When it comes to permanent hair removal, men have the same cosmetic treatment options available to them as women. You may want to remove coarse, terminal hair on the chest simply for aesthetic purposes, or perhaps you want to be more comfortable during sports activities that require a lot of effort---and perspiration. You can remove hair from the chest for good, but you're limited to one of two methods: laser hair removal and electrolysis. Just like a marathon, both take a lot of time and endurance, a well as an increased threshold for pain. So if you want to take it off, gentlemen---and not just your shirts---gird your wallets and prepare to say, "Ouch!"
Step 1
Acquaint yourself with the options of hair removal: laser hair removal and electrolysis. One aspect of laser hair removal with which male consumers may not be familiar is that this method won't get rid of hair for good. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which approves laser devices for cosmetic use, permanent laser hair reduction is defined as the "long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions." Laser hair removal may eliminate a lot of your chest hair---but you won't be able to accomplish this all at once, and ongoing maintenance treatments are required.
Electrolysis, which addresses hair follicles one at a time, is more tedious and time-consuming than laser hair reduction, but it's also the only way to permanently get rid of chest hair. Although retreatments are required to address regrowth, after all hair follicles are effectively treated, there's no need for you to schedule another appointment with your electrologist.
Step 2
Schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who offers laser hair reduction, or alternately, with a trained electrologist, to discuss your expectations. While the effectiveness of laser hair reduction varies depending on the individual, according to the Laser Hair Removal Journal, a site managed by dermatologists who specialize laser hair reduction, most of the time three to six sessions give men desired results. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that laser hair reduction is most successful in certain candidates: people with fair skin and dark hair. Men with dark skin and dark hair can also get good results. But laser hair reduction doesn't work for men with fair, light red or unpigmented (gray) chest hair. Electrolysis is effective on all hair colors and types.
Step 3
Do it yourself---if you dare. In late 2008, the FDA approved two hand-held consumer laser hair reduction devices, the Silk'n and the Tria (see Resources), which men can use at home. However, these products purport to yield 50 to 70 percent long-term hair reduction after five treatments, while the services offered by professionals yield 80 to 90 percent for those who are best candidates, states the Hair Removal Journal.
Step 4
Crunch the numbers---this could be your ultimate moment of decision. The cost of a single laser hair treatment performed professionally ranges from $300 to $600 per session, while electrolysis can cost between $45 and $125 per hour (October 2009 rates). The Silk'n home laser device costs $499, and the Tria costs $795. Ultimately, laser hair treatment may cost less in the long-run, but if you're not a good candidate for this procedure---if your chest hair will return despite treatments---electrolysis may be your only option.
Step 5
Bring on the pain. Women often understand that words like "discomfort" and "stinging" are simply code words for "this hurts more than you think." Laser hair reduction works by heating and destroying small patches of hair follicles. During the process of electrolysis, a slim needle is inserted next to the hair follicle to deliver a short jolt of electricity to kill the hair root. Both methods can result in temporary inflammation, redness and swelling after each treatment, and both laser hair reduction and electrolysis can cause more than just a slight amount of "discomfort." As any woman can tell you, the old adage "Pain is beauty" holds true---especially when it comes to removing pesky body hair.
Tips and Warnings
- Not ready for such spendy cosmetic adventures? Two salon treatments, waxing and sugaring, can remove all of your chest hair in one simple visit to an esthetitian. You may have a hair-free chest for up to two months.
- If you spend a lot of time in the sun without your shirt on, laser hair reduction might not be for you. To prepare, the Mayo Clinic notes that you must stay out of the sun for four to six weeks before each treatment and for several weeks afterward.
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