Laser Hair Removal and Other Methods to Reduce or Eliminate Unwanted Hair

You don't want it, but you have it anyway; hair.  It can appear anywhere. It can also be removed with various methods.

Unwanted hair is very common on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, back, legs, fingers, feet or toes. Most commonly it is caused by genetics, but there are other factors, including certain medications such as hormones or steroids, or even medical abnormalities, such as higher androgen (male hormone) levels or conditions of the endocrine system. One problem seen in females is polycystic ovarian syndrome, which causes excessive hair growth particularly to the face.

There are multiple ways to remove hair, but you should be aware that none are 100% guaranteed to permanently remove the hair.

Shaving

Your hair growth rate will determine how often you have to shave the affected region. Shaving is best for legs, arms or facial hair. However, this hair removal method can cause ingrown hairs in the pubic region, as well as on the face, causing a condition where the hair shafts become constantly inflamed and irritated.

Plucking

Plucking is the most painful method, but may be the most worthwhile when there are just a few hairs you want to remove. Examples include reshaping your eyebrows or pulling out those few stray hairs that may appear on your face, especially for a woman. You should not use this hair removal method for large areas because it can cause ingrown hairs or scarring.  Most people can get used to this painful method, but it won't work effectively on large areas covered with unwanted hair.

Depilation

Be cautious when selecting hair removal creams over-the-counter: All creams are not the same. For instance, a hair removal cream designated for pubic hair should not be used to remove facial hair. The chemicals in these products dissolve the hair shaft and drawbacks can be significant. The chemicals can also cause superficial burns. If you have a history of allergic reactions, you may want to seek the advice of your doctor before trying any hair removal creams.

Hot Waxing

You can do this at home or you can also have it performed by a professional in a salon. Hot waxing can be messy and may leave some hairs behind because they can break off. Infection is one side effect to watch for. Still, many women use this hair removal method in the bikini area and for hair on the upper lip.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal is one of the longest-lasting methods and generally requires 4-5 laser hair removal treatments. The laser works to destroy the hair bulb itself. Be sure to select a doctor or who is highly trained and knowledgeable about laser hair removal. You typically will require multiple sessions. Laser Hair Removal can used on many parts of the body where unwanted hair may appear. Even with the laser hair removal method, no one can guarantee you will never have re-growth of hair. Medications or hormonal changes can cause new hair growth.

Electrolysis

There are two primary hair removal methods of electrolysis: galvanic and thermolytic. The Galvanic method destroys the hair follicle using chemicals. The Thermolytic method destroys the hair follicle with heat. In either case, be sure to find a professional who is highly trained and knowledgeable with this hair removal method. Electrolysis can be used on all parts of the body to remove unwanted hair.

Oral Medications

If none of these hair removal methods seem to address your particular problems, ask your doctor about oral medications to inhibit hair growth. There is a topical cream called Vaniqa, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the slowing of facial hair growth in women. This cream slows growth, but will not remove the hair.

For additional information about Laser Hair Removal click here.