The best hair growth inhibitor really depends on the person. Not only does it come down to personal preference and cost, but also your medical condition. Women can experience male-pattern hair growth as a result of hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome, which widens the options for hair growth inhibitors. Men and women simply growing unwanted hair must rely on cosmetic procedures to actually inhibit hair growth.
Eflornithine
Eflornithine is a prescription cream used to inhibit hair growth in women. Also sold under the brand name Vaniqa, this topical medication hinders the production of the enzymes needed to generate hair, and thereby slowing its growth cycle, explains the Mayo Clinic. Soon after the hair is removed, apply the cream directly to those areas of the skin with unwanted hair to inhibit growth. This cream is typically used on the face and under the chin, so talk to your doctor or dermatologist about other options to inhibit hair growth on the chest, back, underarms, pubic region and legs.
Spironolactone
Women suffering from hirsutism, a medical condition causing male-pattern hair growth, can potentially inhibit hair growth with spironolactone. Spironolactone is an oral drug considered an antiandrogenetic, which means it slows the production of male hormones, such as testosterone. With the reduction of androgens, you may experience a decrease or even cessation of hair growth similar to a man.
Flutamide
Flutamide has also shown promise in inhibiting hair growth in women, namely those suffering from hirsutism. Much like spironolactone, this prescription medication acts as an antiandrogenetic in the body, reducing the production of male hormones that may be causing male-pattern hair growth.
Laser Hair Removal
You can also inhibit hair growth with laser hair removal. In this cosmetic procedure, hair is removed with laser light energy. The low-light laser penetrates the surface layer of your skin without causing injury. Once it breaches your epidermis, the melanin in your hair follicles absorbs the energy, damaging the follicles and inhibiting hair growth. It often takes more than one session to remove unwanted hair since the laser light energy is only effective on those hairs in the active growth phase, advises the American Vein and Aesthetic Institute. According to the Mayo Clinic, hair growth is inhibited between six months and a year.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a cosmetic procedure that can permanently inhibit hair growth. A probe is inserted directly into the skin where an electric spark is administered to actually destroy the follicle, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Each hair follicle must be treated to inhibit growth, so a session can take a great length of time depending on the amount of unwanted hair.
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