Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of our bodies, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, we can expect that somewhere between 60 and 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.

Does laser hair removal work for everybody?

Laser hair removal works best with people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.

If laser does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

How does it work?

Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melanin-the protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.

Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser techniques can only target active hair so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.

What about laser hair removal costs?

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.

What should you look for in a doctor?

There are literally thousands of places offering laser hair removal, but not all of them employ certified technicians. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult with a dermatologist trained in laser hair removal. During your initial consultation, your doctor will first decide whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. After that, he or she will explain the procedure, ask for your medical history and give you a number of instructions to prepare for the session.

How can I prepare for my session?

Avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocaine-a mild anesthetic-an hour before the session begins.

Is it safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.

Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of laser hair removal providers across the United States.

I'm sure you've seen on TV the Pantene commercial where the hair shines like a mirror. I don't know why other hair commercials don't do the same thing with all that shine.

I do like the Pantene shampoo because there is silk in it.

For one thing, what I learned going to cosmetology school is that you need to shampoo your hair 2 times to get the crap out of your hair. The first time you shampoo your hair, you bring the dirt up to the surface, and the 2nd time you shampoo, you get all the residual dirt out of your hair. The second time you shampoo your hair, just use a dime size amount.

Now that you shampooed your hair, you can use a conditioner, especially if it has silk in it.

The biggest secret to shiny hair is to use either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to get your hair back to its natural ph and closes the cuticle. When the cuticle is closed that's when you hair is shiny.

Make sure you use a natural bristle brush or comb and always comb in the direction the hair falls, which is down.

If you want to use a light mousse, that's fine but after you comb it, just leave it alone and let it dry naturally.

Now if you blow dry your hair, again, blow dry it in a downward motion. This allows the cuticle to stick together naturally. Then your hair will reflect light. If you blow your hair against the natural direction, your hair will not be shiny. You can also use Infusium Leave In Conditioner to protect your hair. Infusium will untangle any knots.

If you use a curling iron, use one of those ceramic curling irons--the professional ones. It can make your hair extremely shiny because again you are using the iron in a downward direction. It is good if you can use Infusium Leave-in spray conditioner to protect the hair.

These are simple techniques to get the most shine out of your hair.

Copyright 2005 F. Kuhn, RN - Specializing in Diabetes

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Hair extensions can be added to your own natural hair to add length, volume, and body. They can also be an easy, non-chemical way to add highlights or lowlights. Hair extensions can be a one-night change or one that lasts six months.

How much do hair extensions cost? The price can vary widely, depending on type of hair and method used. Synthetic hair costs much less than human hair. Raw or virgin (untreated) human hair costs more than other types of human hair. For now, though, we will focus on hair extension prices for different methods.

Clip-Ons

Clip-on hair extensions are a temporary solution, and their price reflects that. Hair Replacement Centers offer clip-ons from $19.50 to $269 for a kit.

Hot Fusion or Bonding

In this method, extensions are hot glued to your natural hair. This is the traditional method, and it costs around $300.

Cold Fusion

This is a new technology that is meant to be gentle on the hair. It costs from $1,500 to $3,500.

Weave

In this method, hair extensions are braided into the natural hair. This method costs around $1,200.

There are salons that offer hair extension prices much less than these listed. Before buying discount hair extensions, however, make sure that the hairdresser is qualified. He or she should be a licensed cosmetologist with experience in applying hair extensions. Many hair extension companies offer certifications in hair extension application. Find out if your hairdresser is certified. Do not choose a hairdresser based solely on price -- the cost to your hair could be too great.

Hair Extensions Info provides detailed information about human, fusion, clip-on, and wholesale hair extensions, as well as hair extension sales, prices, and more. Hair Extensions Info is the sister site of Salon Equipment Web.