Hair Removal Systems – Is Permanent Removal True?

Facial and body hair are natural. Everybody knows that. But certain occasions, trends, times, events, or just personal preferences make us want to remove them away to the extent of just being permanent. Can you remove them permanently though? Are there ways? Are they effective?

The answer to these questions lies below. Read on to know the different methods in getting rid of that unwanted hair and decide which treatment would fit you.

Shaving

This is the most common hair removal technique. It simply cuts hair on the surface of the skin. This is usually complemented by applying shaving cream to the area. You can generally do this to any part of your body. This method only gets rid of visible hair and does not pull out the roots, hence, hair can grow back in just as fast as a few days or a week. It can cause redness, itching, burning sensation, or infection.

Tweezing

It removes hair by plucking it out from the root with the use of a grooming tweezer. This can be generally done to any parts of the body but it is not recommended around genitals and other sensitive areas (can be done by trained persons). This has relatively low to no cost compared to other methods. The downside, however, is that it can be painful. It can also cause redness, itching, and can make you prone to infection. The results can last longer than shaving, usually 3-6 weeks depending on the type of hair.

Waxing

Popularly used in pubic regions and underarms, waxing works similar to tweezing. The only difference is instead of grooming tweezers, it uses sticky wax to pluck the hair out directly from the roots. This treatment is usually done in beauty salons or dermatology clinics with hot or cold options. Depending on hair growth, the average results can last from 3-6 weeks. Observed side effects include irritation, inflammation of hair root, redness, and infection.

Depilation

It uses over-the-counter cream or gel that works by weakening the keratin in your hair. Once this type of protein is broken down, it causes the hair to fall out and can then be easily wiped away. Just like shaving, it doesn’t target the hair follicle that’s why results may last for just about two weeks. This method is preferred because it is easier compared to other techniques. Since it is a chemical, be sure to read the label first and follow the instructions before using it. Some are made for specific body parts so be sure to use it accordingly. Side effects of this method may include rashes, irritation, or chemical burns.

Prescription cream

It has the same concept as depilation. The only differences are that it requires a prescription and it slows down hair growth. The good thing about this method is that its results can last for up to seven weeks. After this, you can repeat the process. This method costs a little higher compared to the previous ones. Similar side effects may occur.

Laser

This treatment works by destroying the hair follicles to stop hair regrowth. It uses the emission of high-heat lasers to do its job. Generally, laser hair removal is considered to be the best hair removal method if we’re going to talk about the pros and cons. It can be done to any part of the body, can be done fast (per session) and the results can last for several months. You have to be patient though because you have to go through several sessions spread by weeks apart to see the effect. There are laser hair removal kits that can be used to administer this method at home but be sure first that it comes from a reputable maker and that you take the necessary precautions before using the device. The results between home and clinic treatment may vary. The occurrence of side effects can also differ which usually include redness and burning feeling that could last for a few hours. Laser treatment can cost you a significant amount of money.

Intense Light Pulse (IPL)

This is almost the same with laser hair removal. In fact, most people confuse the terms with one another but the difference to note is that IPL is not a laser. Though they both use light, a laser produces light that is coherent and focused like a beam while IPL produces broad light like a bulb. Because the produced light is not concentrated on a target, the effectiveness of IPL is significantly lower compared to laser. Due to this, longer exposure is needed to retarget certain parts. This increases the risk of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, burns, or scarring. IPL comes cheaper than laser treatment with similar or shorter results.

Electrolysis

This treatment is the only FDA approved method for permanent hair removal systems. This is due to the fact that this is the only one that delivers nearly-permanent results (more on that below). Electrolysis works by emitting short-wave radio frequencies through tiny needles that target your hair follicles, destroying them to prevent hair growth.

Electrolysis can be done to any part of the body. It may bring some pain but numbing creams are usually applied before treatment. Since this can only be administered in a clinic by a trained specialist, a strict schedule must be followed consisting of multiple sessions spread by weeks apart. It comes the most expensive of all treatments. You are less likely to experience any side effects though and it works for all skin types.

Is permanent removal true?

No. Not really. Even the best hair removal systems all combined cannot guarantee a 100% permanent result. It is because people have different hair types and hair growth cycles. It can also be affected by nutrition, medication, lifestyle, and genetics. Perhaps the right thing to keep in mind is on which method would you be satisfied in terms of cost, effectiveness, and ultimately, safety.