All about armpit hair removal
The overwhelming majority of the adult population has come to terms with the need to remove hair in the armpit area. Unwanted vegetation in this area not only looks aesthetically unattractive, but also contributes to the accumulation of harmful bacteria in the armpits. These microorganisms can lead to various diseases that are difficult to treat.
The armpit hair removal procedure is complicated by the sensitivity of the skin that is characteristic of this area of the body. Therefore, the question of choosing a method for epilation of armpits does not lose its relevance.
Pros, cons and contraindications
Many people confuse concepts such as "epilation" and "depilation", although the difference between them is significant. Epilation is a hair removal procedure based on the complete elimination of the hair follicle. The result is permanent or permanent removal of hair follicles. During depilation, only the outer part of the hair is removed, and its bulb remains intact. Therefore, this method is characterized by the short-term solution of the problem.
Advantages of the underarm epilation procedure:
- hygiene - the smooth skin of the armpits does not allow bacteria and microorganisms to accumulate there;
- long-term result - depending on the chosen method, the hair disappears for a long time (from 3-4 weeks to several years or forever);
- regular hair removal leads to the fact that subsequent hairs grow weak, thin and, as a result, completely stop developing;
- the procedure takes a little time;
- you can do epilation yourself at home or resort to the help of a specialist;
- properly performed epilation does not provide for the occurrence of undesirable consequences;
- affordable cost of the procedure in beauty salons.
The main disadvantages of underarm epilation are:
- soreness of the procedure;
- the possibility of side effects (redness, itching, skin damage, ingrown hairs).
Restrictions on the procedure:
- the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding - at this time the woman's skin is especially sensitive;
- any skin diseases, including temporary injuries in the armpits: abrasions, scratches;
- oncological diseases;
- infectious diseases, especially during the period of deterioration;
- disorders of the endocrine system, in particular diabetes mellitus;
- with some types of hair removal (this will be discussed later) - a fresh tan.
Contraindications depend on the method of hair removal. Therefore, the beautician can prohibit the procedure under other circumstances that may have a negative impact on human health.
Overview of methods
To date, there are several ways to epilate the armpits. Having understood the principles of operation of each of the techniques, its advantages and disadvantages, everyone will be able to choose the most suitable option for him.
Laser
Hair removal during laser hair removal occurs as a result of exposure of the hair follicles to a laser beam. It heats the melanin contained in the hair shaft and hair follicle until its structure is destroyed.
This method is non-contact, which prevents any mechanical effects on the skin.
Benefits of the procedure:
- speed - with laser hair removal, several hairs per second are processed by a beam, so hair removal from the armpit area will take little time;
- with each subsequent session, the hair becomes lighter and thinner;
- efficiency - depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, the result obtained after a full course of hair removal is maintained for 2-5 years or forever;
- laser hair removal prevents pigmentation on the skin.
Cons of laser hair removal.
- Laser hair removal does not work well for light and gray hair.
- The presence of a large number of contraindications.
- Inability to carry out the procedure at home. The technology of the technique is unsafe and therefore requires certain skills and knowledge. This disadvantage can be considered conditional - today there are portable models of laser epilators with low power, which are intended for home use.
- If you ignore the individual characteristics of the body, as well as non-compliance with the rules for the procedure and subsequent skin care, side effects are possible.
Photoepilation
The essence of this method is similar to laser hair removal and consists in exposing the hair to light rays. The hair follicle is destroyed under the influence of light pulses on it, which heat the bulb until its structure is destroyed, without causing harm to the skin.
The advantages of the technique:
- there is no effect on the skin, which eliminates the risk of infection;
- does not lead to the appearance of ingrown hairs;
- the effect is noticeable after the first procedure, and lasts for a long time;
- a full course of photoepilation makes it possible to get rid of unwanted armpit vegetation forever;
- simultaneously with hair removal, photoepilation rejuvenates the skin, making it smooth and silky.
Cons of photoepilation.
- The need for several procedures. This is due to the fact that at the time of epilation, only already formed hairs can be removed.Some of them are in a "dormant" mode and begin their growth later, which causes the need to repeat the procedure.
- Photoepilation does not affect gray hair.
- For patients with a low pain threshold, the procedure will be painful.
They solve this problem with the help of pain relievers.
Electrolysis
This method involves removing unwanted hair by applying an electric shock to each hair follicle. Known needle and tweezers electrolysis. In the first case, a special needle is inserted into each hair, through which current flows, in the second, the effect occurs remotely from the skin.
Advantages of the technique:
- high efficiency, which is achieved due to the complete destruction of the hair follicle;
- affordable cost;
- the majority of cosmetologists own the technique.
With all the advantages, electrolysis has some disadvantages.
- The inability to carry out the procedure at home.
- High pain during hair removal, which necessitates mandatory pain relief.
- Due to the fact that the lymph nodes in the armpits are in close proximity to the surface of the skin, it is undesirable to conduct electrolysis in this area.
- If the rules for the procedure and the subsequent care of the armpit skin are violated, there is a high probability of infection.
- In 2-3 years after electrolysis, it becomes necessary to repeat the procedure. As in previous cases, this is due to the activation of the "dormant" follicles.
- A large number of contraindications.
Elos
Elos hair removal is an innovative hair removal technique that combines 2 methods - photo and laser hair removal. For its implementation, special devices are used that begin to influence the hair follicle using light rays, and end with its final destruction by an electric discharge.
The advantages of Elos epilation are:
- an effective solution to the problem of the presence of unwanted hair due to the combination of two types of energy, which have the deepest effect on the hair roots;
- the technique allows you to remove hair of any type and structure;
- low pain of the procedure, in comparison with other methods;
- short rehabilitation period.
The disadvantage of Elos hair removal is the high cost of the procedure.
Other
Other methods of hair removal that can be used to remove armpit hair include the following types.
- Bioepilation. Hair removal is carried out using wax strips. Despite the painfulness of the procedure, it can be carried out at home, and the result after it lasts for a long time (3-4 weeks). The technique is contact, which provides for the need to strictly follow all the rules and recommendations of specialists.
- Shugaring. The technique is to remove hair with sugar paste. The procedure is available for home use, but it is quite painful.
- Using an epilator. The most suitable epilation option for home conditions. Its essence lies in the fact that the effect on the hair occurs with the help of a special device that pulls out the follicles with rotating discs or mini-tweezers. The procedure is contact and quite painful. The result lasts for 3-4 weeks.
Each of the above methods, if used regularly, leads to a gradual reduction in hairiness. As a result, instead of hair, a light fluff is formed, which can be easily removed.
How to make at home?
The most optimal and safest option to epilate armpits is to contact a beautician. However, there is not always time and money for this. In this case, epilation can be done at home. The most commonly used for this is an epilator, sugaring or waxing (wax removal).
Stages of carrying out.
- First, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the skin in the armpits. It is advisable to epilate after a bath or shower - the pores are more open at this time, which will make it easier to pull out hairs.
- When applying wax, moving with sugar balls or with an epilator, it must be borne in mind that hair in the armpit area grows in different directions. With proper epilation, hair removal occurs against hair growth. This should be known in order to avoid the subsequent appearance of ingrown hairs.
- After the end of the procedure, it is necessary to apply an antiseptic to the treated area, after which - a sedative (herbal infusion, special lotion). It is important that it does not contain alcohol.
- To reduce pain during underarm epilation, it is advisable to use anesthetics before the procedure, for example, a spray with lidocaine.
Follow-up care
The next few days after 1 procedure of hair removal in the armpits, there may be redness, itching, irritation. During this period, do not use deodorants, sprays or other cosmetics, including essential oils, which clog the pores of the skin.
It is necessary to regularly moisturize and cleanse the skin with antiseptic agents. For the rehabilitation period, it is better to use serums that contain hyaluronic acid or have stress effects. 2-3 days after epilation, you can use a special product that prevents ingrown hairs.
Clothes for the first time after epilation should be loose and comfortable, preferably made of natural fabrics. In the next few days after the procedure, you should refuse to visit the pools, saunas, solariums.
Underarm epilation has long been a necessary hygienic and cosmetic procedure for many of us. Smooth, well-groomed skin under the hands gives not only a feeling of cleanliness and comfort, but also adds self-confidence.