Hair removal is a super personal thing. While some women are happy being hairy all the time, others like to shave their pits or legs from time to time or use a hair remover like a depilatory cream. Some like to look into natural hair removal techniques that avoid chemicals, such as threading or plucking (ouch). But if you’re sick of dealing with body hair, then permanent hair removal could be the answer.
If you’ve been asking how to remove hair permanently, then this article is for you. Read on to find out how to stop hair growth, and the best ways to make hair removal permanent and safe.
When to Remove Hair Permanently
Hair removal should always be your choice, and you shouldn’t feel pressured into it by a friend, partner, or family member. Of course, if a partner has a preference and you’re excited to comply, that’s a totally different story. But always make sure you’re getting rid of hair on your own terms.
The fact is, millions of us remove hair all the time. But which areas of the body are most commonly picked out for permanent hair removal?
Lip Hair Removal
Saying goodbye to an unwanted ‘stache is a very common thing. In a HuffPost/YouGov study, 24% of women stated they had waxed their upper lip while a judgmental 40% said that other women “should” remove their upper lip hair. Thankfully 55% percent said it’s the woman’s choice- of course it is!
Upper lip hair is totally natural, but it can be dark and very visible, and in today’s societal norms, many women feel it’s just not a good part of their image. Permanent lip hair removal is, therefore, very popular and can leave you mustache free forever.
Back Hair Removal
This seems like it would be more for the men than the women, but sometimes women suffer from unwanted back hair, too. Removing hairs from the back, shoulders, or neck is more common for women than you might think.
Permanent Pubic Hair Removal
Ladies, this is one you should really consider hard before taking the plunge. Pubic hair is there for a reason. Pubic hair produces sebum, which may help prevent the build-up of bacteria and protect you from infections. It’s also a natural friction barrier, preventing chafing- particularly during sex.
However, many women do like to keep it nice and groomed down there. In one Belgian study, 80% of women said they had recently removed pubic hair. So, if you feel like you could keep your lady garden trimmed forever, then knowing how to remove hairs permanently could be a massive boon. Also, it could be safer; a 2017 study discovered that 25.6% of people (although this was men, not women) surveyed had injured themselves while removing hair from the area around their genitals- more ouch.
The Best Permanent Hair Removal Techniques
So, you’ve decided that a part of your body or face needs permanent treatment. Which method should you choose? Here are some of the most popular and commonly available.
Full Body Laser Hair Removal
Permanent hair removal doesn’t come more drastic than this. Making the decision to remove all your body hair isn’t one you’ll take lightly, so ensure you get the advice of a professional and seek out a reputable clinic to have the procedure.
Laser hair removal uses a laser to target the hair follicles, which is a precise way of disrupting the hair growth and eventually stopping it altogether. Risks include burning and irritation, but a professional clinic should be careful enough to avoid these and will be able to advise you on post-hair removal care.
Laser hair removal may take up to three hours per session, but of course, you don’t have to get your whole body done! Laser hair removal can be used for small areas of the body too, or just for problem areas such as the underarms. Expect to pay between $350 and $600 for laser hair removal, depending on the area of the body being treated.
IPL
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. This is a method that utilizes broad-spectrum light to treat the hair follicles directly. The treatment doesn’t work right away; in fact, it may take up to 12 sessions before hair growth is stopped permanently.
IPL is also used to treat skincare issues such as acne and redness, making you skin glowy and irritation-free. It may be done at a professional salon or in your own home using a home hair removal device. Sessions may cost up to $500.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses shortwave radio waves via needles that go right to your hair follicles. This destroys the hair follicle, preventing hair growth. Even with this method, though, sometimes additional sessions are required to ensure full and permanent hair removal. Each session may cost up to $100 but maybe much cheaper.
Don’t try and do electrolysis at home. A certified professional needs to administer this treatment, or it can be very painful and even cause scarring.
Other Permanent Hair Removal Methods
Some lotions and creams purport to promote a complete and permanent hair removal solution for women. Products like HairFree say they’ll stop hair growth if used every week for a certain period of time. Do they really work? Some people say so, but putting strong chemicals onto your skin can cause any number of sensitivities and reactions, so do approach these products with caution and always do a patch test on a small area of skin first.
Other creams like Vaniqa are available on prescription and block enzymes needed for hair growth. Creams like this are used daily and don’t remove hair completely, but make it finer, lighter, and less visible.
Whatever hair removal technique you choose, always do a bit of research and ensure you’re visiting a well-respected clinic or salon, or using a product with great reviews. Remember, it’s your body, so go as hair-free or as au natural as you want!
Takeaway
Hair removal is all about personal preference. For women who want to remove hair permanently from their face or body, there is a range of options available. Options include laser treatment, intense light pulse treatment, and electrolysis.
