Laser hair removal is considered the most effective procedure to reduce unwanted hair.
Most women choose to remove extra body hair starting around the age of 17 with various hair removal procedures.
- 88 percent of all women remove hair from their armpits
- 80 percent of all women remove hair from their lower legs
- 66 percent of all women want more fresh air around their bikini area
Although shaving and waxing are common methods of hair removal because they can be done at the convenience of home, there are various other alternative options for hair removal to achieve a hair-free body.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved electrolysis as a permanent hair removal technique. Laser hair removal is considered the most effective procedure to reduce hair.
Each hair removal technique has its pros and cons, so you must decide which method suits you the best.
What are the various hair removal techniques?
There are various hair removal techniques among which the following are either easy to perform or have better results:
Shaving
Shaving works by removing hair from the skin's surface. It is the most popular method of hair removal. Depending on your budget, you can select between electric shavers and disposable razors. It is effective on numerous body regions, but many women avoid shaving their faces for the fear of excessive hair growth thereafter. Shaving your legs, arms, underarms, and even your pubic area is completely safe.
- Pros:
- Shaving is painless as long as you don't cut yourself.
- Make sure you use shaving cream or soap, as well as sharp razors. This reduces the possibility of razor burn or post-shave discomfort.
- It is the cheapest and quickest approach to eliminating unwanted hair.
- Cons:
- Shaving causes hair to regrow.
- Depending on your hair growth, you'll observe small hair sprouting back anywhere from two to three days to a week after shaving.
- Improper shaving techniques can give you ingrown hair or painful laser bumps.
Waxing
Waxing is one of the most well-known hairs removal treatments; nevertheless, if you want to remove hair with wax, you must be willing to endure discomfort. Waxing normally involves the application of liquid wax to your skin. It will be peeled off in one move after it has set.
- Pros:
- You will have smooth skin for two to three weeks.
- Cons:
- Hair usually regrows in two to three weeks.
- It is a beauty salon treatment that is pricier.
Sugaring
Sugaring the body is similar to waxing. A heated paste of sugar and citric acid is applied and then removed after cooling. Unlike waxing, hair is taken out in the direction of growth, which is more pleasant.
Body sugaring can be done at home or in a beauty salon to remove hair from any part of the body. However, hair only regrows after around two weeks, with frequent treatments lasting up to five weeks.
- Pros:
- Has long-lasting effects.
- Can be used anywhere on the body such as on the brows and toes.
- Removes hair effectively and regrowth is slow.
- More comfortable than hot waxing.
- Cons:
- It doesn’t remove all the unwanted hair.
- You must avoid direct sun contact after a session of sugaring.
- Sugaring at a salon is pricey.
- You will need repeated sessions initially.
Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams may be used to remove hair in vast regions and more difficult-to-reach spots. Apply the mixture to the region where you want to remove the hair, being sure to cover every strand. Formulas are fairly thick and hold in place effectively, allowing you to do other things while you wait. Check the packet's suggested timings to see how long it should be left on. When the timer goes off, either scrape the hair off with the plastic device or walk into the shower and wash it away.
- Pros:
- Depilatory creams are by far the least uncomfortable option.
- Unlike shaving, there is no chance of actual bloodshed.
- They are an excellent beginning point for people who are removing hair for the first time.
- Cons:
- The regrowth of hair is very quick and can be seen within three days.
- They are a bit messy to work on.
- There is a possibility of contact dermatitis (rash).
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is considered the longer-term hair removal method. This procedure targets the hair follicle. It works by destroying the follicle with high-heat lasers to prevent new hair growth.
Laser hair removal, such as electrolysis, takes repeated sessions to achieve the best results. Depending on the region of hair removal, four to six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart may be required.
- Pros:
- Laser hair removal may be performed anywhere on the body except around the eye.
- The therapy works best on people with pale skin tones and dark hair.
- Cons:
- Laser hair removal requires various sessions.
- It is a pricey procedure.
- It does not guarantee permanent hair removal, and hair grows back after a few years.
- Skin irritation and redness may be seen after each session, which goes away after a few hours.
- Blister formation and scarring are serious side effects.
- Pigmentation may be seen on lighter skin tones.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is another procedure that targets hair follicles just like laser hair removal. Electrolysis is the application of shortwave radio waves through tiny needles inserted straight into your hair follicles. The goal is to damage the hair follicle so that fresh hair growth is not stimulated. A dermatologist or qualified electrologist must do this procedure.
- Pros:
- Electrolysis may be performed anywhere on the body and is suitable for most skin types.
- Cons:
- You will need to schedule many follow-up consultations to achieve the optimum outcomes.
- It is a very expensive procedure.
- Pain and redness from skin irritation are the most common adverse effects.
- Scarring and infection from the needles and keloid formation are rare but serious side effects.
Medically Reviewed on 5/11/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image
Hair Removal Options: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-hair-removal
7 WAYS TO REMOVE UNWANTED HAIR: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
