Tired of constantly checking the amount of unwanted hair growth on your body? Fed up of visiting the parlor or using the razor at least 3 times a month or every time you want to wear that favorite dress of yours? Wish there was some solution more permanent?
All of us use some sort of temporary measures, like waxing or shaving or hair removal creams to remove unwanted hair. Immediately after, it feels nice, clean and smooth but before you know it, there it is again!
Sigh!
So let us have a look at the more permanent hair removing options that can rid us of this problem once and for all, their advantages and disadvantages …
LASER
All of us are familiar with the term laser. The word Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiance.
This hair removal technology doesn't actually use a laser, but rather Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) that is absorbed by melanin in the hair. It works with the application of selective photothermolysis (breaking down of a substance by heat) that selectively impacts dark matter. The beam of light destroys or at least disables the hair follicles from producing fresh hair without harming the skin around the hair.
Since this light is absorbed by dark objects, only dark hair can be removed by laser hair removal technology, leaving those with light hair unable to benefit from this treatment option.
Laser treatment usually requires repeated visits, the number of which will be determined by the amount of hair to be removed as well as other factors such as the color of your hair, the shade of your skin, the location of the hair, etc.
Factors for LASER treatment
Laser hair removal results depend on how well-trained your technician is, the kind of hair and the type of laser used.
Dark hair absorbs more laser energy than light hair so dark hair is easier to treat.
Light skin absorbs less laser energy than dark skin so hair on light skin is easier to treat.
Also laser is most effective when the hair treated is in its growing stage and the area being treated is free of creams, ointments, cosmetics, etc.
Results
Referring to laser hair removal treatment as a permanent hair removal option would not be 100% truthful so a good practitioner who offers the service would not promise that you will achieve permanent hair removal.
A realistic end result of laser treatments can be described as a permanent reduction in the amount of visible hair that you have.
In other words, the amount of hair decreases over time with repeated treatments and the hair that grows back tends to be finer and less noticeable.
Risks
Mild side-effects – Some temporary side effects include itchiness, redness and swelling. When done properly, laser treatments are less painful than other options like electrolysis.
Serious side-effects – Certain serious risks of laser include burns, discoloration of skin, acne flares, scabs and infection. Though not as painful as electrolysis for people who are sensitive to pain, lasers do hurt. Some have described the pain as ‘snapping a tight rubber band on your skin, over and over again’. Many clients have to apply numbing cream to the areas to be lasered so they don’t move involuntarily during the process.
ELECTROLYSIS
Until the 1990’s the option of laser did not exist. So up until then the option of electrolysis was used. It was invented over 130 years ago so it's by far the oldest option available. Electrolysis is a hair removal option that is generally considered to offer permanent hair removal. Electrolysis was originally used to treat ingrown eyelashes but developed into a wider use hair removal procedure for many other body parts.
Electrolysis uses a sterilized needle which is inserted into each hair follicle and then an electric current is delivered to impact the hair follicle at the root.. When done properly, the end result is that the hair is unable to grow afresh resulting in the permanent removal of the unwanted hair without damage to the skin.
Types of Electrolysis
- Galvanic Electrolysis is the original method and tends to be used for thick, coarse hair. Here Direct Current is applied and through electrolysis, salt and water at the follicles is converted to lye, thus preventing hair growth afresh.
- Thermolysis utilizes a high frequency alternate electrical current and is generally used on fine hair. Here the heat generated scorches follicles out of their ability to produce hair.
- The Blend Method uses a combination of Galvanic Electrolysis and Thermolysis and is generally used for facial hair removal.
Benefits
- Is generally regarded to offer permanent hair removal (when performed properly), something other hair removal options cannot truly claim.
- Is the oldest hair removal option available so there is a long track record to refer to.
- Can be very effective for small areas of hair i.e. lip, chin, eyebrows, ears, bikini line, underarms, etc.
- Can be very effective for a wide variety of skin and hair types.
Risks
Given that each hair needs to be treated individually, which can be very painful, this is one of the biggest considerations when looking at Electrolysis as your hair removal option.
Though electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method, it is long, expensive, and sometimes even painful procedure with potential side effects and risks.
Effects of improper treatment include infection from an unsterilized needle, hair regrowth, scarring or other skin damage.
But if looking for a one time investment to rid you of body hair permanently, this might be the deal.
RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY
Apart from these two known permanent hair removal methods, there is also a newer method involving radio frequency technology. It is supposed to be as effective as electrolysis but without much pain or side effects. It also involves instruments that allow you to do the process at home.
In this process, the root of the hair is killed by sending a cool dry wave through the hair and destroying its ability to re-grow. This technology works on both individual hair and whole sections of unwanted hair.
The process claims to be 100% effective and is supposed to be a ‘permanent’ solution. But more research is required to prove these claims to be true.
You can use any of these methods to get rid of your body hair. But before you select an option do speak to your doctor or skin specialist if it will suit your skin type. Not to mention the cost and other side effects that may be unique to you or your hair type. If you feel none of these processes are worth the pain, money or time you can always go back to the waxing, razors or creams that you use.
