a particular color, texture or shape. Others develop delusional thinking that certain color hairs are bad. Sometime hair pulling is done during a mood disorder like anger, frustration or tension. Other individuals pull their hair when they are lonely. There are individuals who find that that pulling hair makes them feel good and they continually try to seek that kind of positive reinforcement. Others claim that when they pull hair, it is way of distracting them from negative thoughts, stress or tension.

Even more puzzling is that these individuals almost never pull other people’s hair.

Electrolysis: permanent hair removal Part 3

Who performs electrolysis?
Hair removal can be done in anyone of the spas and cosmetic clinics in any large city in North America. However, one should be aware that not only is the training of all electrologists not standardized, but many States do not even require certification for someone to perform the procedure. Before one embarks on this treatment, it is best to inquire about the training and experience of your electrologist

What are other options for hair removal?

Electrolysis may be good and a cheaper alternative when it comes to permanent removal of hair from small areas of the body, but today laser is a better option for hair removal from larger areas of the body. Laser hair removal is not only faster, but requires fewer sessions and is slightly cheaper.

Is hair removal covered by Medical Insurance?

Hair removal is strictly a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by any medical insurance. Because of the lure of easy money, there is a bandwagon of people who do this procedure. For safety, select a professional who is credentialed to perform the procedure. Electrolysis when performed by an experienced technician is a safe and effective way to eliminate the embarrassing problem of excessive hair

Electrolysis: permanent hair removal Part 2

What does the procedure involve?
Electrolysis is generally performed in a spa or a clinic. During the actual procedure, the individual is asked to be in a comfortable position. The majority of individuals who undergo the procedure complain of pain during the procedure and the time it takes to perform the procedure. The pain is variable and dependent on which part of the body is treated. To counter the pain, the technician may apply a local anesthetic ointment 20 minutes before the procedure.

Are there any side effects of electrolysis?
While electrolysis is a safe technique when practiced properly, problems can arise from improper electrolysis procedures. Besides the pain and unsightly cosmesis, scarring is a major complication seen when the technique is not done properly.

However, in most instances the procedure is safely done and the few short term side effects include:

- pain during the procedure
- swelling at the sight
- redness
- skin color changes (either too dark or too light)

These side effects subside in a few days and are not noticeable. However, the results of hair removal do not become obvious for some time. It may take a few weeks for all the hair to fall out after the procedure.

What is the cost of electrolysis?

Electrolysis is not a light hearted undertaking. It requires time, money and commitment. The cost of electrolysis ranges from $50-100/hour, depending on whom you go to. The procedure can take hours, depending on what part of the body is being treated. Hairs around the nipple may take 30 minutes but the arm may take anywhere from 20-40 hours. So before you undergo the treatment, get some idea about the number of hours and the possible cost.

Electrolysis: permanent hair removal Part 1

For those individuals who are tired of plucking out hairs from odd parts of the body, electrolysis may be just the right treatment. In general, electrolysis is most useful for removal of small amounts pockets of hair that may be located on the chin, axilla (arm pit), bikini line, groin, nipples or upper lip. Because the treatment is very time consuming and painful, it may not be the best therapy for hair removal from the arms, legs or chest. Numerous sessions are required and the cost can be prohibitive.

The technique of using electrolysis to remove hair permanently has been around for at least the past 20 years. The procedure involves insertion of a very fine needle into a hair follicle and stimulating it with an electrical pulse.

The electrical pulse destroys the hair growing ability of the follicle. With electrolysis, hair can be removed from practically anywhere on the body, except inside the nose or ears.

How is hair removed with electrolysis?

Hair removal by electrolysis is done in several ways: galvanic or thermolytic method.

The galvanic method of hair removal has been used for a long time and is the simplest to use. The method involves placing a needle in the hair follicle and transmits a DC current into it. The resulting electrical reaction destroys the hair and its root, resulting in permanent hair removal. For those individuals who have medical implants such as pacemakers or have metallic implants (IUDs), the galvanic technique is not recommended.

Thermolysis is essentially the same, except that an AC current is transmitted down the hair follicle. Most newer versions of electrolysis machines combine (blend) these two techniques into one and offer a quick, effective and safer way to destroy the hair follicle.

IS there a Treatment for Hair loss? Part 2

Medications

Despite all the razzmatazz about medications by the drug industry, they are all ineffective and expensive. It is the very rare individual who will regain hair growth after use of these medications and this is more pure luck than any credit to the medications. None of these medications work if there is baldness. It is hard to find any one individual (who is honest) to have any sort of significant hair growth after using these medications.

The drugs approved for the treatment of alopecia are:

Minoxidil (Rogaine). This medication was associated with a lot of hype but never lived up to its expectations. It can be used to treat both types of alopecia. It comes as a liquid and is applied on the scalp twice a day. It is available over the counter in strengths of 2-5%. It is approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. It is difficult to find anyone (at least those not paid by the industry) who has evidence of any hair growth after use of this medication.

The industry claims that new hair after application of minoxidil is thinner and shorter than previous hair. The hair growth stops once the use of the mediation is stopped. The only side effect is an irritation or dryness of the scalp.

Finasteride (Propecia). Finasteride is another medication which has been approved for male pattern baldness. It is taken as an oral pill. Some individuals do claim hair growth and the results take at least 2-4 months to show. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of the male testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that decreases hair growth. For some men there may be some hair growth but the medication also causes a decrease in sex drive- a high price to pay for some hair follicles. As with minoxidil, the benefits of Finasteride stop if you stop using it. The drug is only approved for use in men.

Corticosteroids. For alopecia areata, some physicians may inject corticosteroids. These injections are performed every month for a few months. Some physicians also recommend topical corticosteroid creams. The results are not great. Some individual show a response and many do not. In most cases of alopecia areata, the hair growth will recover after some time and the need for corticosteroid injection is questionable. Corticosteroids do nothing for androgenic alopecia.

Anthralin (Drithocreme). Available as either a cream or an ointment. This is a tar like chemical which is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is not effective in all individuals and the results are mild, at best. The drug also stains bed sheets, clothes and makes a real mess.

Herbs/nutrients; everyday on the internet and popular medical magazines, there are new drugs/nutrients advertised as the latest to cure hair growth. Individuals from every ethnic background have their own version of folklore tales and myths about hair growth. The things recommended for hair growth are wild and beyond the realms of one’s imagination- from crow’s feet, bears penis, scorpions arse, snakes gall bladder, meditation, yoga, et etc. There is not one iota of proof that any of these work. There is no herb or nutrient that can grow any hair.

The hair growth industry is a big scam and the best advice is to avoid these products and save one’s money.

IS there a Treatment for Hair loss? Part 1

Every drug, chemical postulated to cure hair loss, has in most instances been just that- a false claim prying on desperate men trying to counter an irreversible process. From drinking one’s urine to eating a tiger’s penis- all have been claimed to be the magical cure. And the drug industry does not fair any better. They are the biggest charlatans among them all.

The two drugs available today for hair growth, do little more than grow a hair here and there, and they are not only expensive but have to be applied or taken in orally for a life time- hair loss sure sucks.

The big question everyone wants to know “is there a treatment for hair growth?”. Unfortunately no. The medications available today may grow a hair here and there in a few people and that is about all the hair one will ever see.

Todate, there are no cure for hair loss. There are temporary solutions, some of which may help. For those with alopecia areata- one does not need any treatment as the hair will grow back sometime in future.

Coping with hair loss part 2

Today, baldness has been glamorized and been made to look cool by personalities like Yul Bryner, Michael Jordan and Telly Salavas. Hell, these guys made millions of dollars flaunting their looks only after they became famous. I bet these same guys would still be surfing the net like the rest of us if they had not made it. For even one hundredth of the money these guys made, I would have flaunted my naked body- forget the bald head.

While current research efforts are making some headway, a cure for baldness is light years away. Various drugs are available but less than 2% of individuals have any significant hair growth. The treatment can become expensive in the long run with no guarantee on the results.

While accepting baldness may not be appealing solution to all men, it may save one the aggravation of searching for an illusive cure.

The best advice is save one’s money and know that big, blonde or bald- it is not the hair that makes a men but the soul.

Coping with hair loss part 1

Losing hair is a miserable experience and one filled with anxiety, depression and loss of confidence. Hair loss typically occurs to males in their prime and is a very frustrating disorder to deal with. No matter what others say, hair loss is the Achilles heel of most men and coping is difficult. Many suggestions have been made to cope with hair loss and this includes joining a support group, discuss with family and friends and learn more about the disorder. Only time heals the pain of hair loss.

Conclusion

For those intent on having hair, the time to start drug therapy is when there is still some hair left on the head. For completely bald people, the options are limited to wigs and wearing a hat or accept a hairless scalp. Few insurance plans cover drug therapy and one needs to take the drugs forever to get the benefits and maintain them. The drugs are not cheap and there is no guarantee of hair growth. For a years supply, Rogaine may cost $200-$300 and Propecia can cost $700-$1,000. Neither of these medications is covered by any medical insurance.

Myths about Hair loss

Hair loss has been associated with more myths and folklore all which are based on superstition and ignorance. Everyone has an idea about how hair loss occurs. The internet is inundated with so called hair experts who speculate on why hair loss occurs.

Some of the nonsense speculated about why hair loss occurs include the following: Excess shampooing (esp. with head and shoulders shampoo), daily washing of hair, the type of shampoo, use of hair dryer, the type of soap, use of towel, the hardness or softness of the water, the geographical area where one lives, ethnicity, eating herbs, cleansing the bowels once a week, not cleaning the backside after poop and even excessive masturbation has been blamed on hair loss.

Like I mentioned before-bad genes, bad hormones and a lot of bad luck are the real answers to hair loss.
How does hair loss occur?

At any one point in time, the majority of hair on the scalp is in a growth phase anagen). This growth phase lasts anywhere from 2-6 years. About 10% of the scalp hair is in a resting phase (telogen) which lasts about 2-4 months. After this time, the hair is shed and a new cycle begins. Most individuals shed about 30-150 hairs everyday. After a single hair is shed, a new hair follicle replaces the same hair and the cycle begins again. Most hair grow at about 10 mm per month

In any individual who sheds hair faster than the hair regrowth, then baldness will occur. Initially the hair loss is gradual and then suddenly increases.
Types of hair loss

Hair loss is known as alopecia. The most common type of hair loss is known as male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). This is the most common type of hair loss in men and affects nearly 40-50% of males. The hair loss is permanent. The other type of hair loss is called alopecia areata- which commonly affects hair growth on different parts of the body besides the scalp and the disorder is temporary.

Two Major Causes of Hair Loss Part 1

Male pattern baldness (Androgenic alopecia)

Those individual who develop androgenic alopecia may experience hair loss as early as the early teenage years. The hair loss gets more progressive through the ensuing years and the results become more noticeable on the scalp. The hair loss typically begins at the temples and crown. The end result of the hair loss is partial or complete baldness by the 30s to early 40s. This is an irreversible process-permanent.

The androgenic variety of alopecia has a familial connection but the actual pattern of genetic inheritance remains unknown. This type of hair loss is common in both males and females, but females rarely go bald. If anyone in the family is bald, then one can rest assured that other male members of the family will have the same unfortunate event occur sometime. In most cases, when there is male pattern baldness in the family, the hair loss typically occurs at a much younger age and a lot faster.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is associated with temporary hair loss from the face and other areas of the body. The condition happens suddenly and results in patchy hair loss. The hair loss may be on the face or parts of the scallop. The area becomes completely devoid of hair follicles and appears smooth and white.

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. But there are many speculations. Some claim that it is related to stress, a viral infection and other claim that it is autoimmune (your own body’s cell react and kill the hair cells) or bad luck. The hair loss occurs suddenly and most men are in good health and young.

It is not known if there is a genetic link with alopecia areata. The good thing about the disorder is that the condition is temporary and the hair does grow back. In most cases, the hair loss persists for a few months and then all of a sudden the hair reappears. The condition can recur a few times.