Hair Removal

COMBATING UNWANTED FACIAL & BODY HAIR

BY DR. PARUL KOLHE

In our liberated era of rising hemlines, plunging necklines, shortened sleeves and sometimes-absent garments– hairiness is no mere facial issue; but a whole body problem. Practicing dermatologist Dr. Parul Kolhe (M.B.B.S, D.D.V) gives her views on combating unwanted hair...

First and foremost - too much hair on a woman – esp. the thick variety on the face and body must be properly investigated. You may be having a hormonal problem or if you’re in your teens – something known as P.C.O.D (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). Get your Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH), male hormone (Testosterone, D.H.E.A) and female hormones (FSH and LH) levels assessed by a doctor before you conclude that your hirsute-ism is just physiological.

OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR RIDDING EXCESS HAIR

WAXING
History records ancient Egyptian and Arab civilizations using sugar, honey and lime syrup to strip off body hair and even parlours today, practice this ubiquitous technique of hair removal.

Advantages
It’s economical, so I still recommend this method. Secondly, it pulls out hair from the roots, so the regrowth time is reasonably long (4 weeks or more).

Disadvantages
A certain degree of pain (remember Mel Gibson in the movie “ What Women Wants”), danger of hot wax burns, unsuitability for delicate skin of face and other areas, unhygienic methods or allergic reaction leading to hair follicle infections, pustules and ugly red livers.

Quick Tips
• Insist on disposal strips (e.g.: - cellophane).
• Find a sensible beautician who doesn’t try to boil you alive in bubbling wax.
• Pop a cetzin 10 mg tablet at morning & night the day you wax & slap on lots of ice & ‘caladryl’ lotion immediately afterwards to avoid hives.
• If they still occur apply “Flucort” lotion twice a day. Pus filled boils however will require a full course of antibiotics.

EPILATORS
This method is less messy than waxing

Advantages
You can do-it- yourself at home and it is also hygienic.

Disadvantages
It is darned sight more painful than waxing and you have to invest in the epilator.