How Laser Hair Removal Compares with Other Methods

The removal of unwanted hair, for reasons of culture, religion, attitudes, fashion and personal taste has been practised around the world for many years. Because hair, by its nature, has a tendency to re-grow, many methods of hair removal have been developed, in the hope that further growth might be prevented or, at the very least, delayed.

In this article, we look at the most common hair removal techniques and compare their effectiveness to what many consider to be the most effective procedure available today: laser hair removal. Shaving For reasons of ease and cost, shaving is the most common way of removing unwanted hair growth. However, it is far from being the most efficient. The main disadvantage of shaving is that the hair grows back quickly, requiring the process to be continually repeated. Plucking The plucking of unwanted hair is another frequently used method.

Whilst it is felt to be more effective than shaving, the main disadvantage of plucking is that it can only be carried out over a small area, such as the eyebrows, or on a small number of isolated hairs on the face, arms or legs. Creams Creams that remove unwanted hair, which are also termed depilatory creams, come in a variety of forms. There are different types of cream according to the area of the body that is to be treated. These creams contain chemical components that dissolve the hair.

Once again, they are reasonably effective but re-growth occurs and they are unsuitable for those with sensitive skin as they can cause an allergic reaction or even minor burning to the skin surface, especially if left on the skin for an excessive period. Waxing and Sugaring Both of these methods involve coating the area of the body where there is unwanted hair growth and then the removal of the wax or sugar coating by pulling the coating away. One of the disadvantages of this technique is that it does not always remove all of the hairs.

Additionally, it can sometimes cause skin infections. Finally, it can sometimes be quite a painful process, especially if there is a large area of unwanted hair. Electrolysis Electrolysis has certain advantages over the other types of treatment mentioned above. The main one of these is that it can result in permanent hair removal. However, because it involves treating each individual hair, by destroying the root from which the hair follicle grows, it can take a long time and prove to be quite expensive.

One of the commonly reported side-effects of electrolysis is physical discomfort and this causes some patients to give up the treatment after only one session. Finally, certain people have reported skin discolouration after treatment by electrolysis. The Modern Alternative – Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal was introduced during the 1990s and quickly became the hair removal method of choice for many people around the world. Like electrolysis, laser hair removal permanently removes hair by destroying the root.

However, it is not as painful as electrolysis and permanent results can be achieved more quickly. Whilst it is possible to purchase laser hair removal equipment for home use, it is far safer to put the procedure in the hands of a qualified therapist with experience in treating a large number of people who have different patterns of hair growth and a variety of skin types. Conclusion When it comes to permanently removing unwanted hair, laser hair removal has quickly developed into the method that many people prefer. Quick, relatively painless and safe, when placed in the hands of qualified therapists who have received certification in the operation of their equipment, laser hair removal is certainly worth trying if you have unwanted hair growth.

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