Frequently-asked questions My #1 question:
 Have you heard of ________?
Probably. Use the Search feature to
see what comes up. Below are a few of the "have you heard
of" questions I get a lot.
If you aren't finding the information you need on this site,
please feel free to ask on my new hair
removal forum.
Methods
Have you heard of...
transdermal electrolysis (transdermal
hair removal)?
This method is a variation of the electric tweezer that uses
a cotton swab and a gel or a conductive patch to transmit
electricity to the skin. On July 20, 1999, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there has been no clearance
for these devices to make claims of permanent and/or painless
hair removal. There is no published clinical data showing
these devices can cause permanent hair removal or reduction.
transcutaneous electrolysis
(transcutaneous hair removal)? See above.
hair removal that uses a patch?
See above.
hands-free electrolysis (hands-free
hair removal)? See above.
no-needle electrolysis? See
above.
non-invasive electrolysis?
See above.
radio wave hair removal? See
above.
ultrasound hair removal?
See above.
ultransonic hair removal? See
above.
microwave hair removal?
There are several methods of hair removal that use this type
of energy. Only one, a method of needle electrolysis has been
proven to be permanent. Electric tweezers and transdermal
methods using high-frequency microwave energy have not proven
they can work as claimed. Another microwave delivery system
cleared to market in 2000 is not allowed for use on the face
and has not proven it can perform permanent or long-term hair
removal.
hair growth inhibitors?
There is a prescription cream called Vaniqa
that has been shown to reduce hair growth in about 60% of
women who try it. There are many over the counter products
which claim they reduce hair growth, but none of them have
provided published clinical data that backs up their claims.
For this reason, I recommend avoiding hair inhibitors until
they provide adequate scientific evidence.
a new cream that removes hair for
good?
You're probably thinking of Vaniqa,
but no topical cream has been shown to remove hair permanently,
even Vaniqa. If you stop using Vaniqa, your hair would return.
Anyone claiming a topical can cause permanent hair removal
is a scam artist.
a new cream that lets you shave
half as often?
See my discussion of Jergens
Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer.
What's the difference between a rotary tweezer
and an electric tweezer?
A rotary
tweezer is a handy little electric device for plucking lots
of hairs quickly. Rotary tweezers are somewhat similar to electric
shavers, but instead of cutting hairs, they pull hairs out by
the roots. An electric
tweezer is an unproven method. It grasps hairs in a tweezer
which is connected to a power source. Electric tweezer makes
claim the electricity then travels down a hair to the root.
Electric tweezers often claim they can permanently remove hair,
but there is no published clinical proof they can work as claimed.
What is the best method?
This can't be answered simply-- that's why this site is so huge.
Everyone has different goals and challenges with hair removal,
so what might be right for you will not be right for others.
Why did you make this site?
Like most people with unwanted hair, I tried a few things before
I found what works. After I shared my research, people started
asking me questions. Eventually there was enough info to fill
a website, and there's still lots more to add!
Why are you so negative?
Compared to the sites that hype hair removal products or services,
this site may seem negative. Actually, there are a lot of products
I think are pretty good, like the Braun rotary tweezers, Tend
Skin, several razors. Problem is, there's a lot of salespeople
talking about how great this or that hair removal method is,
but there are very few consumer activists like me who look carefully
at their claims. I expect them to have proof to back up claims,
and I expect results. When salespeople don't do that, I call
them on it. I also really hate scam artists who prey on people's
desperation to make money, so I really let them have it. They
deserve to be exposed for trying to trick us out of our hard-earned
money, right?
Why don't you have sponsors?
This site is free and commercial-free, like Consumer Reports
or other consumer publications. I rely on donations instead
of ads.
Why don't you have a message board?
This site is designed to contain only verified facts about
hair removal. Whenever I cite a fact, I have documentation to
prove it. On message boards, it's hard to sort out the facts.
Sometimes salespeople post fake consumer testimonials to promote
their products or to disparage a competitor. What I've done
is set up a separate site for a bulletin board. It's called
hairtell:
hair removal forums. You're welcome to post there, just
remember that as with any internet bulletin board, some of the
information may be inaccurate or unverifiable.
Brands
Have you heard of...
Vaniqa: The only topical preparation
that has clinical proof and FDA approval to claim it can work
to inhibit hair growth in some users.
Nad's: A putty-like wax that most consumers
find only works well on long, coarse hairs.
Emjoi: They have several products.
The Gently Gold rotary tweezer is OK, but be careful not to
get their electric tweezer scam. Better yet, get a Braun Silk-epil
rotary tweezer.
IGIA: King of the electric tweezer
scams. Don't use any of their products.
Feminique: An electric tweezer scam.
Worldra: An electric tweezer scam.
Syrel: An electric tweezer scam.
Ultra Hair Away: A topical "hair
inhibitor" with no proof it can work as claimed.
Epil-Stop: A topical "hair inhibitor"
with no proof it can work as claimed.
Epizyme: A topical "hair inhibitor"
with no proof it can work as claimed.
Hair Stop: A topical "hair inhibitor"
with no proof it can work as claimed.
Finally Free Ultra: An electric tweezer
scam that uses a transdermal patch.
Forever Free: An electric tweezer scam
that uses a transdermal patch.
Vector by Divine Skin: An electric
tweezer scam that uses a transdermal method with direct current.
Nu-Trolysis: An electric tweezer scam
that uses a tweezer or transdermal patch.
Side effects
What should I do about...
Red bumps: This is common after shaving,
waxing, plucking, electrolysis, sometimes laser. Use ice and
Tend Skin to reduce bumpiness.
Ingrowns: Before treatment: clean area
well. After treatment: use Tend Skin and neosporin. Between
treatment: Use tend skin, moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy if
tolerable, and exfoliate (scrub) skin when bathing. When releasing
ingrowns, wash hands and gently scratch at skin. Do not
dig if it does not easily release. Wait a day at try again after
you've washed face.
White bumps: Before treatment: clean
area well. After treatment: use witch hazel or Tend Skin and
neosporin. Between treatments: do not pop or pick if possible.
Scabs: Before treatment: notify practitioner
that you had scabs following treatment. Between treatments:
Keep clean and use moisturizer. Do not pick at scabs-- can cause
scarring.
I'll add questions as they come in-- stay tuned!
If you've searched the site and haven't found an answer, head
over to my hair
removal forums. and ask away!
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hair removal
facts
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