Everyone has body hair, but depending on the time of year or your personal preference, you may want to remove some of it.
Contrary to many marketing claims, no hair removal treatment can completely remove hair. However, there are many different ways to remove hair for weeks, months, or even longer.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common hair removal methods along with the benefits, side effects, and effectiveness of each.
How fast does hair grow?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, body hair grows back to its full length on average in about a month. Also, male hair grows faster than female hair. The hair on your head can grow 6 inches a year.
Certain factors such as nutrition, medications, and genetics can affect the rate at which hair grows. As you get older, your growth rate may slow down.
Hair growth is a complex process that begins at the hair follicle. Hair is nourished by blood as it penetrates the surface of the skin. Sebaceous (sebaceous) glands also play a role in keeping the hair lubricated and healthy.
What are the removal options?
Shaving removes the hair on the surface, so the hair grows back very quickly. Plucking not only removes hair from the roots, but also slows regrowth. But even with the comb, the hair will probably grow back after two weeks.
If you’re looking for a long-term hair removal solution, it’s time to consider other hair removal methods. The following methods are ranked according to their ability to remove hair for the longest time.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves the use of short-wave radio frequencies transmitted through a fine needle placed directly into the hair follicle. Its purpose is to destroy the hair follicles so that new hair growth is not stimulated. This procedure should be performed by a dermatologist or a qualified electrophysiologist.
Unlike other hair removal options, electrolysis is considered a permanent solution by the Food and Drug Administration. However, you will need multiple follow-up appointments to achieve the best results.
Most people need a repeat consultation every week or two. Depending on the length of the course, the cost per session usually ranges from $35 to $100.
Electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body and is suitable for most skin types. The most common side effects are pain and redness from skin irritation. Rare but serious side effects include scarring, needle stick infection, as well as keloids (overgrowths of scar tissue).
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is another option for long-term hair removal. Like electrolysis, this treatment targets the hair follicle. It works by damaging the follicle with a high heat laser to stop new hair growth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal can be performed anywhere on the body except around the eyes. This treatment is more effective for people with fair skin and dark hair.
Like electrolysis, laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results. Depending on the area to be removed, four to six treatments may be required four to eight weeks apart. It costs $250 per session.
In most cases, hair removal lasts for months, and in some cases, years. As the hair grows back, it becomes thinner and lighter in color. However, laser hair removal does not guarantee complete hair removal.
The most common side effects are skin irritation and redness, but this usually goes away after a few hours. This treatment can cause temporary pigmentation changes, especially in darker skin tones. More serious side effects include blistering and scarring, but this is rare.
Prescription ointment
If you don’t like the idea or cost of electrolysis or laser hair removal, you can discuss prescription creams with your dermatologist.
One type in particular is called eflornithine (Vaniqa), which you take twice a day for a month. It inhibits the production of enzymes that stimulate hair growth.
According to research on this treatment, the results can last up to eight weeks, after which the process can be started again. Monthly treatment costs about $50.
Eflornithine only works on facial hair and is more suitable for women. Some side effects may include burning, rashes, and acne breakouts due to damaged follicles.
Professional tweezers and wax
For smaller areas of your body, your options are professional tweezing and waxing by a qualified esthetician. In this type of hair removal, the hair is pulled directly from the root. Depending on how fast your hair grows, results can last anywhere from two to eight weeks.
This is a cheaper option than laser hair removal or electrolysis, but may require more frequent repeat treatments.
Tweezers can be applied to any part of the body, but do not wax around the genitals, breasts, ears or eyelashes. You should also avoid waxing the veins
veins, moles, or warts, or on skin that’s chapped or sunburned.
The most common side effects of both professional tweezing and waxing include mild rashes and irritation, but this is usually temporary.
