Curly, straight, thick, thin, fair, dark… as women, we spend a LOT of time thinking about hair; how to style it, cut it, shave it, wax it. We want more hair on our heads and less hair everywhere else, especially our face.
American women spend nearly $25,000 in their lifetime getting rid of unwanted hair, and it seems like everyday we hear about a new magical hair removal method. With so much information out there, how’s a girl supposed to know what’s best for her?
To start, we’re bringing you 5 common myths about hair removal to help you make the best removal choice for YOU and worry less about unwanted hair.
Myth #1: Shaving makes your hair grow back darker and thicker.
Truth: When your body hair is untouched, it lies flat and feels soft and thin. When you shave, your hair becomes sort of blunt and feels coarse, but it’s not actually any different than it was before you shaved, it just feels different for a little while. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or ‘stubbly’ for a time as it grows out. During this phase, the hair might be more noticeable and perhaps appear darker or thicker — but it's not. If you notice a sudden increase in facial or body hair, talk to your doctor. This could be a medication side effect or a sign of an underlying medical condition.” Worry not shavers, you’re not doing anything wrong.
Myth #2: Laser hair removal is permanent and will get rid of your unwanted hair forever.
Truth: Ohhh we wish this were true! Unfortunately, laser hair removal is not permanent and only works on a small part of the population. While laser hair removal performed by a skilled, licensed professional can delay hair growth and reduce the appearance of unwanted hair by up to 90% for a perfect candidate, some or all of the hair will grow back eventually.
Myth #3: Laser hair removal works on anyone’s hair
Truth: I don’t think we hear enough about the fact that laser hair removal does not work for everyone, namely those with light hair or dark complexions. Laser hair removal is best suited for women with fair skin and dark hair, and even those women may only see a 45% hair reduction with a good chance of regrowth over time. Any technician who tells you that laser hair removal works on everyone or that laser hair removal is permanent is not being truthful, and we know you don’t want someone who doesn’t tell you the truth about your procedure putting a laser on your face. Run for the hills and find another practitioner, and if you want to get rid of your unwanted hair permanently no matter what color it is, that practitioner should be an electrologist.
Myth #4: Electrolysis is the most expensive type of hair removal.
Truth: For many, cost is a major deterrent to finally going after permanent hair removal with electrolysis. We understand that the price-tag can seem a little scary in comparison to that of other removal methods like shaving and waxing. However, electrolysis WILL save you money. I repeat: electrolysis will SAVE YOU MONEY. It is the only FDA approved method for permanent hair removal, so while it might seem costly at the time, when you add up the amount of money you would otherwise spend on hair removal services your investment in electrolysis will be worth while and cost effective.
Myth #5: Electrolysis is the most painful method of hair removal.
Truth: This myth genuinely bothers us. We know that the probe can seem scary, but it shouldn't be! Yes, your first few appointments will probably be uncomfortable, but a good electrologist will have numbing cream available and be able to talk you through your concerns. After a handful of appointments, your skin will be used to the procedure and you’ll barely feel anything at all. We even have clients who enjoy the process and use it as a time to relax!
Questions? Feedback? Let us know!
Happy hair removal, gorgeous!
XOXO
The Simple Crystal Team