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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.
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.
In addition, the hair must be about ¼ inch long to work, and the epilator can
still miss some hair. Mechanical epilators cost anywhere from $50-$100. Results
last about a week.
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. Depilatories cost $5-$10. Results last about a week.
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. Tweezers cost anywhere from $3-$30. Results last
about 3-8 weeks.
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. If
a professional performs the waxing, treatment cost is about $25-$50 for legs.
Do-it-yourself waxing products can be purchased. Hair needs to be at least 1/8
inch long for waxing to be effective. Results from waxing last 3-8 weeks.
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. Estimated cost for
completed treatment is $1,000-$3,000 for legs. Results are long lasting, but
some hair may grow back.
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. The estimated cost for completed treatment is
$$500-1,000 for facial hair removal and $2,000-$3,000 for legs. Results are long
lasting, but some hair may grow back. If hair grows back, it is sparse and
finer.
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. There are minimal
side effects, but a series of treatments are necessary and the estimate for
total cost is high, $2,000-$3,000 for legs. Results are long lasting, but some
hair may grow back. If hair grows back, it is sparse and finer.
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