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Any hair removal method that does not destroy all germinating hair growth cells within the hair follicle, or to say it another way, destroy the complete target area of the hair follicle, is known as a temporary method of hair removal. 1. Waxing, sugaring, tweezing, and threading are all temporary hair removal methods: Each procedure removes the hair with a pull. The hair is ripped out at the base of the hair follicle, causing slight tissue injury, while at the same time leaving active germinating hair cells intact. The capillaries that feed the hairs are stimulated by the tissue injury, which causes them to bring an extra blood supply to the area, to promote healing. At the same time the extra blood supply acts like a boost of vitamins, stimulating the remaining germinating hair cells to produce a stronger healthier hair. RESULTS: Positive - A very few tiny vellus (downy hairs), and/or accelerating hairs that have not developed a mature root structure, can be injured to the extent that they die and do not return. Negative - While a tiny benefit can take place with the above temporary methods, all terminal hairs (adult hairs) come back with a vengeance. The extra blood supply causes the hairs to become stronger and darker, producing a larger root that grows deeper and often distorted. Repeated damage and subsequent healing irritate the skin, and often the hairs become ingrown, infected and painful. In many cases, this recurring damage, particularly to delicate facial tissue, can result in scarring and premature wrinkling. With waxing, sugaring and threading, the client must go through the frustrating and embarrassing length of time, necessary; to allow the regrowth hair to become long enough to grasp, before a treatment can be repeated. 2. Depilatories are a temporary hair removal method: They are available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, and roll-on forms. Different strengths of cream are available for different areas of the body, such as face, axillae or legs. Depilatories contain powerful alkaline chemicals, usually calcium thioglycolate, which dissolves the protein structure of the hair. These are harsh chemicals, so a small preliminary skin test for allergic skin reaction and sensitivity is recommended. Hair is mainly keratin, and can only be destroyed by fire, cutting, or extremely harsh chemicals. On the other hand, skin is a very sensitive delicate organ and easily permanently damaged. RESULTS: Positive - The skin may be left soft, versus the shadow and stubble of a shaved or clipped area. It takes a little longer for the hair growth to reappear at the surface of the skin. Negative - The Depilatories do not work on all hair types. The harsh chemicals may cause skin irritations and/or allergies from mild to extreme. This temporary removal method does not penetrate the follicle to the hair root structure; therefore permanent results are not possible. 3. Shaving and cutting are temporary hair removal methods: The hair shaft is severed or cut at the surface of the skin. This temporary procedure does not affect the hair's live root structure; therefore the hair continues to grow. RESULTS: Positive - The root structure is not tampered with, therefore the hair growth is not being stimulated in the same manner as those hairs being waxed, sugared, tweezed or threaded, (if the hair growth is becoming heavier and stronger, it will be due to normal or abnormal developments within the body). Contrary to popular opinion, shaving does not cause the hair to grow thicker or heavier. Negative - There is always rough stubble present. With some, there is that dreaded five o'clock shadow. Often hairs become ingrown, and skin irritations appear. 4. Inhibitating creams: Are not a temporary or permanent hair removal method. It might or might not retard the rate of hair growth? RESULTS: Positive - One might have to use temporary methods less often? It may be useful to prevent a premature five o'clock shadow. Negative - All the old problems are still there. |
