Permanent hair reduction is a method of hair removal that results in a significant reduction of hair growth in the treated area. Unlike traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, permanent hair reduction targets the hair follicles to prevent hair from growing back.
There are three main types of permanent hair removal techniques which are readily available at most good clinics:
1. Laser
Laser hair removal uses a laser to target hair follicles, which then damages them to prevent hair from growing back. The treatment is non-invasive, and patients usually experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Laser hair removal is more than just ”zapping” unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure.
If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment. That’s because the laser targets the hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted body hair. Lasers work by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, causing it to die off. There are two types of lasers commonly used for laser hair removal: the pulsed dye laser (PDL) and the selective photothermolysis (SPTL). PDL works best on dark hairs, while SPTL works best on lighter colored hairs. Both lasers have been proven to be safe and effective at removing unwanted body hair.
2. IPL
IPL hair removal uses broad-spectrum light to target the hair follicles, which then damages them to prevent hair from growing back. The treatment is also non-invasive, and patients usually experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that is present in the hair follicle and skin and is associated with the color. Diode laser hair removal is regarded as more effective than the IPL by a majority of population.
When the melanin in the follicle heats up due to the absorbed energy, it destroys the root of the hair, disables the blood flow to it, and cuts out the hair growth permanently.
IPL is an effective hair removal method that uses pulsed light to damage the hair follicle, keeping new hairs from growing back. It is also used as a skin rejuvenation treatment and can improve the appearance of hyperpigmented lesions, such as sunspots, scars and beauty marks
3. Electrolysis
- It is a method of permanent removal of individual hairs from the face or body.
- Current medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with a shortwave radio frequency using chemical or heat energy.
- A very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, and the hair is removed with tweezers. There are three types of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis and blend.
- One should get the procedure done only from the people who have special training to perform electrolysis.
- Hair has different stages of growth (growing, resting and shedding) and at any given time all hair is at different stage.
- Thus, multiple sessions are needed to achieve the best possible results, and the total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person.
- Each treatment session lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.
- Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis.
- Common areas for woman are facial areas (upper lip, chin, neck, cheeks,), breasts, abdomen. It is not recommended for large areas such as legs, back and bikini areas.
- Common areas for men are around the ears, top of the nose, eyebrows, cheeks above the line of the beard, around the edges of the beard and any areas where ingrown hairs are causing problems.
In electrolysis, a tiny needle is inserted into the hair follicle to apply a low-level electric current that damages the follicle and inhibits hair regrowthThis method is time-consuming and can be painful, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance.
Hair follows a unique growth cycle that involves resting, shedding, and growing periods. Recently removed hair that is in a resting phase will not be visible to the technician or laser, so a person may need to wait until it regrows before removing it.
How Permanent Hair Reduction Works
Different types of permanent hair reduction methods work in different ways.
Laser Hair Removal Process
During laser hair removal, the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicles, which then absorbs the light energy and damages the follicle to prevent hair from growing back. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treated area. Patients may need multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
IPL Hair Removal Process
During IPL hair removal, the broad-spectrum light targets the
Any permanent hair removal treatment that you choose must be suitable to your skin type, skin issues, body requirements, etc.