Permanent Hair Removal by Electrolysis

External and Topical Causes of Unwanted Hair Growth

Unwanted hair growth can often be triggered by external factors like friction, UV radiation, or skin irritation from various sources. Additionally, common hair removal methods like waxing, threading, and tweezing can stimulate hair follicles, causing hair to grow back thicker and coarser over time. This is especially true in testosterone-sensitive areas, such as the face and neck.

In the sections below, we will discuss the mechanisms behind this process, the impact of different hair removal techniques, and the precautions you can take to manage or prevent unwanted hair growth effectively.

The Mechanism Behind Hair Growth Stimulation

Unwanted hair growth can often be stimulated by external or topical factors that irritate the skin over a prolonged period. These irritations can result from various sources such as friction, chafing, burns, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, excessive sun exposure, or any form of minor skin injury. The skin, in response to these irritants, may develop protective measures, such as increased pigmentation or hair growth, to shield itself from further damage. This response is a natural defense mechanism designed to protect the skin.

Any external agent that increases blood circulation to a specific area of the skin can inadvertently nourish dormant hair follicles. This increased nourishment can lead to the development of stronger, denser hair in the affected area. This phenomenon is often observed in individuals who frequently use methods such as waxing or threading for hair removal. Many individuals notice that these methods, which involve pulling hair out from the roots, seem to increase hair growth over time. When a woman notices a few unwanted hairs on her face, her first instinct might be to pull them out, just as she might do with her eyebrows or arms. However, the problem arises when this method is used on areas sensitive to testosterone, such as the face. Unlike the arms and legs, where hair is genetically programmed to grow to only a few millimeters, facial hair in females can grow up to 30 centimeters (about one foot). Thus, pulling hair from the face can stimulate increased blood flow and nourishment to these areas, resulting in thicker, coarser hair growth similar to a beard. Although this condition is treatable at Valeda, it is advisable for women to avoid pulling hair from sensitive facial areas.

The Impact of Hair Removal Methods

Methods like waxing or threading, which involve pulling hair out from the roots, can increase hair growth over time. This effect is often observed in individuals who notice stronger, thicker hair growth after repeatedly using these methods on sensitive areas such as the face.

Threading

Can cause increased hair growth if done repeatedly on sensitive areas like the face or neck. These areas are more prone to reacting to the constant pulling, leading to thicker and denser hair over time.

Waxing

Often stimulates stronger hair growth in the treated areas, especially when the hair is pulled out from the roots. This response is due to the increased blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging faster and stronger regrowth.

We strongly advise against tweezing, waxing, threading, or any form of pulling, especially in testosterone-sensitive areas like the face and neck. These methods, while offering temporary hair removal, can increase blood circulation to the treated areas. As a result, the hair follicles receive enhanced nourishment, which leads to stronger, thicker, and more noticeable hair growth over time. Additionally, repeated pulling can stimulate dormant hair follicles, causing new hair to grow in areas that were previously hair-free. This response is particularly problematic in sensitive regions, where hair growth can become more dense and difficult to manage.

The Follicle's Response to Repeated Hair Pulling

Each time hair is pulled out, whether through tweezing, waxing, or threading, a significant portion of the hair follicle is damaged. The follicle must then go through a rebuilding process to repair the damage. Over time, this repeated damage and repair cycle causes the follicle to become stronger. It develops a better-capillary system, which enhances blood flow to the follicle. As a result, what was once fine vellus hair can eventually transform into fully grown terminal hair, which is thicker, coarser, and more noticeable with continued removal attempts.

In chronic cases, where hair is constantly pulled out, the repeated stress on the skin and follicles can lead to more severe problems, including skin damage, infections, and scarring. Areas like the face, neck, and other sensitive regions are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Over time, the skin may develop pitting, where small indentations or scars form due to the continuous trauma. Fortunately, Valeda offers specialized treatments designed to reduce scarring, pitting, and skin damage caused by such practices. These treatments aim to restore the smoothness of the skin, improve texture, and prevent further complications, ensuring long-term skin health.

Shaving and Hair Growth: Debunking the Myths

Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not affect hair growth in any way. The misconception that shaving thickens hair likely arises from natural changes during puberty, when hair becomes coarser and darker due to hormonal shifts. However, these changes are unrelated to the act of shaving itself. When hair is shaved, it is cut flat across the surface, making it appear thicker or darker as it grows back, but the structure or growth rate of the hair remains unchanged.

Additionally, shaving leaves the skin feeling rough or stubbly, as the blunt ends of the cut hair may feel more noticeable to the touch. While this sensation may be less desirable for women who prefer smoother skin, it is often considered acceptable for men, particularly in areas like the face where stubble is a common feature of grooming routines. The roughness that follows shaving can easily be mistaken for increased hair growth, but in reality, the hair is simply regrowing with a blunt end, which creates the sensation of thickness.

The Dangers of Waxing on the Face

The most detrimental effects of waxing are typically seen on the face, where fine vellus hairs are naturally present. With repeated waxing or other forms of hair removal, these fine hairs can become coarser and more widespread due to the constant stimulation of the hair follicles. Over time, this repeated process can lead to a significant increase in facial hair, turning what were once barely noticeable fine hairs into thick bristles.

As a result, many women who have been removing facial hair for several years may notice that their hair has grown back thicker and more stubborn than before. What once was an occasional beauty routine may now require daily hair removal due to the increased hair growth. This progression can make the hair removal process more challenging, and the skin may suffer from irritation or damage from frequent treatments.

Additionally, as facial hair becomes coarser and denser, it can cause emotional distress and lower self-esteem for women who feel they must manage this hair growth daily. This unwanted transformation of fine hairs into coarser, more visible hair is one of the primary reasons why women should be cautious about using waxing or other methods of pulling hair from sensitive facial areas.

Understanding Paradoxical Hypertrichosis

Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is a condition where, instead of reducing hair, laser hair removal treatments cause increased hair growth in the treated area. This unintended outcome is particularly concerning, as patients expect hair reduction but end up with thicker and more widespread hair growth. This phenomenon typically occurs when lasers are used at inappropriate frequencies or intensities, leading to the opposite of the desired effect. Dr. Seema Bali, with her 40 years of experience in permanent hair removal, has encountered numerous cases where improper laser treatments have resulted in significantly thicker hair growth, especially on sensitive areas like the face.

At Valeda, Dr. Bali’s specialized Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode (EBVHCM) has been specifically designed to address such issues. By targeting unwanted hair at the root, EBVHCM effectively treats the condition without the risks associated with improper laser treatments. This holistic approach ensures that the hair removal process is safe, precise, and effective, even for those who have experienced the negative effects of paradoxical hypertrichosis due to incorrect laser procedures.

Valeda’s expertise, guided by Dr. Bali’s extensive knowledge, offers a trusted path to permanent hair removal, free from the risks of increased hair growth caused by lasers. For anyone considering hair removal, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects that can arise from laser treatments, and to seek trusted professionals who can provide safe and effective solutions.