Hair grows all over the body, including the face, arms, and legs. Although hair growth is normal for both men and women, some people may wish to remove hair permanently for cosmetic reasons. Areas of the body where people commonly undergo long-term hair removal procedures include the face, arms and legs: Although some hair removal methods provide results that last for months or years, few methods are truly permanent. In this article, we look at treatments to try for long-term results and at-home hair removal methods.
Can we remove hair permanently?
Permanent hair removal procedures may require multiple sessions to maintain results. There are a few long-term hair removal options for people looking to get rid of unwanted hair. One method of hair removal that gives lasting results is laser hair removal. However, some people need touch-up sessions to maintain results. These are usually necessary, for example, for women who undergo laser hair removal on the face.
Electrolysis
A technician performs electrolysis using needles to apply short-wave radiofrequency to hair follicles to destroy them. He then removes the hair using tweezers. A technician can perform electrolysis on almost any part of the body. Electrolysis also works on all hair types, including light colored ones. Due to the hair growth cycle, a person usually needs several electrolysis sessions to achieve the desired effects. The number of sessions may vary depending on the area of the body, the sensitivity of the person and the amount of hair present. However, once the technician has removed all hair from the specified area, the person will not need additional appointments.
Side effects
After electrolysis sessions, a person may experience tingling, redness or irritation in the waxed area. She may also develop an infection or excessive scar tissue around the site, but this is rare. There are home electrolysis kits. However, it is better to use an experienced technician to carry out the electrolysis and obtain the best results.
Cost
The cost of electrolysis varies depending on the number of sessions, as well as several other factors, such as the skill level of the technician and the amount of hair to be removed.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal involves the use of a high temperature laser to destroy the hair follicle. A technician can use laser hair removal on any part of the body except the area around the eyes. You can expect to see a 10-25% reduction in hair after the first session. When the hairs grow back, they tend to be lighter and thinner. Once the hair stops growing, it may not return for months or years. Laser hair removal works best on dark and coarse hair. It is not effective for light, gray or red hair. Laser hair removal usually requires multiple sessions to remove all hair from a specific area of the body. These sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Side effects
Laser hair removal carries certain risks, especially if performed by an inexperienced or poorly trained technician. The laser may cause minor pain and discomfort during the procedure. After the treatment, the person’s skin may become red or irritated for a few days. In rare cases, blisters or scars may appear at the epilation site. Laser hair removal temporarily makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is important that people undergoing laser hair removal protect their skin from the sun for the duration of the treatment. They can do this by:
avoiding direct sun exposure
refrain from using tanning booths
by wearing sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Cost
As with electrolysis, the price varies depending on the technician, the geographical location, the size of the area to be treated and the number of sessions required.
How to remove body hair at home
There is no way to permanently remove body hair at home. However, it is possible to permanently or semi-permanently reduce hair growth. According to one study, intense pulsed light (IPL) devices designed for home use are safe, and if a person uses them regularly, they are effective for hair removal.
Here are some inexpensive but short-lived hair removal methods:
Shaving: This method cuts the hair visible on the surface of the skin. However, the results are short-lived, and the hairs grow back in a few days.
Waxing: Waxing involves using hot wax or strips of wax to stick to body hair and pull it out. You can remove hair at home using hair removal kits.
Tweezing: Using tweezers to pluck hair from the skin can be painful, but this technique gives slightly longer-lasting results than shaving.
Just like professional treatments, every home hair removal solution has associated risks. These include:
irritation at the epilation site
razor burn
chemical burns
allergic reactions
ingrown hairs
rash or redness
infection
Permanent hair removal is possible, but it is often expensive. Electrolysis gives permanent results. In contrast, the results of laser hair removal are long lasting but not always permanent.
If a person wants to remove hair permanently, it is important that they seek the advice and expertise of a dermatologist or an experienced technician.
