hair removal (merged)

patchwork_cat

they quoted the example of one girl who got it on the NHS who, coincidentally, was a GP's daughter. Quote ali1972

Well I, too, am a GP's daughter and it was never suggested that I get it on the NHS. My mum who had previously been a GP and GP's wife didn't get hers on the NHS!! So someone was prepared to pull some strings or put pressure to bear!

ali1972

patchwork_cat wrote: »

I have spent the morning ringing around and am feeling very frustrated, so many don't do blend.

Okay, boring afternoon at work...

This site looks interesting:

http://www.sterex.com/SalonLocator/Default.aspx

You can put in your postcode and it will come up with salons in your area. Some may do Blend.

Also, this is the site for the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis:

http://www.electrolysis.co.uk/index.html

They have a directory. Some names have links to their business websites although it's a very extensive list. I wonder whether it's worth contacting them asking if there is a database somewhere of people who offer Blend?

ali1972

patchwork_cat wrote: »

they quoted the example of one girl who got it on the NHS who, coincidentally, was a GP's daughter. Quote ali1972

Well I, too, am a GP's daughter and it was never suggested that I get it on the NHS. My mum who had previously been a GP and GP's wife didn't get hers on the NHS!! So someone was prepared to pull some strings or put pressure to bear!

Agreed, Patchwork Cat!!! And at £40 an hour I was a bit miffed...

patchwork_cat

I have had 3 different long term beauticians do electrolysis. First was quite good, but was very insensitive person and said some particularly hurtful things when my mum was dying, so left her. The second wasn't much good at electrolysis, although she would show me the hairs complete with bulbil at the end of treatment, but after 3 years I was no better. Third was great to begin with, but I feel I am no better with her than I was 5 years ago. Now I have just found a new one and she was saying, logically, if you feel pulling then the electrolysis is not being done correctly.

Now does anyone know if that would also mean that to feel blunt ended hairs means it is not right, too? I can feel a few blunt ended hairs and I was thinking that that too would mean they have just been plucked?

ali1972

Not sure - perhaps they would be blunt ended looking anyway if they were thick ones? I remember the thicker ones feeling very prickly to the touch of my fingertips when they were growing back through after electrolysis. It's funny - I also had a therapist who showed me the hairs she had taken out at the end as well. I'd completely forgotten until you mentioned it. It was quite satisfying to look at them. It's such a long hard slog, though, isn't it? Hope the new therapist works out better for you.

ali1972

Found some really useful links on the "Which?" consumer website including this very comprehensive guide:

http://www.which.co.uk/advice/what-you-need-to-know-about-laser-treatments/index.jsp

thatsfabulous

ali1972 wrote: »

Well, I've never been offered any cosmetic treatment for it on the NHS. I had the symptoms of PCOS from my teens and was finally diagnosed at the age of 24 (I was too embarrassed as a young women to get medical advice until I was that age, when I finally hit rock bottom and did something about it - one too many nasty comments from a total stranger on the street pushed me over the edge). I was referred to an endocrinologist straight away. He was very good but once they had excluded all the more serious possible diagnoses (such as Cushings) the only suggestion he had for me was prescribing the contraceptive Dianette. That didn't work out for me - I had an adverse reaction to it - and so I was left with cosmetic options instead. I also, on the advice of my specialist, worked really hard at losing weight and am still very good at eating well and exercising. That didn't reverse the problem but I'm sure it stopped it worsening. One of the cruel things about PCOS is that once the hair is there, it is there until it's removed by electrolysis or laser or whatever. Once those hairs have been stimulated to come through thicker and darker that's it until the follicles are treated.

When I went for electrolysis they said that occassionally they had people who were referred on the NHS but that it was very rare - they quoted the example of one girl who got it on the NHS who, coincidentally, was a GP's daughter. Hmmm. I suppose there may be people who do get Laser on the NHS, but I would be surprised if it's many given that it's hard enough for people to get fertility treatment on the NHS. Again, maybe others on the discussion pages of the Verity group can throw more light on this.

Cost wise, I must have totalled about £750 over my first year. Now I probably pay around £250 a year in maintenance treatments. Actually, my last lot was about £220 because of a discount.To be free of the problem that is, to me, a small cost for having my self esteem restored. But I do appreciate that it's a big outlay and not manageable or such a priority for everyone. The way being hairy made me feel, I'd have foregone holidays, chocloate and Chardonnay for ever to solve the problem - but, again, that's how badly it affected me.

When I first went to sk:n I remember remarking how costs had some down since I first looked into Laser treatment years ago - they said that they owned their laser machines outright which meant they could offer good rates, whereas other businesses sometimes had them on hire purchase which is why their costs were higher.

I can really appreciate that it's difficult to know if the manageress was genuine or a good saleswoman. I think it's really hard to know unless you go to a place on recommendation. Can you locate anyone else in your area via Verity who might be able to give more feedback on local IPL? When I first had electrolysis it was on recommendation of a lady who had been to that place and when I researched Laser treatment it was after reading an article in Verity's newsletter written by a lady who had treatment with an Alexandrite Laser who sounded like her colouring was very similar to mine. Even then I remember trawling through info on the web and finding out about the Healthcare Commission and finally going into that consultation armed with a hugh list of questions. And still, I felt I was leaping into the unknown!

Thanks very much for your post. I too have PCOS and its nice knowing other people go through the same thinga.

Has anyone had laser through BUPA? does anyone know the price for laser on the face?
Thanks in advance.

Kantankrus_Mare

Just thought Id add my thoughts on electrolisis.

Been going for what seems forever with a gap in the middle..(should have stuck with it)

Think its about four years Ive been going and I go once every four weeks.

I initially went for the dark stubbly hairs on my chin area. I had probably about a dozen that I had been plucking and seemed to be spreading.

Electrolosis worked on this area brilliant though it took maybe two years to sort them out completely. Now just get the odd fine hair.

Moved onto my upper lip as I noticed some really strong ones at the edges and the lady I go to said waxing makes them worse..(which is what I had been doing)

I still go once every 4 weeks and regrowth is sporadic.

Sometimes there is hardly anything for her to go at and others I cant wait to get them done as they feel really stubbly.

Goint to persevere with it as its a hundred times better than when I started and my lady throws in a eyebrow tidy....all for a tenner.

Just need to find the equivalent for my legs

Is it me or does waxing NOT last the six weeks promised? By week two I have regrowth. :eek:

Who_me?_2

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has used "Smooth Away Vibe" - its a hair removal product that is available through Pitch TV, both online and on teleshopping. It's £19-99 plus £4-99 p&p. Does it work????

BHE

... And the pain ?

I'm off on holiday in a few eeks and I don't really want to be bothered shaving. I'd like to get waxed, but a) I'm a wimp, and b) I need to know in advance if it's actually worth the money!

Any advice would be much - appreciated.