Laser hair reduction and electrolysis are the two methods of hair removal that give you extremely long-term results--and in some cases, permanent. Both processes are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Services can be obtained from a skilled professional or by using a home device. When tackling arm hair, there's no doubt about it--either one of these techniques are more desirable than temporary hair removal techniques such as shaving or using a cream depilatory.
About Electrolysis
Currently, electrolysis is the only way to remove hair on the arms and other body parts that's capable of giving you genuinely permanent results, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Skin care expert Paula Begoun describes electrolysis as a method in which a very fine, almost wire-like needle is inserted into the skin's surface alongside the hair follicle. A current of electricity delivered through the needle destroys the hair root, located at the very bottom of the follicle. Begoun notes that electrolysis treats each follicle individually; in some cases, repeat treatments are required when the root isn't destroyed. Because infection and scarring can result when electrolysis isn't performed properly, Begoun says services should first be sought by a skilled electrologist.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can reduce the density of hair on the arms, but the FDA is very clear that this is not a permanent way to get rid of hair. During this procedure, a laser beam is directed at a cluster of hair follicles. The beam heats the melanin inside of the hair, which places the follicle in the resting stage of growth. Even when services are sought by a medical professional, your results may be extremely varied; the Mayo Clinic indicates that results of studies show laser hair removal can reduce hair density by between 20 percent and 90 percent in those candidates who are considered suitable. Laser hair removal is most effective on people who are considered the best candidates--those with very fair skin tones and dark arm hair.
Products Available
Consumer reviewer Andrea James, who maintains HairFacts.Com, emphasizes that when choosing a home electrolysis or home laser hair removal device, it's important to buy one that actually gets the job done. James cautions against "electric tweezers," which have been around since the late 1950s. Use of these devices is glorified tweezing, and they don't remove hair for good. Home electrolysis devices such as those manufactured by Clean + Easy are equipped with a probe similar to those used by professional electrologists. Similarly, there are numerous home laser devices on the market which James says are as effective as the "laser scanner at your local supermarket." In the latter part of 2008, the FDA cleared two at-home laser hair removal devices manufactured by Silk'n and Tria Beauty for consumer purchase.
Benefits
When performed properly in a clean environment using sterile equipment, home electrolysis can give you permanent results--as long as you stick to your self-treatment plan. Once each follicle is treated and regrowth addressed, you needn't worry about arm hair again. Home laser hair removal devices can result in between 50 percent and 70 percent hair reduction after a series of treatments and regular maintenance treatments, according to manufacturers' claims. For some people with dense arm hair, at-home laser hair removal may yield sufficient results.
Downsides
Though home electrolysis devices work much like those used by professional electrologists, Begoun points out that their voltage is much lower. This means that home devices won't be nearly as effective. Also, as James and Begoun point out, electrologists acquire a certain level of skill through hours of training, and if you're new to this procedure, it's easy to do it incorrectly. Infection and scarring can result. Home laser hair removal devices are easier to operate and even have the approval of the medical professionals who operate the Hair Removal Journal. However, just as professional services work best for those with pale skin and dark arm hair, home devices do as well. Also, according to the manufacturers, home laser hair removal devices can't be used by those with medium dark or black skin.
Which is Best?
Given the degree of difficulty performing electrolysis at home, using a personal laser hair removal device seems to be your best bet if you want to tackle arm hair in the privacy of your own home. If permanent hair removal is a more appealing proposition--or if you don't meet the "best candidate" criteria for laser hair removal--it might be beneficial to seek out services from an electrologist instead. After all, home laser hair removal isn't inexpensive; devices cost at least $500. According to the American Electrology Association, electrologists charge between $25 and $40 per treatment, depending on where you live.
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