Electrolysis: Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal for most people,
but requires a considerable amount of training and skill to be performed correctly. In the process, a hair-thin metal probe is slid into the
follicle, and an electrical current is passed through the probe into the follicle causing damage to the follicle and destroying its ability to
grow hair. It has the best and longest record of effectiveness, but can be expensive and painful, as well as being very tedious. It should be
noted that some people do not respond to electrolysis.
Laser: In the laser method, light at a specific wavelength is directed
onto the skin, targeting darkened areas (i.e. the pigment in the hair) and causing thermal or mechanical damage to the follicle. Some consumers
have experienced long-lasting or permanent reduction in the amount of hair after treatments. It is considered safe, and is useful for large
areas of hair removal. Some people find it an uncomfortable process, and it is not recommended for those persons who tan themselves or have
darker skin pigment. The procedure is expensive, and even the most ideal candidates (with pale skin and dark hair) may not respond to
treatment.
Flashlamps: The flashlamp works in principle exactly the same way laser
treatments do, except that full-spectrum (non-coherent) light and low-range infrared radiation are filtered to allow only a specific range of
wavelengths. Again some people do experience long-lasting or permanent hair removal. It has the same drawbacks as those listed for laser
treatment.
Prescription Oral Medications: There are available some prescription oral
medications that can stop unwanted hair growth on the body, such as spironolactone, finasteride, flutamide, cyproterone acetate, ketoconazole,
and gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists. All of these medications act to correct specific causes of abnormal hair growth and are not
intended to general use or simple cosmetic hair removal. They can only be prescribed by a physician and should only be taken under specific
instruction. Some of the medications can have very serious side effects. Once again, these drugs are designed to treat medically established
cases of abnormal hair growth, NOT to remove hair for cosmetic or vanity purposes.
Topical Prescriptions: In cases of women with abnormal facial hair growth,
a doctor can prescribe a topical treatment called Vaniqa, which contains eflornithine hydrochloride. Eflornithine hydrochloride inhibits the
enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase, which affects hair growth. Current studies show it is effective in about 58% of women who've used it. It is
not a depilatory, so you would need to continue using another method of hair removal in conjunction with the topical medication. Results
usually take about 2 months to become noticeable, and if you discontinue the treatment, the hair may return to previous levels within 2 months
as well. It is necessary to consult carefully with your doctor on the proper use of this treatment.
Be Careful:
It is important that you use good judgment when considering methods of hair removal. There are a lot
of methods out there whose makers make astounding claims, but which may be dangerous, or whose effectiveness is doubtful. Among the latter
group are such methods as electric tweezers, "transdermal electrolysis", "transcutaneous hair removal", photoepilators, microwaves,
non-prescription topical preparations, and food and dietary supplements.
Do your homework carefully, and make the best choice for your personal situation.
