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Hair Removal: Terms You Need to Know

We've gathered together many of the terms used throughout the hair removal industry. You may find it useful to know these as well.

 

Broadband Light Hair Removal

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), ILS (Intense Light Source), Full Spectrum, Non-Coherent, and flashlamp. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on Broadband Light treatments in our Information section.

 

Depilatory

A depilatory is a liquid or cream that is used to remove unwanted hair from the body. They are applied to the surface of the skin. After 5-10 minutes, they are wiped or washed off along with the hair. You can find more information on depilatories in our Information section.

 

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the destruction of hair roots with an electric current. Professional electrolysis involves inserting a needle into the hair follicle. A small electric current is then applied which destroys the hair root. Home electrolysis utilizes electrical or RF technology to accomplish the same goal. Find more information on professional electrolysis and home electrolysis in our Information section.

 

Epilator

Epilators are similar to electric razors, except that instead of a cutting blade they have tweezing discs, which rotate picking up the hair and tweezing them from the root. Find more information about epilators in our Information section.

 

Flashlamp

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), ILS (Intense Light Source), Full Spectrum, Non-Coherent, and Broadband light. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on Flashlamp treatments in our Information section.

 

Full Spectrum Hair Removal

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), ILS (Intense Light Source), Flashlamp, Non-Coherent, and Broadband light. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on Full Spectrum treatments in our Information section.

 

Hair Inhibitor

Hair Inhibitors work to prevent the regrowth of hair. They have been developed to supplement other hair removal solutions. They work particularly well with epilators, waxing, tweezing, and shaving. For more information on hair inhibitors see our Information section.

 

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition in which there is excessive growth of hair on the face or body. It can occur in both men and women without discrimination and is caused by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to male hormones (called androgens). It can also be caused by abnormally high levels of these hormones. Some medicines promote Hirsutism, such as birth control pills, hormones, and anabolic steroids.

 

ILS (Intense Light Source)

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Flashlamp, Full Spectrum, Non-Coherent, and Broadband light. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on ILS treatments in our Information section.

 

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as Flashlamp, ILS (Intense Light Source), Full Spectrum, Non-Coherent, and Broadband light. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on IPL treatments in our Information section.

 

Non-Coherent Light Hair Removal

This is a relatively new procedure very similar to laser hair removal. It is also sometimes referred to as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), ILS (Intense Light Source), Full Spectrum, Flashlamp, and Broadband light. There is relatively little data measuring the effects of this treatment. Studies show similarities with Laser treatment in terms of effectiveness and side effects. You can find more information on Non-Coherent Light treatments in our Information section.

 

Laser Treatment

Laser systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. When the hair absorbs it, the energy from the laser is transformed into heat and the hair follicle is disabled. While electrolysis can be a tedious & painful process, destroying one hair follicle at a time, lasers on the other hand can treat hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously so the process is much quicker. Find more information on laser treatments in our Information section.

 

Shaving

Shaving removes the tapered tip of a hair. Cutting this tip off leaves the growing hairs feeling bristly. As the sharpened hair tip continues to grow, there is a risk of ingrown hair if it penetrates the skin surrounding the follicle. Although inexpensive to begin with, the repeated cost of new razors every few days can eventually make this solution one of the most expensive. Find out more information on shaving in our Information section.

 

Tweezing

Tweezing involves gripping the hair with a pair of tweezers and pulling the hair out. The best method is the stretch the skin slightly, grip the hair close to the root, and pull gently, firmly, and evenly. Tweezing is a fine solution for stray eyebrow hairs, scattered hairs around the abdomen, stray hairs on the nipples, and chin hairs. Find out more information on tweezing in our Information section.

 

Waxing

Waxing is performed by first spreading a thin gel-like substance of the skin. Typically a cloth strip is pressed on the top and then ripped off with a quick movement, removing the was along with the hair and dead skin cells. This leaves the skin tender but smooth. Due to the ripping nature of the hair removal, waxing can be quite painful. Find out more information on waxing in our Information section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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