Permanent hair removal: what effectiveness to expect from your treatment?

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Permanent hair removal is a highly sought-after aesthetic procedure by both men and women. It is suitable for all skin types and can be performed in various ways. What are the different methods of permanent hair removal and how can we verify their effectiveness in the short and long term? How to proceed to achieve perfect results and what are the alternatives to permanent hair removal?

The different methods of permanent hair removal and their effectiveness

Permanent hair removal allows for a clean and smooth skin. It essentially involves destroying hair follicles to reduce hair regrowth. It can be done:

• by laser,
• by intense pulsed light (IPL),
• by electrolysis (electric).

Laser hair removal is more widespread and highly effective. It involves sending a series of light pulses to burn the hair roots. It can be used on several parts of the body (back, legs, chest, armpits…). The advantage of laser hair removal is that it is suitable for all hair and skin types. It allows for the removal of 80 to 90% of your hair. To achieve good results, it is ideal to entrust the work to professionals.

The intense pulsed light technique is a semi-permanent method that is very trendy. It involves sending intense light into the bulb. This is transformed into heat and acts directly on the cells that promote hair regrowth. This type of hair removal can eliminate up to 90% of hair, but it is not very effective on mixed or black skin.

Electrolysis is completely permanent and must be performed by a doctor. It involves using an electric current to destroy hair roots. The charge is sent through a needle that is inserted into each follicle. It is suitable for all skin types, but it is more effective on gray and light hair. However, it is more painful than laser hair removal and takes longer.

How to assess the effectiveness of permanent hair removal in the short and long term?

The effectiveness of permanent hair removal can be measured in various ways. First, you need to inquire about the amount of hair that can be destroyed. This can vary depending on the method chosen. You should know that they do not fall out automatically even when you finish all the sessions. In the short term, you should avoid measuring the effectiveness of hair removal by the speed at which the hair disappears. Generally, they fall out naturally 2 to 3 weeks after the last session. In some cases, they can last up to 4 weeks.

You should also try to find out after how long regrowth may occur. For example, with laser hair removal and electrolysis, the hair is completely destroyed. In 1% of cases, they may regrow after several years, but they are very fine and have low intensity. On the other hand, with intense pulsed light hair removal, there may be regrowth after 2 to 3 years. This is why it is termed semi-permanent. Also check if the method does not irritate the skin and if it allows for the removal of the finest hairs.

Some tips to optimize the results of your hair removal treatment

Permanently removing hair allows for the removal of a good portion of the hair on your body. However, some factors can influence the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, you need to take certain precautions to achieve a perfect and long-lasting result. First, you should take into account your pigmentation and hair color before choosing a method. For instance, electric and laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types, while intense pulsed light is perfect for light hair.

This aesthetic intervention is recommended for people of a certain age, as the later you start, the better the results. In adolescence, the hair is fragile and considered to be fine. Laser, electric current, or intense pulsed light are only effective on mature hair follicles. This condition is often met from the age of 20, but ideally, it is best to wait until 25 before starting this treatment.

Permanently removing hair requires several sessions. The number varies between 5 and 10 depending on the method chosen, your hair density, and your skin type. To permanently eliminate all hair, you must follow the sessions until the end. Therefore, avoid interrupting the treatment because it is painful or as soon as the hair starts to fall out.

If you have hormonal or medical issues, discuss them with the professional. They need to take this into account when choosing the hair removal method and the power of the device. For example, for the laser method, the equipment used on black and matte skin is different from that for light skin. Finally, a treatment protocol must be established and followed rigorously to destroy the maximum amount of hair.

Alternatives to permanent hair removal

If permanent hair removal does not appeal to you, traditional methods may still suffice. They are almost painless and do not always require the intervention of a professional. Temporary hair removal can be done:

• with a manual or electric razor,
• with wax,
• with hair removal cream,
• with an electric epilator,
• with thread.

The manual or electric razor is economical and can be used on any part of the body. However, regrowth is very quick, as shaving does not pull out the hair roots. For effective hair removal, it is advisable to first do an exfoliation to remove dead skin and soften the hairs. Apply a moisturizing cream at the end to prevent the appearance of bumps and ingrown hairs.

Waxing is popular and suitable for the bikini line, legs, and armpits. It pulls out the hair, meaning there will be no regrowth for several weeks. Wax can be applied hot or cold. The cream hair removal technique does not cause bumps or ingrown hairs. It is quick and very easy to apply. It dissolves the hair without destroying its root. The hair follicles, therefore, regrow very quickly.

The electric epilator consists of many small tweezers that pull out the hair while shaving. This technique is painful, but the results are long-lasting. It may lead to the appearance of bumps and ingrown hairs. Therefore, you should exfoliate at the beginning and use a moisturizing cream after shaving. There is also threading, which is much more suited for the face. It allows for precise shaping of eyebrows and for removing fine hair from the mustache.