Way Off Topic! Beauty Tip Needed

Well we talk about everything else on here. This is regarding ingrown hairs. I suppose in a round about way this could be related to WLS, because I have become much more attentive to grooming rituals since I lost all this weight. Perhaps that's why I hadn't provoked this problem until now?!? I'm referring to my eyebrows and upper lip. I can see black hairs just under the surface (enough to show and make it look like I shave them and it's stubble - I don't) and if I manage to get a hold of one and it comes out it's long. Of course I become somewhat obsessed and THEN it gets irritated or bleeds and I have a little scab. I am about to consult about laser hair removal or electrolosis (anybody have any experience with these) but if there is a tip for something I'm doing wrong, or something to help prevent this, please tell. I hope letting it grow out isn't the suggestion, because I'm too vain. We won't even go into the chin hairs I am encountering since I entered my forties! I don't know if I am pulling the same few out over and over again, or I would grow a beard if I let them go. I want mother nature to know this is not cool! Patty

I have done electrolosys for several years now and the one thing that I have been told not to do is to pluck the hairs myself. For some reason, plucking makes the hairs curve under the skin and so it takes a while to straighten them back out so the electrical current can get to the root of the hair. My electrolosys said that facial hair could be the results of genetics or a hormonal imbalance. For some people, after a few years of electrolosys, the hair roots have been killed and the hair never grows back. For me, I figure it is something I will fight with all my life (I remember my grandmother shaving her facial hairs with my grandfather's electric razor almost every night). Currently I go in about once every 3-4 weeks for a 15 minute session. When I started, I had to go in once a week. While these are not my most favorite appointments, anything is better than having the hair on the face or using stinky hair removal cremes and trying to do it myself. Lots of luck with whatever you decide. Jennifer

I just KNEW that I had provoked it somehow in the last year. I think it was plucking. I was getting waxed, but figured I could "maintain" in between. I think I am going to invest in taking care of it - either electrolosys or laser. At least I will look into it. I figure it's better to start getting to the root of it now (no pun intended), cause I don't want to be the granny who forgets to shave! Thanks, Patty

Don't you just HATE that? I get mine waxed. There is an eyebrow lady in Multnomah Village who does a wonderful eyebrow, including dyeing... so you can see them in my case. As to waxing lips and chins, ditto. She is pricey (warning!) and she also is very good at talking you into things like microdermabrasion (which, in my case is GREAT) anf facials. Doing electrolysis for years doesn't sound like it has a better outcome, which surprises me. I thought it did kill the roots after a few treatments (good to know) I have had the subcutaneous ingrown hairs, but only once or twice. Ironically, I have virtually NO hair anywhere else on my body. Wouldn't you know! Let me know about lasar ( maybe we can get a group rate? lol) You were missed at breakfast. I hope you are just busy and there is no current crisis with family, etc. Happy New Year! tee

I have done wax. Worth it, but just had gotten out of the routine of it. I was admiring your skin the last time I saw you. I have never had anything like microdermabrasion, but I think I'm real ready for that kind of stuff. I would be putty in her hands. Let me know what her name/shop is. My family is great. Thanks for thinking of me. Patty

Sohela Sadeh (no other!) Soleil Beauty and Spa. 7887 SW Capitol Hwy Portland, OR 97219. Telephone: 503-244-7717 (Multnomah Village) excellent. tee

I've seen those little gadgets advertised that pull the hairs out for you, but I think the laser hair removal might be the better way to go. I hate it when the hairs embed themselves like that. I get them on my legs for some reason - usually on the inside of my shins. Very weird place for ingrown hairs. Linda

Hey Patty - Long time no see! Unfortunately I do have experience here! Okay, first rule: DO NOT PLUCK. The reason? When you pluck a hair, it damages the follicle and blood rushes to it. That just gives more oxygen and nutrients to the shaft of the hair...therefore it grows in thicker and more vigorous than before. I realize that over the years I had white hairs that I plucked turn dark and they have been a bear to get rid of. The second rule: SHAVE. Okay - I know this sucks dog doo, but you gotta get used to it between treatments. I do electrolysis but laser might be a better choice if a chunk of money up front is not a problem. I have heard that with laser it will get rid of the problem quicker but that you may have to go back after a few years. Eventually electrolysis will kill the root, but it does take numerous treatments. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and I've been going for about 2 years now. The longer you've been plucking and the coarser the hairs the longer it will take to get rid of them though. If you want to try something different there is a cream called Vaniqa that will inhibit the growth of the hair, but once you stop it, it will grow back in again. This is a prescription that usually is not covered by insurance. Hope that helps. Now quit plucking!!!

Good to see you Dina! I knew it was a good idea to ask you guys. I am going to stop plucking now, though it is probably going to be a little hard to go cold turkey. Does waxing have a similar effect? I have two teenagers that I take and they get theirs waxed. One of them plucks too...I'm going to stop her! I have a friend who is my age (44). When we were 35is, she started going regularly to get electrolosis. I was kind of surprised, because she is very frugal and not one to spend on that kind of thing. I envy that she made a commitment to do it a little at a time. Now she's in good shape and I'm dealing with this. It will have to come out of my "some day I want reconstructive surgery" fund. Beauty ain't cheap! Thanks Dina! Patty

Yes, waxing would have the same effect as it injures the follicle too. My sessions run around $25-29 here in Medford but I'm not sure what they are where you live. Depends on who you go to see. They start out weekly because growth will be most vigorous then. Pretty soon you'll see it slow down and you can go every 2 weeks. I'm now at every 3 weeks. Shaving is actually easy to get used to except for when you have to stop for 3-4 days before your next appointment. When it was at its worst, I would quit shaving then use scissors to clip them shorter until I got in. Otherwise I'd have some long dark hairs sticking out. Everyone's growth is different though, so you might not be as bad off as I was. I've plucked for years.