Saturday, February 9, 2008

Synthetic Wigs

Some people prefer synthetic wigs since they are easier to maintain hold a hair style longer dry faster after washing and are less Costlyer than human hair wigs However you can not use hot styling products on synthetic hair since heat will melt it Human hair wigs feel and look more like real hair than synthetics In addition they can be restyled with curling irons hot rollers and blow dryers It depends on the wig Most wigs are made with European hair rather than female hair loss,hair accessories,hair care,hair clippers,hair conditioner,hair cutting,hair dryers,hair dye,hair extension,hair gel,hair growth,hair loss,hair loss cause,hair loss in women,hair loss product,hair loss treatment,hair loss vitamin, hair scissors,hair trimmers,hair wigs,nose hair trimmers,salon hair care,thinning hair treatment Asian Indian hair European hair is finer but less durable If you are considering a wig you will want to discuss the pros and cons of various hair types with your wigmaker Different varieties will vary in cost as well as texture and style If you have natural hair you can use special clips to hold the wig in place If you have a great deal of hair you may want to wear a skull cap over your hair and then place the wig on top of it If you dont have any hair doublesided sticky tape is usually used to hold a wig in place It does take some practice to learn how to put a wig on your head so ask for assistance from your wigmaker and be prepared to practice a few times to make sure its on correctly

You have to care for human hair wigs very carefully First if youre not wearing a skull cap it is important to make sure your scalp is oil free When you shower or bathe thoroughly wash your scalp or whats left of your hair with shampoo or soap If your scalp is greasy beneath your wig the wig may not stay positioned properly in addition it can absorb the oils from the scalp making your wig look greasy

Do not wash your wig every day it will start to break down and may even develop bald patches Try to wash your wig every six to eight wearings in warm weather and every twelve to fifteen wearings in cooler weather Of course if you notice your wig looks especially greasy or dirty wash it more frequently Before washing your wig youll want to get rid of any tangles Wash your wig in a basin of cool water with wig shampoo added to it Let the wig soak for a few minutes and then gently squeeze out the water Rinse it well in cool water Gently shampoo the wig without overly massaging the shampoo into it Then rinse it again in cool water If you want to use a wig conditioner apply it for five minutes and then rinse your wig in cool water again Gently squeeze out the water before drying your wig

To dry gently towel dry Then let your wig air dry on a dry towel or a wire head form that allows for circulation Once the wig is dry style it normally You can also use blow dryers to dry human hair wigs Use only a special wire wig brush or a pick to style your wig Do not rip the brush through the hair but work it through gently to untangle it You can use heat styling products but be careful not to have the heat up too high excessive heat can burn your wig You can use wig spray or even a light hairspray to hold a style in place One of the huge benefits to human hair wigs is that you can use any styling products you want though you may want to use good quality ones that your wig maker recommends so you dont cause too much wear and tear to your wigs Costume wigs are a quick and easy way to transform an everyday hair style into something outrageous and unexpected For a flawless look however wearers must understand the properties of these specialty wigs and how to wear them Because novelty wigs are designed to be worn for fun rather than for long periods of time they are not as durable as traditional wigs The vast majority of costume hairpieces are made from artificial materials typically very inexpensive and flimsy synthetics Because of this they cannot be styled with heating tools such as blow dryers or curling irons which would melt the fibers Furthermore most novelty wigs use harsh dyes to achieve unnatural colors such as the popular rainbow clown look and those chemicals may cause irritation to sensitive skin. While these may seem like undesirable properties costume and disguise wigs are really quite durable for their purpose shortterm wear for disguises parties and special events These wigs are not typically appropriate for longterm use however because they are very recognizable can fall apart quite easily and are not made for extremely comfortable or formfitting wear

The available selection of costume hairpieces varies each year depending on what movies and television shows are popular though most styles can be found at seasonal costume stores A more limited selection is usually available at major store chains typically beginning in midSeptember To buy costume wigs outside the Halloween season consumers may be forced to shop online or order through a specialty catalog

If you cant find the exact novelty wig you were hoping for it is possible to alter existing styles to add individual flair While these costume pieces cannot be subjected to the same heat and chemical stresses that real hair can be they can be cut to a shorter length and possibly dyed to a different color though it is advisable to test any dyes on hidden sections before adding the chemicals to the entire wig Other options include adding a glitter spray or creating a new look with themed accessories

Always be sure your hair is clean before wearing a novelty wig If necessary use hair gel or other holding products to keep your hair back a thin ponytail holder or head band may be necessary so it is not visible beneath the wig Some costume wigs are equipped with elastic or adjustable ties for a snug fit though they can be easily tugged off and should not be subjected to undue stress For a firmer grip consider using small clips or bobby pins to secure the wig

Despite the fact that costume wigs are not meant for longterm wear caring for them properly will ensure that they can be reused Take care not to expose the wig to unnecessary chemicals apply makeup body paint or other products before putting on the wig Remove the wig promptly and shake and brush it gently to remove dust debris and other particles that may have become lodged in the strands When storing the wig protect it from dust with a plastic bag or cloth cover and if possible store it on a mannequin head to keep its shape If that is not possible store it flat not rolled or folded and avoid placing it beneath heavy objects or at the bottom of a box. Costume wigs can turn an ordinary costume into an extraordinary new look Despite their fragility by paying special attention to how to wear care for and store the wigs they can be reused many times for many different outfits and will continue to surprise and delight unsuspecting individuals for years.

Hair Loss

for men and women especially as people begin to age Men experience patch or pattern baldness while women tend to experience all over hair thinness Add chemotherapy and a condition called alopecia acreata and hair loss products become a huge industry. Monoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine It is currently the only FDA approved medication for hair loss Topical Monoxidil is more effective if you begin treatment as soon as possible and if you use it twice a day Results for Monoxidil do vary however Some people say Rogaine helps prevent more hair from falling out while others say that Rogaine grows short thin hair that never progresses beyond peach fuzz

Hair loss for women is different than for men Men experience patch baldness while women experience all over thinning Rogaine recently came out with a product for women to help combat all over thinning Like Rogaine for men results in Rogaine for women vary though its said that it works well in the forehead area

Oral Monoxidil is a relatively new product on the market Oral Monoxidil may work better than topical Monoxidil for some people However there are many side effects associated with oral Monoxidil including lowering of blood pressure an increase in the heart rate and weight gain fluid retention Consult a physician before choosing this treatment

Finasteride is a prescription drug It is an oral medication and you may have heard of it as Propecia It does not have FDA approval at this time Results vary though some experts claim combining Finasteride and Monoxidil is a great way to repair hair loss Finasteride does not work well on female hair loss Talk to your care provider about this hair loss product

One option for coping with hair loss is to hide it with a wig toupee or hair extensions Wigs and toupees have been growing more and more lifelike and no longer carry the reputation they once did These hair loss products can be made of synthetic plastic hair human hair or both Some hair extensions attach to real hair which can be helpful if youre experiencing hair thinning

Wigs and Toupees usually cover the scalp or parts of the scalp and may be held in place by skin adhesives

Wigs toupees and hair extensions can be expensive and can require expensive maintenance If you are going through hair replacement surgery chemotherapy or have alopecia acreata a wig or a toupee may be a great temporary solution to your hair loss

Hair Transplants

Many people wonder about hair transplants for a variety of reasons Are you worried that your thinning hair or receding hairline makes you look older than you are Just want to have a full head of hair again A transplant may be an option

A hair transplant uses your own hair to fill in bald or thinning spots The surgeon takes the hair from whats called a permanent donor site an area of the scalp thats not likely to become bald and move it to a bald location Think about that fringe thats left on even very bald men For some reason transplanted hair from that fringe isnt likely to fall out even when placed in a previously bald spot

Early transplants were of questionable success The transplanted hair certainly grew but it was arranged in individual plugs like the hair on a dolls head and was very obvious Today surgeons have refined the technique They can now transplant the hairs just one or two at a time creating a more natural look

There are several different types of transplant surgeries A common method involves taking one or more strips of hair from the permanent donor site and then dividing the strips into smaller pieces called grafts containing one to six hairs The smallest pieces with just one or two hairs are known as mini or micrografts The pieces are placed into small incisions in the balding part of the scalp This type of transplant may require several sessions over many months to adequately fill in a bald or thinning area

Another method involves cutting a flap of hairbearing skin and then simply rotating that flap into the bald area This method doesnt allow the careful arrangement of hair that micrografting does Your doctor can help you decide if a flap is a good choice for you

There is another surgical option which is not a transplant Scalp reduction involves removing some of the bald skin and stretching the remaining skin over the area Newer versions of the surgery sometimes use skin expanders devices placed under the hairbearing skin to stretch it for a period of weeks before the surgery

Most surgeons require you to be in generally good health to have hair transplant surgery If you smoke youll need to stop a week or two before the procedure and try to abstain for a while afterward because smoking can impair healing You may also need to stop some medications temporarily Your surgeon may ask you to wash with a special antibacterial shampoo before your procedure Hair restoration surgeries are usually done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia Youll need someone to drive you home afterward

Any surgical procedure requires a period of healing Expect some pain and maybe a headache especially in the first couple of days You will probably be told not to wash your hair for the first day or two If your procedure requires stitches expect to have them taken out after about ten days

Hair transplants take a while to become established Its perfectly normal for grafted hair to fall out sometime in the first six weeks In most cases it will begin to grow again about five or six weeks later and continue growing at about half an inch per month

Be sure to find an experienced surgeon who can show you examples of his or her work If you dont like the way other patients surgeries turned out find another doctor The surgeon should be willing to discuss risks of the surgery candidly and should be honest about what you can expect Issues like how thick you can expect the hair to be how natural it will look how much of your scalp will be covered and how many treatments will be needed should all be explored thoroughly

There are two proven hairrestoration drugs on the market Minoxidil is applied as a cream It slows down hair loss and stimulates new growth Finasteride is taken as a pill It helps you hold on to the hair you already have Women of childbearing age shouldnt use finasteride because it can cause birth defects Some women will also benefit from spironolactone which interferes with male hormones that can cause hair loss

If youre a man remember that replacing your thinning hair isnt the only way to get a sexy youthful look Bald can be just as attractive Think about celebrities like Yul Brunner bald as a billiard ball but a Hollywood heartthrob for decades Patrick Stewart bald handsome and sophisticated… and the many action heroes whose shaved heads give them that toughguy look

Women may have a harder time with thinning hair since its not supposed to happen A conversation with your hairstylist can give you ideas on how to disguise the balding spot Fashionable wigs let you change your hairstyle daily Or you may want to consider a medical treatment like minoxidil

Hair Styling Equipment

Proper hair styling equipment is essential for a great look A great hair style takes more than the proper hair cut and appropriate hair care products without the proper hair styling equipment even a great style can have a bad hair day

Depending on your individual hair style and styling needs you may use a number of different tools to style your hair including

Hair Dryers

Curling Irons

Hot Rollers

Flat Irons

Hair Brushes

Hair Picks

Combs

Hair Crimpers

Hair Trimmers

Each piece of equipment performs a specific task to help keep styles looking their best and understanding what equipment is best for what type of style is the key to a great look

Electric Shavers

The earliest electric shavers seem very primitive compared to what is available on the market today The earliest forms of shavers were really not even electric at all They were not powered by an electrical cord a motor or even a battery Instead they were handpowered usually by manually pulling a string that caused the shavers blades to rotate

Different styles of electric razorsAnother difference between old shavers and modern day shavers is that the old versions were not meant to be used with any type of water soap or cream They were for dry skin only Today shavers are commonly but not exclusively used in conjunction with shaving cream or shaving gel

Over the course of several decades the concept of an electric powered razor evolved from a hand powered apparatus to a shaver that can be used wet or dry in or out of the shower and with or without a pivoting head

Contrary to popular belief there are distinct differences between razors meant to be used by a woman and razors meant to be used by a man

The first obvious difference is that electric shavers for women are quite a bit less Costlyer than shavers for men The reason for the price difference is that women primarily use the razors to shave their legs and under their arms The hair in these areas is much easier to shave than hair that grows on a mans face Therefore womens shavers can be manufactured with less powerful motors Hence they are less Costlyer

Other common features on a womens shaver are pivoting heads which makes shaving under the arms much easier

In order to ensure that a mans electric razor produces the same close shave as handheld one with an actual razor blade there are a few tips to follow The tips are simple and easy and can ensure that a man gets just as close of a shave with an electric razor as he would with a manual one

Proper techniques ensure a smooth close shave Make sure the razor is clean and sharp There are screens on electric razors that can be lifted off All of the old hair that has been shaved off should be removed Sometimes dust and lint also collect under the screen and that should be brushed out as well In order to make sure the shave is always as clean as possible the cutter should also be replaced about once a year

A mans face should away be clean and dry before using an electric razor If soap and water are not accessible a preshave lotion solution or powder may be used

Make sure to move the electric razor in the opposite direction of the hair growth against the grain For example if the hair is growing in an upward direction the razor should cut that hair in a downward direction

Try to use an electric razor continuously and not switch back and forth between an electric and a manual razor The skin needs time to adapt to any type of razor and alternating the use of two different kinds can cause severe irritation

When looked at statistically a relatively small percentage of people actually use electric razors The numbers are about 10 percent of females and 30 percent of males

Some of the reasons that the numbers are so low may have to do with the following facts

Most believe that the closest shave can only be achieved by a manual razor

Electric razors can cause ingrown hairs

Disposable razors or razor blades are not as expensive as the electric version

However… there are also many benefits to using electric razors including

Electric shavers can be used anywhere and anytime

Its extremely difficult to get nicked or cut with an electric razor

They contain more features that can easily be used for sideburns and moustaches beards

Nose Hair Trimmers

HairNose hair trimmers are a discreet type of personal grooming shaver that both men and women may find more necessary as they age The nasal membranes can be delicate however and choosing which trimmer to use is a decision that should be based on health comfort and personal preference

Nose hair or nasal cilia protects the delicate membranes of the inner nasal passage Dust dirt and debris is caught by nose hair and prevented from clogging nasal passages and the hair also traps moisture and humidity to keep the delicate nasal membranes lubricated and healthy Trimming nose hair too frequently or too short can damage the membranes causing inflammation and enhancing cold or allergy symptoms

Nose hair growth is regulated by the female hormone estrogen Both men and women produce estrogen though men produce significantly lower quantities of the hormone just as women produce significantly lower quantities of the male hormone testosterone As estrogen levels decrease men produce less estrogen as they age nose hair grows longer and coarser This is why most nose hair trimmers are marketed toward men they typically have more problems with overgrown nasal hair than women

It is a common myth that if nose hair is trimmed or removed it will grow back longer and darker than it was initially In fact trimmed hair is neater than untrimmed hair or strands that are randomly plucked and trimmers can help individuals maintain a dignified appearance quickly and easily

There are several types of trimmers available on the market today The most frequent designs include

Batteryoperated trimmers with either rotating or oscillating blades most use AA or AAA batteries

Batteryfree trimmers that operate with two hands one to guide and one to manually rotate the blades by rotating the trimmer handle

Batteryfree trimmers that operate by squeezing mechanical wing handles to create the rotation or oscillation

Slim trimmers specifically designed to be discreet for travel

Which type of trimmer to choose is based on personal preference and comfort All trimmers offer more features than just blades however and popular designs include

Safety guides to prevent the blades from contacting nasal membranes

LED lights for better viewing and subsequent control

Miniature vacuums to remove hair while trimming

Brushes to properly clean blades

Comfort grip handles for greater control

Attachments to modify the trimmer for sideburns moustaches ears or other facial hair

While most brands of nose hair trimmers are similar different manufacturers do incorporate subtle differences for their customers personal preferences Popular brands include

Groom Mate Different varieties of batteryfree trimmers for men and women

Panasonic Wet and dry trimmers with lighted accessories for trimming nose and ear hair

Emjoi Slim trimmer models and other personal grooming tools

Wahl Lighted trimmers with eyebrow combs and sideburn adapters

Remington Angled and other ergonomic models from the leading electric shaver manufacturer

Tweezerman Manual and batteryoperated models along with many other personal grooming products

Depending on the manufacturer and the exact features of the model most nasal hair trimmers range from $1030 each Additional accessories may cost extra and interested individuals can find trimmers at drug stores and in chain stores near tweezers shavers and other personal grooming products

It may seem easy to use a nose hair trimmer but there are tips that can ensure a clean easy trim without risking infections or damage to the sensitive nasal membranes

Clean the nose gently but thoroughly before and after trimming to remove excessive dirt debris and trimmed hairs

Do not use a trimmer with a clogged or runny nose or if you are prone to nosebleeds

Use the trimmer in a well lighted area for maximum visibility and consider using a magnifying mirror if necessary

Be conservative when trimming remove only the minimum amount of hair necessary to achieve your desired aesthetic appearance

Do not force the trimmer deeper into the nose than it can be inserted comfortably

Use a model that fits comfortably in the nostril one that is too loose or too tight will not be able to trim hair effectively

Do not use scissors or tweezers to remove nose hair Plucking can create small tears in the nasal membranes which can lead to infections and scarring

Clean the trimmer thoroughly with warm water before and after using to prevent spreading germs or bacteria

Haircutting Scissors

HairHaircutting scissors are the basic essential tools that every stylist must have but theyre also worth keeping in your medicine cabinet even if you arent a professional Whether you have a minor hair emergency on your hands fancy a little change of style or happen to be an expert at cutting your own locks you can always count on a pair of high quality scissors to help you achieve your best look

Scissors are the hairstylists artistic tool of choice With a great pair of scissors the stylist can create veritable magic by changing styles completely or making minor adjustments The quality and end result of a haircut depends highly on the quality of the scissors An especially creative cut may require several different types of scissors but even the most basic hair cut demands something that provides an accurate clean cut

What about haircuts that are unfortunately created by lower quality scissors The end result usually isnt pretty Dull blades or inferior quality products can greatly impact the cut and may even damage the hair and cause split ends Clearly its worth it to invest in a durable pair of scissors

Not surprisingly there are many types of haircutting scissors available on the market They include

Thinning Shears

Styling Shears

Tempered Shears

Lefthanded Shears

One glance at these scissors will tell you just how different they are from each other Each is designed to perform a specific task some are used to create subtle effects while others are perfect for basic haircuts

Barber Shears

Barber shears are the industry standard Theyre ideal for haircutting because they produce results cleanly and precisely in one fluid stroke Hairstylists choose the right shears based on a number of criteria including the type of style they specialize in and the way they hold the scissors

The price of scissors runs the gamut from very low to surprisingly high If youre a beginner or just need a basic pair to see you through a few touchups or minor trim at home a lowend pair found at your local drugstore for example is a suitable choice Top quality shears on the other hand are not made for everyone Theyre especially suited to serious stylists and cosmetologists Prices vary but may tip the $500 mark for some scissor styles

You have some choices to make before you select the right pair of scissors Of course youll also want to shop around for the best rates Beveled blades feature one serrated edge and are ideal for layer cuts tapered cuts and the scissor over the comb method Convex blades are razor sharp and promise a clean smooth flawless cut They are ideal for slide cutting Opposing grips feature handles of the same length that are symmetrical to the center screw It is perfect for individuals who cut with the thumb and middle finger Offset grips feature a short thumb handle and a longer finger handle This allows natural fluid movement and is ideal for individuals who cut with the thumb and ring finger Crane grips feature a long finger handle and an angled thumb This ensures less strain on the wrist and shoulder and allows a freer open cut Standard thumb scissors feature a removable and reversible finger resting piece that can be attached to either the left or right This allows individuals greater versatility with left and right hand use

Cutaway thumb scissors do not feature the reversible finger resting piece but does provide exceptional comfort

Anatomic thumb scissors allow for greater radial movement due to its curved design Thus it provides more freedom of movement for the stylist Rotating thumb scissors are a new advancement in the haircutting industry They reduce hand and wrist strain and feature an open hand grip design which reduces thumb travel and creates a more comfortable experience for the stylist Choosing the blade length is really a matter of comfort and preferred styling methods You will find you probably need to utilize several different types of scissors but your hand should feel comfortable no matter what size it is.

Short blades are useful for detailed touchups such as cutting around the ears or very close to the skin This type of blade is recommended for all stylists chances are it will be used frequently for more intricate cutting The blade should be no longer than 5 5 inches Long blades are ideal for cutting thick hair slide cutting scissor over comb methods and bobs to name a few The above mentioned traits are the standards for selecting a pair of scissors Some other features that stylists may choose to focus on include the production material of the shears the method of production of the shears and the tension system the shears provide

Hair Dryers

HairHair dryers are the most common type of hair styling tool available but not every dryer is suitable for every head of hair Before purchasing a new blow dryer consider how you use the tool how your hair reacts to it and what you can do to protect your hair from heat damage There are several types of blow dryers available and you should choose the one that best suits your drying and styling needs Standard models offer a variety of features such as

Multiple heat settings including a cool setting to help set curls or gel

Assorted attachments for different styling needs

Voltage adaptors suitable for travel

Safety sensors and fan cages

Higher quality models may feature specialty technology such as ionic dryers which use negatively charged ions rather than the positive ions emitted by standard dryers in order to help preserve the hairs moisture and dry hair more quickly Another specialty design is the ceramic dryer which provides more even heat and has more sophisticated temperature regulators to prevent damage

Hair dryers range from under $10 to over $150 depending on the model and its features Specialty dryers with advanced technology are generally more expensive and must usually be purchased from a salon The less Costlyest models are also the least beneficial for hair and while they may provide initial savings the damage they cause could lead to substantial costs in terms of additional conditioners and deep treatments to overcome heat damage A midrange dryer is the best choice for most users and the best way to cut costs is to select a model that offers only the features you regularly use rather than upgrades that will not affect your styling habits

The best way to choose your perfect hair dryer is to judge how you will use it While inexpensive models may be inappropriate for extensive styling their lack of temperature settings can scorch hair they are suitable for someone who only uses a dryer infrequently or someone with short hair who can dry their hair quickly If you often use a dryer to style your locks and add more volume you may prefer a midrange model that offers more attachments and options The most expensive dryers are best for individuals who use them for extensive styling or whose hair is extremely sensitive to heat damage

Used properly a dryer can help smooth hair add volume and even condition hair when combined with heatactivated conditioners and other hair products To use the dryer effectively direct the hot air flow down the strands from the root toward the tip reversing the direction will inflate hair follicles and cause frizzy dull hair For more even heat application and control keep the dryer at least eight inches from hair at all times unless the styling technique specifically calls for closer use Wrapping hair around a wide brush can help control the strands to apply heat evenly and add volume

To avoid excessive heat damage try to limit the amount of heat that is applied to hair Letting locks dry naturally even partway before using a dryer will help minimize damage Keeping the tool further away from hair helps prevent scorching and use the lowest possible heat setting to accomplish the styling task Do not apply heat to hair for lengthy periods of time keep both the dryer and the hair moving to prevent concentrating the heat in one location If you use hair dryers frequently consider using heatactivated leave in conditioners to safeguard your tresses from severe damage

In addition to heatactivated conditioners regular dryer users should consider investing in periodic deep conditioning treatments as well as a daily conditioner Because frequent dryer use can deplete hairs natural moisture a moisturizing shampoo may also be a wise investment If you are unsure whether or not your hair has been heat damaged consult a professional stylist at your regular salon and ask for recommendations about protective measures

Hair dryers are the most frequently used hair styling tools but improper use can result in severe heat damage and dull lifeless hair To use a dryer effectively choose the model that best suits your needs and try to limit the amount of heat you apply Adding heat treatment products and conditioners can help moderate damage and careful use can result in superior hair styles that never look like a dryer has been used at all

Hair Trimmers

HairFrom basic models to full kits with a variety of clipper sizes and accessories hair trimmers are a great way to save a few bucks on a haircut and make general grooming easier

TRIMMERS

If you want to maintain a short easy hair cut you may discover that trimmers completely replace your barber or hairstylist On the other hand a trimmer may just hold you over between hair cuts Hair clippers are also an excellent tool to have on hand for small grooming needs such as sideburn or nose hair trimming Hair trimmers run the gamut in functionality and price ranges Depending on your needs you may find a basic trimmer will do the trick but if you need additional attachments or a more powerful motor you may opt for a higherend model The following are just a few of the many available options

As with any purchase a small amount of research will pay off before buying Review trimmer availability at Amazon com and other online retailers then check the customer reviews Those who have used the product will offer helpful feedback about the trimmer that you are considering Some important factors to consider when shopping for your hair trimmer include

Price

If you have a certain budget to stick to there is a nice range of price points to choose from

Styling

Some models are more ergonomically designed and lightweight than others which may or may not be a consideration for your purchase

Attachments Accessories

Depending on your needs you may want extra bells and whistles such as additional sizes of clipper attachments guide combs to create blended styling a cape or even a case to hold everything

Noise Level

Most modernday hair trimmers have very quiet motors but there are some models that claim to be extremely quiet

Hair Type

Some trimmers are better equipped to handle thick long hair while others are recommended for the challenge of trimming wet hair

Some electric shavers do double duty providing a clean close shave while including a trimmer for additional grooming This is a handy tool if you dont need the full functionality of trimmers but need to do some facial grooming such as evening a sideburn or trimming a moustache

To prolong the life of your hair trimmers you will need to clean them regularly Refer to the manual for specific directions but generally you will need to clean trimmers thoroughly after each use removing any clipped hair and using a small cleaning brush to clean more precisely Additionally trimmers may need to be oiled at regular intervals to ensure that they continue to run smoothly If you are using a cordless trimmer be sure to recharge the batteries so that the unit operates well for the next trim

For best results you should opt for styling tools that can give professional results which often means more expensive equipment similar to what your professional stylist would use in the hair salon This may seem costly at first but better quality equipment will last longer gives more styling options and is a better investment for a great style At the same time it is not necessary to purchase high end equipment for simple styles the key is to look for features you need and avoid extra gimmicks that add to the price tag but not to your style

Even the best hair styling equipment can have disastrous results if not used properly however Before using a new tool ask your stylist for tips on how to use it properly and thoroughly read the manufacturers instructions and style guide if available Getting the technique right for a new piece of equipment may take some practice and experimentation but in no time at all youll find yourself able to craft stunning coifs like a pro

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the newest and most effective ways to reduce unwanted hair growth Excess hair growth and ingrown hairs can be treated by lasers but most procedures are done for cosmetic reasons. Getting a laser hair removal treatment can be costly Depending on the area to be treated the cost of laser hair removal can range from $50 to upwards of $900 per session Multiple sessions are usually required for maximum effectiveness because hair grows in cycles Common treatment areas are

Upper lip

Face

Chest

Underarms

Neck

Back

Stomach

Legs

Bikini line

Lasers reduce hair growth by releasing pulses of light which enter skin to reach the hair follicle The follicles absorb laser energy and then are destroyed by it Several types of lasers are available for use including

Ruby laser

Alexandrite laser

Pulsed diode laser

Intense pulsed light source

ND YAG laser

A doctor will evaluate each patients skin type to determine which laser is best for that particular patient The different lasers have properties making them each unique for treating darker or lighter hair dark skin or that work better for treating fine hair

Before having laser hair removal treatment research doctors Consider the following questions when evaluating doctors

Is the doctor a cosmetic surgeon and licensed to practice in your state

Are licensed nurses on premises

How many years has the doctor been practicing

Can the doctor show before and after photos from persons who had the same procedure done

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a surgeon locator for the public to use Additionally check with the American Academy of Dermatology to find out if your doctor has ties to their organization

Be wary of doctors or practices that claim or guarantee permanent hair removal The Food and Drug Administration has only approved several permanent reduction lasers which produce long term stable reduction in hair growth

Before receiving treatment your doctor will meet with you to determine your skin type and what kind of laser she he will be using Persons with light hair blondes or redheads or very fine hair along with people who have dark skin should be aware that laser treatments may not be as effective for them as those with course dark hair and lighter skin Your doctor will discuss his her view of the treatment effectiveness based on your skin and hair type

Tanned skin scars more easily Persons who have been tanning have a tan or even a sunless tan should not use laser hair removal until the tan has disappeared Other things to discuss with your doctor include any skin conditions medications you currently take and if there are moles or tattoos near the area that will be treated Your doctor should take a full medical history before beginning the procedure

HairElectrolysis is the most effective method of permanent hair removal possible A technique created more than 125 years ago to first treat ingrown hairs it is suitable for a variety of skin and hair types and can help interested individuals achieve a smooth sleek appearance without the hassle of shaving

In general this type of procedure involves a fine metal probe or needle that is inserted into individual hair follicles to provide an electrical current to the surrounding tissue The electricity damages the tissue impeding further hair growth and permanently eliminating hair There are three basic types of electrolysis also called electric epilation treatments

Thermolysis This treatment involves generating a mild heat through the electrical current to cause damage to follicle cells

Galvanic In galvanic treatments a mild electrochemical current produces a tiny amount of lye in the follicle which destroys the adjacent cells

Blend Blend techniques include both thermolysis and galvanic treatments for a doubled effort

Which specific treatment you undergo is up to the trained professional hair removal specialist who administers the treatments Many professionals prefer a particular method or they may choose which option may be most effective for individual hair removal needs

Electrolysis is effective for a wide range of individuals with varying hair and skin types Unlike laser hair removal even individuals with gray very light blonde or red hair can undergo electric treatments to eliminate the unwanted hair Furthermore treatments are safe to use on a variety of hair types including

Electrolysis is more effective than shaving Legs

Underarms

Chest

Bikini Zone

Back

Face

Eyebrows

The coarser the hair and the deeper the follicles the more treatments may be required for total eradication Because of the sensitivity of the skin and the nature of the necessary equipment electric treatments are not possible on hair inside the ears or nose or for most hairs from moles

While in most cases electric epilation can cause permanent hair removal approximately ten percent of individuals experience some degree of hair regrowth Nevertheless it is still the most guaranteed method of permanent removal available for cosmetic applications Other complications that may arise from these electric treatments include

Pain during and after treatment though topical anesthetics can sooth irritation

Skin damage or excessive irritation including rashes or scarring

Possible spread of infections

These side effects are rare but prospective patients need to be aware of the possible risks before undergoing treatments Other negative aspects of electrolysis include the high cost electric epilation may be up to twice the cost of laser treatments the tedious nature of sessions depending on the size of the area to be removed sessions can last an hour or more and the fact that it may take multiple treatments to remove hair thoroughly

The number of necessary sessions and their duration depends on the type and amount of hair to be removed Coarse deep hairs legs back etc may require multiple sessions and could take months to completely eliminate On the other hand relatively small fine hairs such as a womans upper lip may be finished in less than an hour usually involving 34 brief treatments Most hair removal requires multiple treatments because individual hairs grow in different cycles and a single session will not remove every hair

The costs for electric epilation can be steep Treatments range from $25150 per hour and most insurance programs will not cover cosmetic procedures While this may seem expensive interested individuals should remember that this is permanent removal once the costs are paid and the hair is removed the results will last indefinitely

Before scheduling treatments investigate the practitioner to be sure they are qualified to perform the procedure More than 30 states now regulate electronic hair removal treatments and professionals should be able to present credentials certifying their expertise

Electrolysis is the most welldocumented type of permanent hair removal available with the most wideranging applications for different hair and skin types While it may at first seem highly uncomfortable and expensive the longlasting results and convenience of eliminating shaving waxing and other techniques may be well worth the sacrifice