For someone interested in getting rid of unwanted or excessive hair, it is essential to learn the facts about different treatment options.
Unfortunately, some confusion surrounds the topic of permanent hair removal methods, which is something we want to clear up. The word “permanent” is actually very misleading in that many people believe most removal methods provide a forever solution but in truth, while there are several hair removal options that eliminate hair for months at a time, only a few methods would actually be considered as permanent.
Temporary Hair Removal Solutions
Before providing information specific to permanent hair removal methods, we wanted to go over solutions that would yield only temporary results.
- Shaving – While the most common method used to eliminate hair, even with a top-of-the-line razor, shaving can only offer brief results. On average, a person’s hair would become visible within a day or two, sometimes much sooner.
- Depilatory – Topical cream, gel, or lotion would be applied to dissolve hair on the surface of the skin. While inexpensive, fast, and painless, hair does grow back within days to weeks. Even worse, some people experience an allergic reaction.
- Friction – This method is used primarily on the legs and involves some type of rough material being rubbed over the skin, thereby removing hair. This can be quite irritating, friction cannot be used on all parts of the body, and again, hair grows back.
- Tweezing – Many people believe tweezing falls in the category of permanent hair removal methods but this is also only a temporary solution. Some of the disadvantages to tweezing include not being a realistic choice for large areas, because hair is removed at the root mistakes are not easily corrected, and although results can last up to two months the results are not permanent.
- Sugaring – Similar to waxing, this ancient method of hair removal is actually easy to do although somewhat messy. While hair may not grow back for weeks, it eventually does and in fact, there are times this method causes hair to break off, leaving a person with unpleasant stubs.
- Waxing – This method of hair removal can be performed by a professional or done by an individual at home but even when a high quality product is used, hair regrowth occurs in about two to three months.
- Epilators – Using a special rotary device similar to a razor, small rows of tweezers pull hair out from the root. There are limitations as to the part of the body epilators can be used, skin irritation is common, and hair grows back in a few weeks.
Permanent Hair Removal Solutions
Most of the permanent hair removal methods listed below do in fact offer a forever solution but there are reported cases of people experiencing new growth. However, for the individual who wants to get rid of hair with anticipation of the results being permanent, any of the following would be considered the most effective treatments.
Electrolysis
This hair removal method requires several treatment sessions to be performed by a licensed Electrologist. This treatment involves a needle being inserted into the hair follicle through which a small electrical current is sent. Once the current reaches the root, it kills it. The greatest benefit of Electrolysis is that most people experience permanent or long-term results.
Unfortunately, Electrolysis also has some drawbacks that would also need to be considered. As stated, even a very small area of hair such as the eyebrows or upper lip could require as much as 10 hours of work. For much larger areas of hair to include the arms, chest, legs, and back, the amount of time involved could easily reach 18 hours and up. Because of the need for multiple treatments and long hours, Electrolysis is expensive.
Laser
Laser treatment is the newest, most innovative, most effective, and safest method used for hair removal but there is something else a person should know. While laser treatment reduces the number of hair follicles up to 90%, it is common for regrowth to appear in one to three years. Even so, because laser works so well, is low risk, and lasts so long, it is ranked among the best permanent hair removal methods available.
- Ultimate Light / Pulsed Light (IPL) – With this, the widest range of light is delivered, which can be adjusted from extremely short to extremely long pulse segments. Of all laser treatments for hair removal, this is typically the preferred choice by medical and skincare professionals.
- Diode Laser – Most experts agree this type of laser comes in second for efficiency and safety. With this, the wavelength of light delivered is much longer than both the Ruby and Alexandrite laser devices although shorter than the Nd:YAG. Due to the way this works, risk of skin injury is minimal.
- Nd:YAG – There are several laser systems that fall within this type of laser treatment, which have been shown beneficial for a much broader range of skin tones. The only downfall is that people have complained the Nd:YAG laser generates some degree of painful.
- Alexandrite – Wavelengths of this method are relatively short and therefore, typically used on people of lighter skin. However, for removing unwanted hair and performed by a professional, results are good and long-term.
- Ruby – The last type of laser treatment to remove hair is called Ruby, which uses visible light pulses of a dark red color. Although still listed among the possible permanent hair removal methods, the use of the Ruby laser has declined in recent years due to the introduction of more advanced systems.
