Permanent Hair Removal - Is It Really Permanent?
Any part of the body is subject to the growth of unwanted hair. While there are many solutions to choose from, there are only a few selections that offer the closest thing to permanent hair removal. Based on the price, pain level and long-lasting effects of a method, consumers are moved to make a decision on how to remove hair permanently. The two main permanent hair removal options on the market are called laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal
While laser hair removal is considered one of the most permanent hair removal methods, only people with dark hair will really benefit. After the completion of three or four sessions of treatment, results will show. Near permanent hair removal is accomplished through a laser beam that aims to destroy the root of the hair. This permanent hair removal treatment is considered quite expensive, sometimes costing $4500 for unlimited treatments. Different body areas also demand varied price ranges. For example, a 2-hour back and shoulder session may cost between $300 and $500 per treatment, while a 20-minute bikini line treatment may cost $120.
When considering permanent hair removal treatments, you should know that hair goes through various growth cycles. Laser hair removal is best accomplished when hair is in what is called the anagen stage. Having one laser treatment may provide satisfying results that last, but future treatments may be needed to catch hairs that have yet to enter the anagen stage. After your first treatment, you will notice that the affected hair will start to fall out over the course of a few months.
Side effects that a patient may encounter during laser hair removal treatment include pinkness or redness of the skin that will disappear as quick as a couple of hours to as long as a few days. During this permanent hair removal option, depending on your sensitivity, you may feel a slight sting or pinch on the skin. The results of the laser treatment are not always permanent; some will enjoy longer lasting results than others.
Electrolysis
There are two different approaches to electrolysis: thermolytic and galvanic. Thermolytic electrolysis uses heat to destroy hair follicles, while galvanic electrolysis uses a chemical method.
Different electrical currents are used to remove unwanted hair. With galvanic electrolysis, a DC current creates a chemical reaction involving sodium hydroxide (lye). An AC current is used through the process of thermolytic electrolysis, which uses various frequencies of heat to destroy hair follicles. Sometimes, a quicker method of permanent hair removal is attempted, which blends both galvanic and thermolytic electrolysis.
Often, electrolysis is charged by the hour. Calculating your final costs involves both the rate per hour, as well as how long your treatment session may last. This price varies depending on the areas of your treated body. Average rates can be found between $25 and $100 per hour. To get a sense of what you may expect for a first treatment, chin treatments may last between 2-12 hours, arms (5-10 hours), upper lip (4-10 hours) and sideburns (4-8 hours).
The side effects regarding electrolysis permanent hair removal treatment varies with the patient's sensitivity. It may range from minor discomfort to excessive pain, including redness, swelling, dryness and scabs. Incorrect treatments may lead to deep pitting of the skin or scarring. The reason that electrolysis is viewed as a permanent hair removal method is because once the root of a hair is destroyed, it will not grow back. This is not always a guarantee and sometimes patients must return after a couple of years for retouching of the treated area. Some of the body parts more susceptible to this reoccurrence include the underarms and around the nipples.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
As far as permanent hair removal methods go, laser hair removal is considered a quicker approach than electrolysis. This is because, unlike electrolysis (which destroys one hair follicle at a time), laser hair removal can treat many hair follicles at once. A shorter overall process is offered through laser hair removal.
To increase your chances of benefiting from permanent hair removal, some patients will also turn to hair inhibitors in addition to their treatments. A hair inhibitor is a natural topical solution that is gentle to the skin. These inhibitors work towards making remaining hairs so fine that they eventually disappear. Hair inhibitors penetrate the pores to attack hair follicles located all over the body. Not only does this approach slow down the re-growth of hair, but also provides permanent hair removal results for some.
