Methods of hair removal
Hair removal might be considered a "cosmetic" issue, but managing
or removing unwanted hair can go beyond being a simple "cosmetic"
problem.
Many cultures have an aesthetic "ideal" amount of hair for males
and females. For some of us, unwanted hair that exceeds this
arbitrary standard can cause real or perceived problems with social
acceptance.
The information I've compiled would fill a book, so if you're
researching a specific method, you can go right to that topic. For a
more thorough review, I recommend reading the background
information.
Background Information
Definitions
Temporary Methods
Hair removal can be achieved through depilation (removing part of
the hair above the skin's surface) or epilation (removing the entire
hair). For many consumers, temporary methods at regular intervals
are acceptable. Right now my focus is on devices claiming
permanence, but I'll be discussing temporary methods in the
future.
Depilation lasting several hours to several days can be
achieved by:
Shaving or
trimming (manually or with electric shavers)
Depilatories
(creams or "shaving powders" which chemically dissolve hair)
Friction
(rough surfaces used to buff away hair)
Epilation lasting several days to several weeks can be achieved
by:
Tweezing
Waxing
(a hot or cold layer is applied and then removed with porous
strips)
Sugaring
(similar to waxing, but with a sticky paste)
Threading
(also called fatlah or khite, in which a twisted thread catches
hairs as it's rolled across the skin)
Rotary
epilators (devices which rapidly grasp hairs and pull them
out by the root)
"Permanent" Methods
If you're seeking permanent hair removal, you have several
imperfect options. A number of methods have been developed that use
chemicals, energy of varying types, or a combination to target the
areas that regulate hair growth. Permanently destroying these areas
while sparing surrounding tissue is a difficult challenge. I
recommend relying on a body of published, peer-reviewed scientific
evidence to ensure the effectiveness of a method.
Permanent hair removal for most
Electrolysis
Permanent hair reduction for some
Laser
Flashlamp
Lasting hair inhibition for many (requires continuous use)
Prescription
oral medications
Prescription
topical preparation (Vaniqa)
Restricted methods
X-ray
(banned in the United States)
Photodynamic
therapy (experimental)
Doubtful methods
Electric
tweezers
"Transdermal
electrolysis"
"Transcutaneous
hair removal"
Photoepilators
Microwaves
Foods and
Dietary supplements
Nonprescription
topical preparations (aka "hair inhibitors," "hair
retardants," or "hair growth
inhibitors")
How to choose
Choosing
a method
Choosing a practitioner:
Laser/light
Electrologist
Hair removal
information: recommended and non-recommended
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