Laser Hair Removal for Men

Facial Area

Pseudofolliculitis Barba

People with curly hair are more likely to experience Pseudofolliculitis Barbae; the acne-like breakouts commonly known as “Shaving Bumps”, this condition may also create dark raised scars (keloid scars) in the affected area.  It is most unsightly in areas such as the face and neck where it is usually more visible and apparent.

Whilst some people are more susceptible, anyone can experience Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and everyone can take some sensible basic precautions to prevent this unsightly skin rash.

If you frequently experience ingrown hairs you may prefer to use an electric razor.  Electric razors do not cut as closely as blade razors and usually do not pull the hair before cutting.  Some men prefer a blade shave but limit blade shaves to once or twice per week, using an electric razor on other days and sometimes not shaving over the weekend so as to give their face a rest.

If you are susceptible to Pseudofolliculitis Barbae you should use a razor with a single cutting edge for any blade shaves.  To understand why this is, you only need to consider the images advertised by blade manufacturers, showing the multi-edged blades lifting the hair out of the follicle for a “Close Shave” by cutting the hairs below the epidermis.

In some skin types this may cause the epidermis to grow over the opening of the follicle. The problem arises as the hair grows back because the hair has to break out of the closed follicle — causing an inflammatory response.

The problem can be avoided, or at least minimised, by ensuring that your blades are sharp, because blunt blades will do not cut hair well and shaving cuts are more likely with a blunt blade. 

Treatment

Laser Hair Removal is the foremost and clinically proven way to manage and prevent most hair related problems, providing that you follow recommended post treatment care. In addition to eliminating the need to shave every day, Laser Hair Removal treatments can also be used to give men a tidier appearance by reducing the amount of hair on the face. (We do not recommend Laser Hair Removal close to the eye area.)

As you treatment progresses you will first notice the change in texture and the amount of the hair. Hair will grow back finer, lighter and slower, allowing your skin to heal over time. Hair will not grow back patchy.  As Laser treatments continue, after 6 – 8 treatments you will start to notice significant reduction in the amount of hair that is growing back. Due to the high level of testosterone in a male body up to 60% even reduction can be expected. On the facial areas, an ongoing maintenance treatment program is usually necessary for the management of any remaining hair or if you wish to achieve further reduction.

When treating delicate areas such as the face it is very important that you choose a Medical Grade Laser. City Laser use Genuine Candela GentleLase (Alexandrite 755nm) Lasers with a Dynamic Cooling Device for best results and your comfort.  

Keep in mind that results are individual and will depend on your skin color and hair color, so please come in for your FREE assessment. Men with light skin and black or dark brown hair have the best results.

Other precautions include:

• Warm your face: Barbers commonly use a hot towel to prepare the face before shaving.  The heat dilates the blood vessels and the moisture plumps the skin lifting the hairs to ensure a clean safe shave.  Many people find that shaving in the shower brings better results – but be careful with the water consumption!
• Use a good shaving soap or cream, and lather it up.  The best shaving soaps are often the cheaper and more “traditional” brands seen on supermarket shelves.
• Shave with the growth of the hairs, not against or across, and avoid stretching the skin while you shave.  Whilst these techniques do not lead to the closest possible shave they do avoid, or at least minimise, ingrown hairs because the hair is cut above the epidermis.
• Rinse your razor frequently – after each stroke, this keeps the blade clean and minimises the risk of nicks that may lead to ingrown hairs.
• Rinse off and apply an after shave or moisturising cream.  Some brands of hand cream found on Supermarket shelves are excellent as an after shave.

If these precautions do not help avoid these unsightly “Shaving Bumps” you should consult your General Medical Practitioner and discuss treatment regimes including acne medications including tretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative.