Hair Removal Techniques

There are a variety of methods for hair removal or epilation. However, there is no proven method that will 'permanently remove' hair, but there are methods that will 'permanently reduce' hair.

Long lasting hair reduction is possible with expensive procedures such as electrolysis, laser, and photo epilation. Given we have millions of hair follicles, some hair may grow back and multiple treatments are needed because hair grows in cycles Less expensive hair removal methods are temporary such as shaving, mechanical epilators, depilatories, tweezing, and waxing.

There are pros and cons to every method of hair removal because of skin irritation, risks, expense, time involved, or hair growing back too quickly. Besides commonly shaving with a safety razor or electric shaver, the following are brief descriptions of other various methods for hair removal techniques.

1. Mechanical Epilators:

Mechanical epilators pulls out the hair and should not be used on sensitive skin areas such as face, genitals, or armpits because the method tends to be painful.

2. Depilatories:

Depilatories have been described as chemical shaving. Depilatory creams or lotions contain chemicals that dissolve the protein structure of the hair and cause it to separate from the skin. Some depilatories can increase acne and cause skin irritation or chemical burns if the formula is too strong or the cream left on too long.

3. Tweezing:

Tweezing pulls hair out from its root, but is a very laborious method since each hair must be removed individually. Some pain, skin irritation, and inflammation of the hair follicle can occur.

4. Waxing:

Waxing pulls sections of hair out from its root. This method can be very painful and pain-reducing gel is often recommended before applying the wax. Some skin irritation can occur from pulling off the wax as well as inflammation of the hair follicle. Wax should not be on skin that is chapped, sunburned, or on the face if you are using a facial product such as Retin-A or Differin as these weaken the skin and the skin tearing could result when the wax is pulled off. More information about wax...

5. Electrolysis:

Electrolysis is a very laborious method since each hair must be treated individually. With electrolysis a needle is inserted under the skin and an electric current is passed through the hair follicle to damage it. A qualified professional should perform needle electrolysis and it can be very expensive since it is time consuming and multiple treatments are needed. Electrolysis can be painful and there is a risk of scarring and infection.

6. Laser:

Laser hair removal is FDA approved. Working with small areas of the skin, the laser beam destroys hair follicles and impairs hair regrowth. There is less pain and it is less time-consuming compared to electrolysis, but there can be redness or pigmentation changes of the skin. Laser treatment works best on people with light-skin and dark hair. In addition, laser treatment will not work on deeply embedded hair follicles such as the underarm or the bikini line. A licensed professional should perform laser hair removal. Laser is very expensive and multiple treatments are necessary.

7. Photo Epilation or Pulsed Laser:

Photo epilation is FDA approved. This treatment uses an intense pulsed light to destroy hair follicles instead of the laser treatment’s steady beam. Photo epilation will work on underarms, bikini lines, light and dark-skinned people since the device can be adjusted to skin type, location, and depth. The photo epilation beam is broader than laser, so the treatment can be done in less time. A licensed professional should perform laser hair removal.