The amount of facial and body hair a person has – and how noticeable it is – varies widely between individuals. Facial and body hair growth in women can be embarrassing, but there are various ways to deal with the problem, some permanent and others temporary. There are three methods of unwanted hair removal termed ‘permanent’: electrolysis, laser hair removal and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
Electrolysis for Facial and Body Hair
Electrolysis is the only truly permanent means of removing unwanted hair. It works by destroying the follicles from which hairs grow. The procedure involves placing a thin metal wire into each follicle in turn, then delivering heat, a small electrical current or a combination of the two to kill the cells of the follicle and permanently prevent any further hair growth.
Electrolysis is suitable for both the face and the body, though it is more often used on the face because treatment of large areas is expensive. Several sessions may be required to remove all unwanted hairs completely. The process can be uncomfortable and may leave the treated area feeling sore, reddened and dry for some time afterwards.
The cost of electrolysis in the USA can vary widely, from $50 to $100 per hour depending on the salon. In the UK, a half-hour session costs around £30.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a relatively new way to remove unwanted hair. The laser light targets follicle cells containing melanin (the pigment that gives dark hair its colour) while leaving lighter-coloured surrounding skin cells untouched. As a consequence, only black or brown hairs can be removed by this method, and the procedure is not suitable for people with dark skin.
Laser treatment is suitable for quickly removing large areas of unwanted hair from the body, but is less effective than electrolysis because it does not treat each follicle individually. Also, the damaged follicles may regenerate over time, leading to regrowth of the unwanted hair in some people. Like electrolysis, several sessions may be required, and the procedure can be painful.
The cost of laser hair removal is greater than that of electrolysis and varies between clinics. Examples of typical prices per session are $150/£60 for the bikini line, $500/£250 for the legs and $80/£50 for the upper lip.
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
IPL works on the same principle as laser treatment, but instead of a laser uses a xenon flash lamp. An extremely bright burst of light is generated and focused on the unwanted hair using special lenses. It is becoming popular as it is cheaper and quicker than laser hair removal, though the results are similar.
Choosing a Permanent Hair Removal Method
Women with unwanted facial or body hair who desire a more-or-less permanent solution to their problem might consider electrolysis, laser or IPL hair removal. Before undergoing any procedure, however, it is important to consult a reputable practitioner for an individual assessment and advice on the pros and cons.
References
- Simply Hair Removal. Accessed 01-08-09
- Removing Hair. Accessed 01-08-09
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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