Monday, March 30, 2009

NO!NO! Hair Removal System Review

My search for an at-home hair removal system that actually works started in my teens. Remember Epilady torture? I've tried waxing, creams and home eletrolysis without much succuss. While perusing prices on laser treatments, I discovered the NO!NO! long-term hair removal system. The $250 price tag put me off for a few months, but about a month ago I took the plunge and bought one from Sephora. After seeing laser hair removal prices, I thought it was worth the risk.

Lets talk about how NO!NO! works. The process is called Thermicon and it involves a hot blade and wire that sends heat down the hair shaft into the root. This process basically tells the root to stop growing hair. NO!NO! is not a miraculous cure for instant hair removal. It's a long process that stops hair growth over time, resulting in hair reduction. So if you're looking for a quick fix this method may not be for you. If you can spend a couple hours a week using NO!NO! for a month or more, you can get results. The blades will wear out after awhile, but Sephora has 5 piece replacement blade packs available for $21.

The first time I used my NO!NO!, I put in the hot blade for longer hair, (basically anything longer than stubble), and followed the instructions by applying the NO!NO! in an upward motion against the hair growth on my legs. It was easier than I thought as they have a little light that lets you know whether you're using the machine correctly. If the light flickers, you need to adjust the speed or angle. Try to keep it at that constant speed. I was a bit dissapointed with the long hot blade as I had to go over areas more than once to see results. NO!NO! burns the hair and you will notice a burnt hair smell. The smell seems to be too strong for some people, but I didn't think it was that bad. I've also heard of people burning themselves with the blade, I didn't have a problem with this at all. I would guess that going too slow or holding the blade in one place for too long might cause a burn.

After using the long blade, I used the buffer that came with the NO!NO!. This is a small disk that sands or buffs off the hair that's left. Then I put in the hot blade for short hair and this one seemed a lot more effective than the first blade. I didn't have to repeat areas nearly as much and it reduced the remaining hair to very short stubble that wasn't too visible. But, if I ran my hand over my leg, I could feel them. I used the buffer again and I must say, I love the buffers. They leave my legs super smooth after using the NO!NO! and after shaving. Yes, I still shave my legs. This is a process, not an instant hair removal technique.

I have used my NO!NO! faithfully 2 to 3 times per week for a month and I have seen some pretty good results on the legs and bikini area. I would estimate a 20 to 30 percent reduction of hair growth on the legs which means one step closer to hair free and a lot less ingrown hairs. I have areas that I don't see any hair at all growing back.

What really sold me on NO!NO! was how fast it worked on my lower arms. I used it on my arms everytime I did my legs, and the arm results were dramatic. The regrowth on my arms has slowed to by at least 50% and what does grow back takes a long time. I think the different results for arms and legs is the fact that the hair on my legs is much thicker and coarser. But, if the results on my arms are any indication of how my legs will be after consistantly using it, I'll be keeping my NO!NO!.

By J. Knudson

Wax Shave or Cream the Hair Away

With the weather getting warmer, more skin is being exposed and for you that could mean more shaving, waxing and other forms of hair removal. Before taking on the hair removing challenge, take a look at the options. Disposable razor- Inexpensive and comes in packs of 3 to 20+. There bad side is disposable razors that are the plain blades with no moving head can miss the areas around your ankles, knees and armpits. Some disposable razors are quite fancy with moveable comfortable heads with cushion in between the blades. Others have moisture strips. Often times this type of razor comes in a package of one and you have the option of buying replacement razor heads. Electric Razor- Can cost around $20.00 and up. Some now have the option to have cream/gel dispense out of the razor. Personal experience for me has been the razor not giving a good enough shave, but it may work better for you. Cream/Lotion/Depilatory- I decided to try the cream hair remover in hopes of painless, longer lasting results and no nicks from shaving and or wax bumps. I didn't have any of this but I did have some hair on my legs still. Some was removed while other areas didn't seem to work on at all. The scent of the one I used smelled like rotten eggs. Depends on which cream/get product you use, some such as for facial hair does offer soothing lotion for after. Razorless shave cream- You apply the cream and leave on your legs for 5-8 minutes. Do not allow the cream to dry on your skin. Then with a razor looking tool you scrap away the cream with the hair. I haven't tried this method. Sugaring- A sticky paste is applied to the area you want to remove hair. Then a strip is placed over the paste and then you pull the strip to remove the hair with the paste. Can be done at home or in a salon. Waxing can be done either in the comfort of your home or done by professionals at the salon. There are 3 common types. Many products claim to leave you hairless for 6-8 weeks. You need to continue waxing the area until it's hair free. Microwave wax- The idea of putting hair removal wax in my microwave when I use it for food grossed me out. It may not for you or perhaps you have a second microwave. Carefully you microwave the wax according to the directions. Microwaves vary so keep an eye on the wax to ensure it won't bubble over and or explode. Using oven mitts to remove the hot wax, take the tool given and put the wax on the area you want to remove hair from. Then you apply a strip. Remove the strip away from the hair growth direction. Don't forget to hold the skin tight as you pull away the strip. Gel wax- Some gel waxes require you to heat up the gel in your hands. I tried a gel wand hair remover and it hurt when I applied it to my skin. I had applied the strip and made sure the gel and strip had good contact. I pulled the strip as instructed but literally no hair was removed for me. I tried again another day but had no luck with this form of waxing. Wax Strips- I've had some good experiences with this type of waxing. You warm up the wax between your hands. Since the wax in already on the strip, there isn't much mess. You can cut to shape the strips. Don't be surprised if your results don't last 6-8 weeks. After soothing azelene with Vitamin E an be applied to remove left over wax reside. Many products include the azelene product with the kit. Permanent hair removal may be an option to look at if you prefer not to do hair removal ever now and then. Laser air removal is an option. Keep in mind it can take many treatments to see results and costing in the thousands. There are hair removal kits for home use that claim to help with permanent hair removal. Before spending hundreds of dollars it's a good idea to talk to a professional for their opinion how they feel it would work for you.


By Laura Hickey

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Medical & Natural Treatments for Removing Female Facial Hair

Facial hair is a woman's worst nightmare, and matters are only made worse for women who have darker hair. It is not only embarrassing, obvious facial hair play's with a woman's mind when it comes to her femininity. Sure there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to ease a woman's mind when it comes to the task of removing facial hair, but many of these treatments are costly, painful, and the hair removal is at best temporary.

Depilatory creams are ideal, but can be problematic when used on the face because they can irritate the skin. Most creams are relatively inexpensive but the results from this hair removal method will only last for one to two weeks before you'll need to apply it again.

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the hair follicle, but treatments can be expensive as more then one visit is necessary for most people. The epilators work through the method of short-wave radio frequency, and a fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle at the surface of the skin. This method of hair removal sounds painful, but most report that it is uncomfortable at best and only causes a tingling sensation. The price of the treatments average around $25.00 to $150.00 depending on the amount of hair being removed.

Laser hair removal is full of promises that it is permanent, and for the price of treatments, it should be, but this is not always the case. This common dermatology treatment is only permanent on certain skin and hair color types. Problems that can arise with this type of treatment are typical when the wrong type of laser is used. Other factors that can contribute to non-permanent hair removal include the color of your hair, and the phase of your hair in its particular hair growth cycle.

According to Consumer Guide laser hair removal is not for everyone. The absolute requirement is that one's hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Additionally very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not ideal candidates. There findings established that it is impossible to predict the exact result a patient will achieve with laser hair removal, especially with regard to how many sessions a given individual will require, and many of the hair removal clinics which guaranteed results have gone out of business. The average cost of laser hair removal runs approximately $1,000.00 or more, depending on the amount of the facial hair that needs to be removed.

Threading is the ideal facial hair removal alternative to waxing, depilatory creams, tweezing or laser, especially if you have sensitive skin. Unlike other hair removal methods, irritation and skin rashes cab be avoided as the top layer of your skin is not stripped off in the process. Since threading is a completely natural skin removal process, it works on all skin types for a hairless face, whether you have normal skin, sensitive skin, or damaged skin. This process is not well known unless you are from the Middle East or Asia where women have been using this system for centuries. This method runs about $12.00 for each part of the face where hair removal is necessary.
http://www.facialhairthreading.com/?gclid=COwkJXirI4CFQUsPAod822Zw

Natural facial hair removers are inexpensive, and over time will deliver dramatic results. By blending egg whites, sugar, and corn flour into a sticky paste and applying it to your face, you can eventually see the results of less facial hair. The mixture is left on the face until it dries and then peeled off. For the first few months this treatment should be applied three to four times weekly, and then can be done once a week once results have become apparent.

Many darker haired women have turned to Vaniqa as it is the only prescription product approved by the FDA and is clinically proven to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair. Dermatologist's claim that it performs by slowing the growth of hair rather then just removing it and that most women will see results within 4-6 weeks when used twice a day every day. The disadvantage that comes from this product is that it is not recommended for light haired women and it costs about $70.00. One great advantage is that clinical tests have indicated that using a combination of laser hair removal and Vaniqa increased the effectiveness of the laser treatment.

The wax method lasts longer, but should only be used if you have a high tolerance for pain. The lip area and below the ear are very sensitive areas, and these are usually the areas that need hair removal. The advantages of this type of hair removal are that it can be done at home with over the counter products like Nad's or Nair.

Facial Hair Facts

At least twice a year, more than 41 million American women in the US remove unwanted facial hair.

1 out of every 5 women removes unwanted facial hair weekly or daily or removes at least 20 hairs at a time.

Studies from women conclude that facial hair greatly impacts their self esteem & confidence.

Six to ten percent of women secrete too much androgen as a result of conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Polycystic Ovarian Disease which can contribute to excessive abnormal hair growth.

Common problematic areas for women and facial hair include the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, and the upper cheeks.



By Sherri Granato

Blogger template 'Greenich' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Jump to TOP