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Permanent Hair Removal Treatment

by Julie Tridle

Overview

Endless shaving, waxing, tweezing and plucking send many in search of a permanent hair removal treatment. But permanence shouldn't be the only factor in choosing which method to use. To date, electrolysis is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal. But electrolysis isn't for everyone and is not the best choice in every situation. The body area targeted, the amount of hair targeted, your skin tone, pain sensitivity and budget must all be considered when choosing a permanent or long-term treatment.
Electrolysis

If you truly want permanent hair removal, electrolysis offers the only option. Electrolysis targets each hair at the base of the root, destroying the regenerative tissue. Performed with a needle-like electrode, each follicle is zapped with a small electrical charge. Because each follicle must be treated individually, you will most likely need multiple treatments (sometimes 15 to 30) for complete hair removal. If you're seeking hair removal on small areas, such as the chin, brows and upper lip, electrolysis is a great option. For larger, denser areas, such as the legs, back, bikini area and chest, you may decide electrolysis is too tedious an option. Electrolysis also creates a stinging sensation for each follicle treated. Depending upon your sensitivity to pain, you may find this treatment too uncomfortable. Of course, the level of pain you experience depends to some extent upon the skill-level of the aesthetician you choose. Topical anesthetics can also be used if needed. Electrolysis is the safest, most effective option for those with darker skin tones or lighter hair. Lasers work by targeting melanin (dark pigment) in the hair, often missing lighter hair and targeting melanin in darker skin. Though electrolysis offers permanent hair removal, the results depend greatly upon the skill of the aesthetician you choose. If you are considering using an at-home electrolysis kit, you will most likely experience hair re-growth and may risk infection and other complications.

Laser Hair Removal

For less tedious hair removal, you may want to try laser treatment. Though according to the FDA, lasers do not provide "permanent hair removal" some do provide "permanent hair reduction." This means not all hair is permanently removed, but it is permanently thinned. Often, hair that grows back is lighter and less course than before. Some physicians and websites claim they provide 80 to 90 percent permanent hair removal with lasers, but results vary from patient to patient, so there is no guarantee for the results you will receive. Laser treatments, like electrolysis, do generally require multiple sessions (generally two to three), though considerably fewer than with electrolysis since the hair is not being removed follicle by follicle. Laser treatments also involve some discomfort, much like a rubber band snapping at the skin. Despite this, both electrolysis and laser hair removal tend to be less painful than waxing. Though lasers work by targeting the dark pigment in hair, making it risky and ineffective for clients with dark skin or light hair, advances are being made. If you have dark skin and are considering laser hair removal, be sure to research your physician well.