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Microwave

Microwave adds to yet another hair removal device but there is very limited data available on the effectiveness and safety of using this device, especially for cleaning facial hairs. The method of microwave hair removal involves a microwave radiation which is sent to the skin through a hand piece as a result of which the energy radiated from the microwave causes thermal damage. The main advantage associated with the microwave hair removal method is that it targets hairs of all colors to clean them up. On the other hand, the disadvantage of it lies in the fact that while targeting the hairs through the skin, all the other elements of the skin is also targeted and affected in the process. Promoters of microwave hair removal treatment claim that it "delivers precise and controlled pulses to the hair follicle".

They also claim that these pulses cause destruction of the follicle without damaging the surrounding skin of the targeted area. However, these pulses are non-selectively delivered to all tissues which might not be always ideal or safe. Moreover, no published clinical data is available to prove these claims and showing that the device really causes destruction to the hair follicle, even if we let aside the destruction of the selected hair follicle. Also, no explanation is offered anywhere as to why the device will not affect the other essential substances and moisture containing structures of the skin.

Microwave hair removal method uses a device that is similar to microwave ovens. The radio waves sent through the microwave, within a certain frequency range, contain an interesting property and are absorbed by sugars, water and fats. Once absorbed, these radio waves cause molecules to vibrate, ultimately resulting in heat. It is here where the potential danger of microwaves lies. They heat up all fat and water present in the skin while destroying the hair follicles at the same time.

One of the major difficulties of hair removal through the microwave process is in delivering sufficient energy that will cause permanent damage to the hair structure without affecting the surrounding area. When conducted down a metal probe the frequencies in the microwave range have been found to be effective. The needle epilation or thermolysis works where the damage caused is only restricted to the hair follicle present right around the metal probe.

Unlike lasers, microwaves tend to destroy blood, oil glands, sweat and other structures essential for the skin health and thus pose a potential threat to the skin. Additionally, there may be chances of eye damages in case of directing microwaves on the face. Unpublished clinical data have made the dangers of collateral skin damages and unknown risks very likely by using this device. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the use of microwave hair removal method until there are some substantial information and researches backing it up positively.