ELECTROLYSIS FOR ADOLESCENTS
As teens are coming into their own, physical changes such as unsightly hair can negatively impact body image and self-esteem. For teenage girls, it could be the growth of superfluous hair on the side of the face. For teenage boys, it may be the emergence of thick, bushy eyebrows. Some teenagers feel too embarrassed to speak about their hair concerns, while others go to a parent for advice. If you're a teen or the parent of a teen, rest assured that there is a permanent solution for removing excess hair safely, comfortably and conveniently: electrolysis.
WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE RECOMMENDED FOR ELECTROLYSIS TREATMENTS?
The earliest age for treatment depends upon the motivation of the young person. Most electrologists want to make sure that it's the young person, and not a parent, who is deciding that it's time for electrolysis treatments. Girls as young as 12 seek treatments to remove hair on their upper lip. Teens and even pre-teens of both genders receive treatments to define or separate eyebrows. Teen and pre-teen girls often get treatments on their upper lip, chin and sides of face. Young women and men will also have their eyebrows defined or separated, as well as hairline, neckline and other areas of the body treated.
CAN YOUNG PEOPLE TOLERATE THE TREATMENTS?
I was a teen when I first tried electrolysis - eyebrows - so speaking from personal experience, age doesn't play a part in someone's ability to tolerate treatment. Also, new techniques, equipment and topical anesthetics help reduce the sensation of electrolysis treatments. If the young person decides not to have treatments please read on for some possible options until he or she is less sensitive. Please get in touch to discuss these options in more detail.
IF THE TEEN IS TOO SENSITIVE, WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Cutting, clipping, or shaving are the best ways to hide the hair (it will not result in coarsening or increased density). Bleach will hide scattered hairs, to a degree. Depilatories remove the hair with chemicals, although they can cause irritation, possibly resulting in skin pigmentation problems.
WHY DO SOME YOUNG GIRLS GROW HAIR ON THEIR UPPER LIP?
Genetics, hormones and medications can cause hair growth at any age. Most people never learn the cause of their excess hair growth.