Different Methods To Permanent Hair Removal

Epilation is one of the two methods used for hair removal. Aside from depilation, which is a temporary method of hair removal, epilation is a method that provides long-lasting results, some even think of it as permanent. There are several methods currently used in epilation processes. A number of methods have been developed that use chemicals, energy of varying types, or a combination to target the areas that regulate hair growth. Permanently destroying these areas while sparing surrounding tissue is a difficult challenge. Methods include the use of electrolysis, laser, and intense pulsed light.

Electrolysis or Electrology

Electrology is the practice of electrical depilation to permanently remove human hair. The actual process of removing the hair is referred to as electrolysis. The practitioner slides a solid hair-thin metal probe into each hair follicle. Proper insertion does not puncture the skin. Electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs, either through the formation of caustic lye (galvanic method), overheating (thermolysis method), or both (blend method).

Electrolysis as a profession faced new competition in the 1990s after laser hair removal was developed and promoted as a quicker and easier way to remove hair permanently. The Food and Drug Administration declared laser and similar devices can only claim to reduce hair growth, not permanently remove it.

Laser hair removal

The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. According to laser hair removal rancho cucamonga specialists, laser hair removal was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Laser hair removal and intense pulsed light are considered to be the same. Although intense pulsed light is technically not a laser, according to laser hair removal rancho cucamonga practitioners, laser and light based methods are now most commonly referred to collectively as "laser hair removal".

According to laser hair removal rancho cucamonga specialists, there have been cases in which laser hair removal proved to be ineffective. It has also been observed that some people seem to be non-responders - this is not confirmed and reasons are not known, and may in fact be due to lack of skill on the part of many laser operators and/or the type of machine and settings they are using.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

The Intense Pulsed Light hair removal process has become very popular due to its cheaper and faster procedure compared to laser. The comparison of effectivity between Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Epilation is debated by scientists, equipment manufacturers and practitioners, but results are generally accepted to be roughly equivalent. It is also used for the treatment of the skin in a process known as photorejuvenation.

Sterre Lauridsen is a highly trained specialists who performs treatments to keep skin healthy and attractive. She writes articles to share knowledge on proper skin care.