Men Tips

posted by janetra on Feb 27

Until fairly recently the only men who removed body hair were dancers, body builders and athletes. In recent years this has changed and there has been an enormous increase in the number of men who are removing hair from their backs, arms, shoulders, chests and from around the genitals (Brazilian laser hair removal). There are a number of methods that can be used including waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal.

The salons that employ waxing and laser hair removal are seeing men as an increasing proportion of their clientele. Laser hair removal has been approved by the FDA to reduce body hair rather than to completely remove it.

Laser removal for men is becoming very popular for men who have thick hair growth on their bodies. Another option for men is to use waxing which can be used on the body and also for the eyebrows, the ears and back of the neck. Men are also opting for removing hair around the genitals in an equivalent procedure to women’s bikini line treatments.

Most men are not familiar with hair removal treatments, unlike women who have often been using these methods in the early teens and frequently discuss them with friends. It is not really something that comes up in conversation between men and remains something of a mystery to them. Here is some information to help men decide if laser hair removal is right for them.

Laser Hair Removal for Men

A laser is used that emits pulsed light that targets dark pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light then travels down the hair to the follicle where it causes damage that prevents the hair from growing. As the follicle is not destroyed there is still a possibility for the hair to grow back. This makes the treatment not completely permanent although very long-lasting.

As well as the possibility of some of the hair regrowing, as we age hair tends to become thicker so there may be some new growth over time. Annual treatments are advised to take care of the small amount of regrowth that may occur. Also as the laser targets hair in a particular part of its growth cycle not all the hair is affected at one treatment. Therefore a few treatments are needed to catch the majority of the hair in any area of the body.

The number of treatments will vary according to how much hair needs to be removed. Large areas can be treated in a fairly short time as, unlike electrolysis which targets individual hairs, laser hair removal treats many hairs at once. The majority of men who use laser hair removal treatments are interested in removing the hair from their shoulders, backs, chests, stomach and around the genital area.

The cost of each treatment is not cheap and starts at around $400 for a 30 minute treatment. Also remember when thinking about the cost that you will need more than one treatment and also follow-up treatments at least annually for a few years. However in the long term costs can work out less than other methods of treatment that are less permanent.

Who is Suitable for Laser Hair Removal for Men?

This method of hair removal is not suitable for everyone. As the laser targets melanin in the hair it does not work for men with red, white or blond hair. In addition men with very dark skin can suffer some reddening and blistering of the skin as the laser may target the melanin in the skin that surrounds the hair.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild with some reddening of the skin which usually disappears in a day or two. Hair does not fall out immediately but after about 10 days.

Advantages

1. Almost permanent
2. Practically pain-free although darker skinned men may feel some slight burning
3. Gives best results when used by men with light skin and dark hair
4. Best for thinning rather than completely removing thick growths of hair

Disadvantages

1. Expensive
2. Needs follow-up treatments annually
3. Does not work for men with white, red or blond hair

Conclusion

Laser hair removal for men is proving a popular, long lasting and practically painless method of reducing the growth of hair on many parts of the body. Although expensive it is very long lasting and men are enjoying the benefits of hair free skin that have been enjoyed by women for many years.

For more information visit Laser Hair Removal for Men or read Brazilian Laser Hair Removal for Men