Unwanted hair is a nuisance, and temporary removal methods can be time-consuming and aggravating. If you shave, you may have to do it again the next day. Waxing, which removes the hair follicle, lasts longer--up to eight weeks, according to the Kids Health website.
Permanent hair removal prevents the regrowth of the hair follicle, thereby preventing future hair growth. The Food and Drug Administration outlines two types of permanent hair removal: electrolysis and laser hair removal. Despite the effectiveness of both treatments, your hair can grow back, especially if your hair is thick. Electrolysis is done by a licensed electrologist, while laser hair removal is done by a physician.
Electrolysis
Step 1
Make an appointment with a certified electrologist. If your electrologist deems you a candidate for electrolysis, he will discuss the procedure, as well as the cost. Each session can cost up to $300. Ask for a payment plan, if necessary.
Step 2
Arrange to take time off from work, if you need to. Your initial session will last from one to four hours. After your first treatment, you may need additional sessions.
Step 3
Hold still during the procedure. Your electrologist will use a needle that penetrates the hair follicle. Then the needle will send an electric current to the hair root, according to Kids Health. Because each hair is treated individually, the process takes time.
Laser Hair Removal
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. She will evaluate your hair type and make an opinion as to whether laser treatment is appropriate for you. Some dermatologists do laser hair removal. If yours does not, she will refer you to another doctor who does the procedure. According to Kids Health, each treatment can cost $400 or more.
Step 2
Remain still and wear protective eye gear during the procedure. Laser hair removal treatments are not as time-consuming as electrolysis, but you will still need multiple treatments over as long as eight weeks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. During treatment, a laser penetrates each hair root, stopping hair follicle production.
Step 3
Purchase a skin-numbing spray to ease the pain after each treatment. The Academy of Dermatology says that an anesthetic cream will also be applied to your skin before the procedure. The Food and Drug Administration cautions against using too much skin-numbing spray, as it can have side effects. Use a numbing agent only when pain is unbearable or as recommended by your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- See only a licensed electrologist with credentials. Kids Health recommends that you obtain a referral from your primary doctor. This way, your chances of infection and other side effects are reduced. If your hair grows back, contact the electrologist. Kids Health advises against sun exposure before getting laser treatments, as UV exposure may decrease their effectiveness. Follow up with a dermatologist once your treatment is complete.
- Electrolysis may cause side effects such as inflammation, scabbing and scarring. Kids Health explains that using unsterilized needles can cause an infection. Because of these risks, electrolysis is not recommended for large areas of skin. Kids Health recommends isolating the procedure to areas such as the upper lip or eyebrows. Laser hair removal can cause redness inflammation, blistering and bacterial infections, according to the Academy of Dermatology.
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