FDA approved since 1995, Laser Hair Removal has improved the quality of life of thousands, especially female with male pattern hair growth. Removal of unwanted hair by laser is a major advance over treatment such as electrolysis. It has brought hope to several individuals with hair growth in areas where they cause embarrassment. There are certain things you should know about this form of treatment. Some are listed below.

1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.

2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from £45 to £450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.

3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.

4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.

You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.

5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.

6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated roughly once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.

7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.

Dr. Phil Hariram has a special interest in Laser Hair Removal. He has seen amazing changes in the lives of people following this continually improving state of the arts treatment. His website http://www.thelaser-hair-removal.com has the latest info and news releases.

Sports are the perfect way for men to get in shape and have a good time doing it. But with greater exercise often comes greater challenges to your skin and body, and we’re not just talking about sore muscles here. Learn how you can control and eliminate common men’s grooming and skincare problems as you continue to work towards your fitness goals.

Facial Acne: Exercise and sweat can lead to acne breakouts, as grime accumulates in blocked pores. But you can prevent reoccurring acne with a daily application of an acne treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide.

Back Acne (Bacne): Shower as soon you’re done working out and regularly exfoliate skin with a scrub brush. Keep hair from hanging on your shoulders and back, and wear exercise clothes that whisk sweat from skin’s surface.

Body Odor: You can’t have exercise without B.O., but you can control it by washing as soon as you’re finished exercising and using a deodorant that doesn’t just mask odors with a heavy scent, but rather targets and neutralizes bacteria.

Sunburn: A match on the courts is a great way to stay in shape, but forget to slap on sunscreen and you’re sprinting towards a world of pain (and future ages spots and wrinkles). Men require a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and won’t wash away with sweat.

Athlete’s Foot: Caused by moist conditions and friction in your shoe, athlete’s foot is an irritating problem that affects many guys. Keep feet as clean and dry as you can by washing your feet with a cleanser that contains antibacterial ingredients and drying them thoroughly after exercising.

Damaged hair: Swim for long enough and you’ll develop sculpted waist, arms and legs…and brittle hair?! Rinse hair with fresh water before taking a dip (this will cut down on the amount of chlorinated/saltwater absorbed) and immediately after. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo to rebalance moisture levels and protect follicles, and wear a swim cap if you swim regularly.

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men’s skincare and grooming company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at http://www.MenScience.com.

Brushing your Shih Tzu is the foundation to keeping your Shih Tzu’s hair healthy and beautiful. Without proper and regular brushing, clipping and bathing won’t give your Shih Tzu a good looking body of hair.

Shih Tzu can have different types of hair. The way you brush your Shih Tzu’s hair will depend a lot on the type it was born with.

Types of Shih Tzu Hair:

1. Double coats.
2. Curly Coats.
3. Silky Coats.

Most likely your Shih Tzu will fall into one of the above categories of hair type.

Assemble your tools: Prepare your workspace by assembling your tools before you take your Shih Tzu to the brushing workspace. Your Shih Tzu’s hair type will determine the type of tools you will need.

If your Shih Tzu has a double coat, you will need a slicker brush or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb. Brush the entire body with the slicker brush or pin brush first. Then go over the entire body with the wide-toothed comb.

Take sections of the Shih Tzu’s hair and part the hair so you can see the skin underneath. Comb out the undercoat, pulling the brush outward from the skin. Hold the brush vertically. Insert the bristles or pins into the coat as close to the skin as you can get. A short-pinned brush is best or a soft slicker brush can be used. After your brush the undercoat, go over the topcoat. Brush with the lay of the hair. For a long double coat, twice weekly brushings are necessary. You may even want to brush every day.

If your Shih Tzu has a curly coat, use a slicker brush to brush through. Generally, a Shih Tzu will have only a slight wave and not actually a “curly coat” as a poodle or Bichon. Put the brush deep into the hair and brush from the skin out. Separate out one small portion of the coat at a time. Turn the brush vertically to the skin and insert the pins as close to the skin as you can. Long, wavy coats might require daily brushing. Short-trimmed wavy coats do well with weekly brushing.

Shih Tzu with long silky coats needs special care because of the fineness of the hair. Many Shih Tzu show dogs will have the long silky coat texture. Mats can be a particular problem in areas such as the abdomen, armpits, behind the back legs, under the muzzle.

Spray one side of the silky coat lightly with a conditioner before you start brushing a dry coat to prevent breakage of the hairs. Brushing daily is best to prevent mats. Some professional groomers suggest brushing your Shih Tzu’s face and head first. Other professionals will suggest beginning at the tail. Whichever way you begin, work in layers and brush against the grain, removing knots or tangles one at a time. When you’ve completed brushing the Shih Tzu’s entire body, go over all areas with a wide-toothed comb.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Visit Camelot Articles http://www.camelotarticles.com