Homemade Hair Conditioners

Treating damaged hair is expensive, and searching for the right products is a bit overwhelming. With so many products screaming for your attention from salon and supermarket shelves, multi-million dollar advertising campaigns competing for you hair care dollars, and the overly-ambitious promises touted from every bottle, it can be challenging to find the products that actually work buried in all that static. The truth is you don't need to spend much money to repair your damaged hair.  You can mix ingredients in your kitchen that will condition, moisturize and repair your hair as well as many salon brands.


Main Ingredients in Homemade Hair Conditioners


Don't limit yourself to structured hair conditioning recipes. You can mix several ingredients yourself to create a custom conditioner that will add shine, improve elasticity, increase body and repair damage. Choose from the list of ingredients below to create your own custom conditioner. 

• Avocado: Avocados are rich in vitamins and fatty acids, but the benefits of avocados are not limited to consumption. Peel a ripe avocado, cut it in half and scoop out the pit. A ripe avocado will yield to gentle pressure in the palm of your hand, not feeling too firm or too soft. Mash the avocado into a paste and add additional ingredients such as egg, essential oils, or yogurt to complete your conditioner. 
• Egg: You can use whole eggs or choose to use just egg whites. The high concentration of proteins in eggs adds necessary nourishment to hair. The use of eggs alone as a conditioning treatment adds shine, volume and strength to weak and damaged hair
• Mayonnaise: Mayo combines the benefits of oil , eggs and vinegar in one simple, cheap product that moisturizes and nourishes damaged hair. See the Mayonnaise hair mask recipe for ideas to use with this hair conditioning ingredient. 
• Yogurt: Yogurt contains casein and whey, which are the main ingredients experts consider beneficial for hair. Add yogurt to your homemade hair conditioner to add moisture and soften hair. 
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk gives your hair a soft silky feel, treats dandruff, protects hair from breakage and can help prevent hair loss.

Oils for Homemade Hair Conditioning Recipes

When experimenting with oils on your hair, remember that less is usually best. Using too much oil alone or in a hair conditioning recipe can leave your hair looking and feeling greasy.  Use a maximum of two to three teaspoons in your recipe in the beginning, adding more as needed after you see the results. You may use one oil, or a combination of several oils in your mixture. You can also use these oils alone on a daily bases for an immediate improvement in fly-aways and breakage. Remember to add the oil in small amounts. It is easy to over do it without realizing it until it is too late. 

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil retains moisture and resists evaporation. Add this oil to hair treatments to moisturize and strengthen hair strands. Coconut oil massaged into the scalp can also help correct and prevent dandruff. 
• Olive Oil: This oil moisturizes and de-tangles hair. It is especially useful for dry, frizzy hair.  Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to unmanageable hair on humid days to see a noticeable difference.
• Jojoba Oil: Use jojoba oil to treat split ends, brittle hair and dry scalp. This oil provides all day moisture and protection from breakage.
• Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E, magnesium and calcium, almond oil strengthens weak hair strands, and smooths hair cuticles for extra shine.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil reduces breakage, increases shine and protects hair from UV rays and environmental pollutants.  
• Rosemary Oil: Most commonly used for skin instead of hair, rosemary oil was traditionally ignored as a hair care treatment. That tradition is changing however as rosemary oil proves itself as a hair follicle  stimulating agent.  
• Lavender Oil: In addition to the aromatherapy benefits, lavender oil massaged into the scalp relieves itching and dandruff and can help promote new hair growth.

To get the most benefit from your custom natural hair conditioner, place a plastic shower cap over your hair after evenly applying the mixture. Then wrap a warm towel over the shower cap and allow the conditioner to seep into the hair strands for 15 to 20 minutes.

Most importantly, have fun when creating your homemade hair conditioner. Try mixing different ingredients each time and take a moment to notice how the different mixtures affect your hair. Experiment with consistencies, timing and add scents to improve the experiences. Invite friends to join you, or simply relax at home alone with your shower cap. Your hair will thank you for the extra attention.

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How to Use the Venus Laser CW-808

Achieve permanent hair reduction and removal at home with the Venus CW-808 laser. Because hair grows in three distinct stages during its cycle, and the laser is most effective in only one stage, you must perform several treatments over a period of months to see permanent hair removal. For the best results, use the Venus CW-808 every two weeks until the unwanted hair is completely gone. Do not get discouraged during the treatment period. It can take up to eight months of consistent laser treatments to achieve the desired results.

Before Using the Venus CW-808 Laser

Do not pluck, wax or thread the unwanted hair before using the laser. Laser hair removal works best if you do not use any hair removal methods that remove the hair from the root for at least six months prior to using the laser. Shaving the hair is the best alternative for removing it during this time in preparation for the laser treatments. See our guide to the perfect shave to get the most out of your final shaving days.

Removing Unwanted Hair with the Venus CW-808

• Shave the hair in the area you wish to treat. The closer the shave, the more comfortable the treatment.
• Wash, rinse and dry the area to be treated. Use an exfoliating cleanser followed by a oil-removing toner for better results. Any cosmetics, lotions or oils left on the skin may interfere with the laser, preventing it from reaching the root of the hair. 
• Apply the Cooling Gel in a thin layer to prepare and protect the skin from the laser. Allow the Cooling Gel to remain in place for two to three minutes. 
• Plug in the laser and turn it on. Use the safety key to unlock the laser. You must use the safety key to test the area where you will be using the laser. Failure to properly use this key to test your skin tone could result in burns on the skin. 
• Press the laser head to the skin, aligning it with the hair to be removed, and press the laser trigger. When first powered on, the laser is automatically set to low. If you feel little to no sensation after firing the laser, press the power button to increase the intensity of the laser. For best results, always use the highest setting that you can tolerate. 
• Move the laser across the treatment area, stopping to press the trigger at each hair. Your goal is to treat each hair individually, so work slowly and carefully to ensure that the entire area is fully treated. Take a break lasting a minimum of five minutes after every thirty minutes of laser use.  
• Massage a thin layer of Replenishing Essence into the skin following treatment.

Final Notes on Using the Venus CW-808 Laser

• A burning or tingling sensation is normal during treatment with the Venus CW-808 laser, as is a slight burning smell. 
• If you cannot feel the laser, you should press the power button to increase the intensity. If the laser is too painful, lower the intensity.
• Successfully destroyed hair follicles will release any remaining hair stubble and the skin will expel it in 10 to 14 days. You may or may not notice these hairs falling from the skin. Use a gentle exfoliator to speed this process.
• Do not treat the same area more often than once in a two week period. 
• Redness, and even slight swelling is common after treatment, but it should subside within an hour or two. 

Before purchasing, see the full Venus CW-808 Review, and compare the Venus to the Tria laser. 

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How to Minimize Pores at Home

Enlarged pores make your skin look rough and uneven, but you can do something about them. Use simple techniques at home to shrink and cover your enlarged pores. Your pores have many different functions, one of which is to provide nourishing oil for your skin. Your pores are responsible for that dewy glow that makes you look young and healthy, but this also means that larger pores tend to produce more oil than smaller pores. Genetics is one of the main factors that contribute to large pores. A person whose genetics code for larger pores generally have more oily skin. The additional oil produced tends to clog the pores, which stretches and expands them further. Over time, chronically clogged pores will have difficulty returning to their original size.

Ageing is the second major factor that influences pore size, and it affects us all. As we age, our skin looses elasticity. The result of this change in the skin produces more than just wrinkles. Our pores relax with the rest of the skin, and when they relax, they appear larger. Fortunately, you can minimize the size of your pores at home with natural treatments.

How often you use these remedies depends entirely on you. I would recommend choosing a favorite to try first. Apply the treatment once a week to see how your skin responds. Adjust the frequency of the treatments as needed to achieve the best results for your skin. If you see no results from the first solution, try another.

Egg White and Oatmeal Pore Minimizer

Whisk an egg white in a bowl until the egg white is frothy. Add a tablespoon of old-fashioned oatmeal, not instant oatmeal. Stir until the egg whites and oatmeal are thoroughly combined. Then add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture and stir. Apply the solution to your face in a thin layer and rinse after 15 to 20 minutes. If your skin is sensitive, prone to redness or irritation, then skip the lemon juice. Lemon juice also gently lightens the skin and evens skin tone, but if you are concerned about your tan, forget the lemon juice.

Almond Paste Pore Minimizer

Soak five to ten almonds in water until soft. Drain the water and mash the soft almonds into a paste adding fresh water as needed to create a workable paste. You can crush dry almonds in a food processor and add water to the powdered almonds make the paste if you prefer. Spread the paste over your enlarged pores. After about 20 minutes rinse the almond paste away with warm water.

Minimize Pores with a Sea Salt Scrub

Add 1/4 cup of natural sea salt to 2 or 3 cups of warm water. Dip a wash cloth in the warm salt water and gently scrub your skin. Rubbing too rigorously with the salt water will irritate the skin. Rinse your skin and pat dry. You can press a hot towel to your skin before exfoliating to increase the effectiveness. The heat will open the pores and prepare them for the scrub. Splash cold water on your face after rinsing away the salt water to close your pores.

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Sedation Dentistry Explained

Sedation dentistry, often called sleep dentistry, allows a patient with dental anxiety or phobia to receive proper oral care. During a sedation dentistry visit, the patient remains conscious and aware, but experiences a heightened sense of well-being. The patient will react to the instructions of the dentist and respond to stimuli, but will be more comfortable during the necessary dental treatments.

Sedation dentistry can also allow several visits to be condensed into a single, more intense visit. A patient requiring multiple root canals, or extensive restructuring, is able to relax. Depending on the sedation method chosen, the patient may feel time pass more quickly which makes the visit seem to last only minutes. Sedation dentistry does not dull or numb pain, so it does not eliminate the need for numbing injections. Its purpose is to simply make the patient more at ease and less anxious about the dreaded dental chair.

Inhalation Dental Sedation

Inhalation sedation for dental procedures is usually achieved through nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that produces a euphoric feeling that was first used in dental treatments by Dr. Horace Wells in Connecticut in 1844. With few side effects, it is the mild sedation of choice for many dentists. Nitrous oxide works quickly, usually within a few minutes, and the effects can be reversed by administering oxygen. Many patients choosing this method can leave unaided, without the need of an escort at the end of their dental treatment.

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Oral sedation dentistry, the most common type of sedation dentistry administered, refers to the use of oral medications to relax a patient during a dental treatment. Oral sedation dentistry is considered mild to moderate depending on the medication used. A wide variety of medications are used for oral sedation that are dependent on the medical history of the patient, and the level of sedation required for treatment. Oral medications are given at the office prior to treatment, or the patient may take the medication before arriving at the dental office.

Like any medications, oral sedatives given to make dental procedures more comfortable have potential risks and side effects. They usually take effect within 30 minutes, but the time varies with each individual and the type of medication chosen. A patient receiving any oral sedative will need to be accompanied to and from the dental office, and possibly observed for a few hours after leaving the office.

IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry

For patients requiring more extensive dental work, or with a higher degree of dental anxiety, IV sedation may be appropriate. During the visit, the dentists or an anesthesiologist will insert an IV with appropriate medication for the level of sedation desired. Several medications are available to meet the needs of the patient, and the dentist will perform a thorough exam and medical history prior to administering any medication. During the IV sedation, the patient will remain conscious and responsive to directions from the dentist, but many of the medications used produce an amnesia effect. This amnesia allows the patient to forget most or all of the details of the procedure, and often results in hours feeling like mere minutes.

IV sedation dentistry is more dangerous and has more potential side effects than inhalation sedation, but is more easily controlled than oral sedation. The IV administration method allows the dentist or anesthesiologist to increase or decrease the dose of the medication as needed throughout the procedure ensuring that the patient remains safe, sedated and comfortable. IV sedation is appropriate and often recommended for extensive treatments such as the placement of veneers, periodontal surgery, or to treat patients with moderate to sever dental phobia.

Regardless of the method of sedation chosen, sedation dentistry can help eliminate the inevitable anxiety and fear that many feel when faced with a dental visit. Fear, phobia, and anxiety are no longer excuses for neglecting dental care. Speak with your dentist about your level of discomfort, and discover the variety of options available to make your trip to the dentist a more pleasant experience.


Sources:
American Dental Association. "Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists" (accessed October 5, 2010).
Dentistry.com. "Benefits of Nitrous Oxide" (accessed October 5, 2010).
Dental Fear Central: IV Sedation (accessed October 5, 2010).

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The Benefits of a Diabetic Diet Plan

A diabetic diet plan is a well-balanced meal plan that includes lots of whole grains and vegetables. According to the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) publication of the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 23.6 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an additional 57 million people are in a pre-diabetes state. Individuals with Type I, Type II, Gestational, or pre-diabetes can benefit from a diabetic diet, as well as non-diabetic individuals wishing to limit their sugar intake and follow a more balanced meal plan.

A diabetic diet plan is not a diet in the conventional, commercial use of the term which implies weight loss, but is an overall eating plan that includes balance and healthy food choices. Individuals with diabetes have difficulty metabolizing sugar, or blood glucose. Glucose is found in most of the foods we eat, and is not limited to refined sugar. Carbohydrates, fats, and the sugar found in milk (lactose) and fruit (fructose), all affect blood glucose levels. It is important for diabetics to understand that blood glucose levels must be closely monitored, even if refined sugar is not consumed.

Complex Carbohydrates Versus Simple Carbohydrates in the Diabetic Diet

Carbohydrates are found in three main types of food: starch, sugar, and fiber. Simple carbohydrates are easily broken down by the body and are a source of quick energy that is often followed by what is commonly refer to as a sugar crash. Simple carbohydrates are found in refined sugar, fruit, honey, and white flour. Simple carbohydrates cause spikes in blood glucose that can make diabetes more difficult to manage, so foods containing complex carbohydrates should be consumed instead when possible. However, the total amount of carbohydrate consumed is more important than the type of carbohydrate consumed.

Complex carbohydrates are more difficult for the body to break down, so absorption of the carbohydrate by the body is slower. Because they are absorbed more slowly, complex carbohydrates are a source of longer lasting energy. Complex carbohydrates are found in starches like pasta, potatoes, peas, and in fiber such as whole grains, nuts, and beans. The ADArecommends limiting the amount of carbohydrates consumed by diabetics to help "keep your blood glucose levels in your target range." Your doctor and nutritionist can help you determine your target carbohydrate range based on your age, weight, and the severity of your diabetes.

Diabetic Guide to Sugar and Diabetic Sugar Myths

Sugar does not cause diabetes, and contrary to popular myth, most diabetics can enjoy sugar and simple carbohydrates on occasion. Complex carbohydrates are more satisfying and can be enjoyed in larger portion sizes, but if you watch your total carbohydrate count, you can enjoy a simple carbohydrate, even refined sugar, on occasion and in small amounts. With the consent of your doctor and nutritionist, you can have a slice of birthday cake, cookies, or even chocolate. The problem with refined sugar and any simple carbohydrate is that the high carbohydrate count is condensed into smaller portion sizes, so it can be easy to over indulge.

Good Fats Versus Bad Fats and Their Importance in the Diabetic Diet Plan

Fats are essential for good nutrition and a healthy diet. Good types of fats include monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3. Good fats are found in a wide variety of foods including Canola oil, fish and nuts. Bad fats are saturated and trans fats, and are found in butter, shortening, and processed foods. Whenever possible, trans and saturated fats should be replaced by monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, many dieticians recommend eliminating trans fats completely. When replacing bad fats with good, understand that all fats are high in calories. Be conscious of portion size, and do not consume too many calories from fat. The ADA recommends that diabetics "eat less than 7 percent of calories from saturated fat."

Following a diabetic diet plan can also be beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Anyone wishing to maintain a healthy weight, normal blood glucose levels, lower cholesterol levels, and better overall health will benefit from the balanced nutritional guidance of a diabetic diet and its focus on limiting carbohydrates.

If you suspect you may suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes, it is important to be tested by a medical professional as soon as possible. When newly diagnosed with diabetes, a qualified nutritionist can help get you on the right path toward a healthy diet plan that satisfies your cravings and helps to keep your blood glucose in check.


Sources:
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus Diabetic Diet. (accessed October 29, 2010).
American Diabetes Association: What Can I Eat? (accessed October 29, 2010).

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How to Get the Perfect Shave: Legs, Underarms and Bikini

Shaving is not complicated. Ever since the Harper's Bazaar decided that women's underarms should be smooth for their new sleeveless spring line, women have, sometimes begrudgingly, shaved their pits. The campaign to end leg and public hair soon followed and the English speaking women of North America have never been more hairless.

Beauty is defined by the culture surrounding the subject, and the current ideal beauty in the United States requires shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatory creams, laser treatments, etc, etc. Yet, for many women, proper shaving is a luxury difficult to come by. With hectic careers, demanding children, and, dare I say...needy husbands, shaving becomes a chore performed in five minutes only when absolutely necessary. The result is nicks and cuts, painful, ugly irritation and missed spots. At least once a month,  Incorporate just a few of these tips into your regular routine to make even your five minute quickies produce better results. Then, occasionally care for yourself first. Take a long, relaxing bubble bath and give yourself the time to shave properly.

• Soak the area in warm water for two minutes before shaving. When shaving in the shower, allow the water to thoroughly soak the area before shaving. This simply means that you should shave at the end of your shower instead of the beginning. 
• Choose a quality razor. In general, a razor designed for a man is superior to any razor made for women, but the Schick Quattro for Women is an exceptional razor. A razor with three or four blades works best. Never use a disposable razor; it's just not worth it.
• Replace your razor blades often. For most types of reusable razors, one to two full body shaves is all you get. When the blade dulls, the razor will not shave as closely and is more likely to cause skin irritation.
• Use a few drops of shaving oil before applying shaving cream. The shaving oil creates a barrier between your skin and the razor, which results in less irritation.
• Always use shaving cream or gel. Never use soap to shave any part of your body. If you need to shave and have no cream, use liquid body wash or hair conditioner instead of soap. Choose fragrance-free shaving creams packaged for sensitive skin for the lowest risk of irritation.
• Shave in the opposite direction of hair growth in long, smooth strokes when shaving your legs. In the bikini area, shave in the same direction of the hair growth first, and then shave in the opposite direction for a silky smooth shave. In the underarm area, shave in both up and down in any order to completely remove the hair. Rinse the razor with clean water after one to two strokes. 

Want smooth, hair free skin all the time, but tired of shaving? Consider the Tria Laser or the Silk'n Sens Epil for permanent hair removal. 

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Agnus Castus for PCOS

Vitex (Agnus castus), also called Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm, or Monk's Pepper is an herb from the Mediterranean. It can grow as a tree or shrub, reaching heights of 15 feet with proper care. The plant blooms in late summer with lavender, white or pink blooms depending on the cultivar chosen.

Traditionally, herbalists have recommended Vitex (Agnus castus) for a variety of feminine illnesses. According to the Cox College in Springfield, MO, the herb has consistently shown to be an effective treatment for premenstrual syndrome in double-blind scientific tests. Vitex (Agnus castus) stimulates the pituitary gland, helps to balance estrogen, luteinising hormone (LH) and progesterone levels, and blocks prolactin.

Agnus Castus & PCOS

Women with PCOS often have an insufficient amount of progesterone, which results in a shorten luteal phase in the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle that takes place after the egg releases, or ovulation occurs. During this phase, progesterone and estrogen increase, preparing the uterus for conception. If no conception occurs, menstruation begins. A shortened luteal phase can contribute to the formation of ovarian cysts. Because Agnus castus helps to balance estrogen and progesterone, it can help extend the luteal phase to the normal 14 days and reduce the incidence of ovarian cyst development. With continued use over a period of at least six months, the re-balancing of hormones can reduce the symptoms commonly associated with PCOS. In combination with other vitamins for PCOS, you can effectively manage the condition.

Side Effects of Vitex (Agnus castus)

While Agnus castus is a relatively safe herbal supplement, all supplements and medications have possible negative side effects. The possible side effects of this herbal treatment include minor stomach upset, or a mild, itchy skin rash. Do not take Vitex (Agnus castus) when pregnant, and do not combine the herb with any other hormone therapies including hormone replacement therapies and birth control pills.

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See What You Look Like Old

Ever what wonder what you will look like in 10 or 20 years? Thanks to face transforming photo technology, now you can. Simply feed an image into the software and see an older version of yourself in seconds. The University of St. Andrews in the UK offers an online face transformer that requires only a JAVA app to create an older version of you. If you have a little time on your hands, you can also turn back the clock with a younger version of the picture, cartoon yourself and even see what you would look like with a more masculine or feminine face.

The Science of Aging: What causes Aging

Aging is the combination of genetic and environmental factors that take a toll on our bodies. As the years pass, our cells do not regenerate as quickly as they did when we were children and young adults. Eventually, cell production slows to a point that older cells outnumber new cells in the body. The skin becomes thin and wrinkled because of the lack of collagen that kept the skin pulled taunt in our youth. The collagen that is still present becomes hard and shrinks, so your skin is not a flexible and elastic as before. Body functions, such as digestion, begin to slow. Your older body is more susceptible to infection and slower to heal than the younger version of yourself because of the decreased cellular production.

Scientists have many theories about the causes of aging. The genetic predisposition theory suggests that the cells in your body are programmed to age. Your rate of aging is pre-determined by your genetic make up. Another theory states that how you use, or abuse, your body affects how well your body responds to aging. Cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise cause an increase in cellular waste products, which in turn destroys or damages neighboring cells. The decreased cellular production that comes with aging combined with the increase in damaged cells needing repair results in the symptoms we associate with aging including wrinkled skin, hair loss, tiredness and age spots. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.



Every individual ages in a different way, and it has little to do with the number of candles on the birthday cake. Your genes may predispose you to certain illnesses and diseases, but the way you treat your body can help to slow the aging process. Eat healthy, exercise at least three times a week, drink plenty of water every day and see your doctor at least once a year. You cannot stop the aging process, but taking care of your body can help you look and feel years younger than your chronological age.

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Permanent Hair Removal at Home: Tria Laser Versus Silk'n SensEpil

Is the Tria Laser or the Silk'n SensEpil the right home laser for you? Explore the benefits of each device before spending your money.

Both the Tria Laser Hair Removal System and the Silk'n SensEpil have received FDA approval for home laser hair removal, but these devices are vastly different in how they treat the hair follicles to remove and reduce unwanted hair growth. The Tria Laser is a pulsed diode laser, and the Silk'n SensEpil relies on selective pulsed light technology to remove the hair. Which device is right for you?


Tria Laser Positives

• The same scientists and engineers who developed the first professional diode laser, the LightSheer, also developed the Tria Laser.
• The Tria Laser is cordless, making treatments in hard to reach areas a bit easier.
• No trigger button to push makes the Tria Laser easy to use. The laser automatically fires when all of the three contact points are touching the skin.
• The second generation Tria Laser device has a faster firing speed that makes treatments faster.
• A skin sensor is included with every device that ensures the home laser hair removal experience is safe.

Silk'n SensEpil System Positives

• The Silk'n SensEpil has a large treatment head, which makes the treatment of larger areas faster than many other laser hair removal devices.
• Pressure is no longer required to trigger the device on the next generation SensEpil released in 2010 making hair removal treatments easier.
• Silk'n SensEpil now includes a skin sensor for the safety of its users.
• As a corded device, the Silk'n SensEpil does not require recharging that can interrupt treatment sessions.
• The Silk's SensEpil can be used for facial laser hair removal.

Tria Laser and Silk'n SensEpil Side by Side Comparison

The Tria Laser is not recommended for facial hair removal, but the Silk'n SensEpil can be used safely on the face. The Tria Laser has a treatment head smaller than a dime, and Tria Beauty states that the treatment of a woman's legs can take as long as one hour, or thirty minutes each. On the other hand, a woman's legs can be treated in twenty minutes with the Silk'n SensEpil.

The Tria device is a diode laser, while the Silk'n SensEpil uses pulsed light technology. The Tria system costs $495, with nothing more to buy, and the system should last through 250 charge cycles. Tria Beauty claims 250 charges should allow a woman to remove all the unwanted hair on her entire body. The Silk'n SensEpil device costs $499, but you must purchase replacement lamp cartridges for $49 each. While the Tria Laser Hair removal system will cost $495 for full body hair removal, the Silk'n SensEpil could cost as much as $769 to complete the recommended six treatments.

How I Made the Decision Between the Tria Laser and the Silk'n SensEpil

My decision ultimately rested on the two main differences between these hair removal devices; investment of time versus investment of money, and the effectiveness of the diode laser versus pulsed light technology.

In the end, I was more impressed with the research and reviews of the diode laser over pulsed light. I was also concerned that more than six treatments would be required for significant reduction of unwanted hair, meaning additional cost with the Silk'n SensEpil, but no additional costs with the Tria Laser. I decided to try the Tria Laser first. If the Tria does not reduce unwanted hair growth, the Silk'n SensEpil is next on the list.


Resources:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Tria Laser Hair Removal System (accessed September 18, 2010).
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Home Skinovations Ltn Silk'n (accessed September 18, 2010).

Buy the Tria Laser From Amazon

Buy the SensEpil From Amazon

*Originally published on Suite101.

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Laser Hair Removal System for At-Home Hair Removal Treatment

Two hair removal systems have been approved by the FDA in the U.S. for laser hair removal treatment at home. Laser hair removal treatments can now be administered in the comfort and privacy of home. The Tria and the Silk'n SensEpil have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of unwanted hair. Both devices have demonstrated to the FDA that they offer permanent reduction of hair growth, but the FDA has only approved the Tria laser's ability to claim permanent hair removal.




Benefits of Home Laser Hair Removal

• The cost of laser hair removal can be prohibitive. Home laser hair removal devices cost about the same as one to two professional hair removal sessions, but provide full body laser hair removal.
• Laser hair removal treatment at home offers privacy that professional laser hair removal treatments cannot match.
• Permanent laser hair removal at home is more convenient than making appointments and traveling to a salon for treatments.

The Tria Laser for Home Hair Removal

The Tria laser, manufactured by Tria Beauty, is a pulsed diode laser that has been approved by the FDA as a laser hair removal system "intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth." The Tria laser works by targeting the pigment in dark hair, effectively killing the hair follicle prohibiting new hair growth. The Tria laser is less powerful than the lasers found in salons and dermatology offices, so more hair removal treatments may be necessary. Tria recommends a treatment regiment of every two weeks for three months, then once a month for five months, with visible results possible after the second month of treatment.

Tria customer service prohibits the use of the home laser hair removal device for facial hair, but the FDA clearly states that "devices cleared for body hair removal are also cleared for facial hair removal" effectively ending the speculation that Tria has not been cleared by the FDA for facial hair removal. Tria customer service stated that the device is not recommended for the face because the skin of the face and neck are more delicate than skin on other parts of the body and the laser can possibly burn the face. The Tria laser is recommended to treat the areas of the body below the neck with the exception of delicate genital areas. The Tria laser is cordless and can be recharged as much as 250 times, which Tria customer service claims is enough for the average woman to completely treat her entire body.

Silk'n SensEpil for Permanent Laser Hair Removal at Home

The Silk'n SensEpil hair removal system administers selective photothermal treatments for the reduction and inhibition of hair growth, and has been approved by the FDA as a device for permanent reduction of hair growth. The Silk'n SensEpil uses removable light cartridges that target the dark pigment in hair, heating and destroying the hair follicle. These cartridges must be replaced after "approximately 750 pulses, which are enough to treat an entire body once," but not enough to complete the full regiment of recommended treatments. Treatments are recommended every two weeks for two months, then as needed for hair that is regrowing.

Laser hair removal is not an overnight solution to unwanted hair. The treatments can be painful and require a commitment of time and money to complete. Home laser hair removal systems offer cost-effective and private treatment options to people who otherwise would never experience the benefits of permanent hair removal.The Silk'n SensEpil can be used for body hair removal and facial hair removal from the cheek bones down. Silk's SensEpil customer service claims that most individuals will see a noticeable reduction in hair regrowth after two months of bi-weekly treatments. The treatment area of the Silk'n SensEpil is six times larger than the Tria, reducing the time needed for each treatment.

See the Tria Laser Review or a review of the Venus laser. You might also be interested in our response to Can the Tria laser be used on the face?

*Originally published at Suite101.

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