Body hair is common and natural, but that doesn’t make it any less of a nuisance. This is especially true if you experience hair growth in areas you don’t want. Maybe you experience hair growth on common parts of your body, like your legs, but are tired of shaving every week to achieve smooth skin.
Certain medical conditions can also worsen this experience. For instance, some women suffer from hirsutism (excessive hair growth), which can appear around their mouth and chin. That’s partially why there are so many ways to combat unwanted hair growth.
In this article, we’ll break down a few common hair removal techniques and some you may not be aware of. Hopefully, with this information, you’ll find the best option for you.
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Birth Control
Believe it or not, birth control can help combat unwanted hair growth. That’s because many women who experience excessive hair growth have excess male hormones like testosterone. Unfortunately, several conditions can cause hirsutism. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome can increase hair growth on a woman’s face and reduce it around their scalp. Cushing syndrome and some medications have also been linked to hirsutism.
But the good news is birth control can help. Birth control pills work by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. And according to research, birth control can actually lower the levels of androgen in your body. Because of this, many experts recommend people try birth control as a way to treat hirsutism.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has become a popular way to combat unwanted hair growth. Unlike shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is a more convenient long-term solution. No more having to carve out time during the week to shave or deal with pesky razor burn. With laser hair removal, you have a more permanent solution to combating unwanted hair growth.
Laser hair removal works by using a laser to damage hair follicles, preventing their ability to produce any new hair. You can target multiple areas of the body, including your face, legs, armpits, chest, neck, and shoulders. Most people typically need around five treatments to experience the full effect. But after that, providers typically only advise annual touch-ups.
A common concern people have with laser hair removal is the cost. While the upfront fee depends on the area being treated, the price averages between $100-$800. Keep in mind, laser hair removal is a long-term solution, so you won’t have to continuously pay that price. You also won’t have to spend money on razors, shaving cream, etc. If you choose this option, make sure you work with an experienced professional.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a blade to shave away the top layers of your skin, reducing the appearance of scars and other imperfections. Chances are, you’ve heard beauty experts rave about dermaplaning and how it leaves their skin glowing. Well, it turns out dermaplaning can also be used to combat unwanted hair growth.
Dermaplaning is similar to shaving because they both use a blade. The difference is, dermaplaning is more precise and penetrates your skin more deeply. After the treatment, your skin won’t just be free of hair, but dead skin as well. This means you’ll walk away with smooth and flawless-looking skin.
While dermaplaning isn’t a dangerous procedure, you want to make sure you’re working with a licensed provider. There are some possible side effects, including breakouts, risk of infection, redness or discoloration, and irritation. These negatives are more likely to occur with inexperienced procedures.
Electrolysis
Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal solution. During the treatment, shortwave radio frequencies are distributed through fine needles that are placed directly into the hair follicles you want to be removed. This process destroys the hair follicles, so new hair won’t grow.
Electrolysis can be done on any part of the body. Whether you want to remove hair from your legs or face, this treatment can help. It’s important to note while electrolysis is considered a permanent solution, you’ll need follow-up appointments to see optimal results. This is especially true if you’re targeting areas with more hair growth.
The good news is that electrolysis is typically less expensive than laser hair removal, ranging from $30-$100 a session. Again, make sure a licensed professional, like an esthetician or electrologist, performs your treatment.
Chemical Depilatory
A chemical depilatory is an over-the-counter cream or gel used to remove unwanted hair growth. This treatment often contains thioglycolic acid, an ingredient that breaks down the protein in your hair called keratin. Applying a chemical depilatory causes the hair on your skin to weaken and eventually fall out.
A chemical depilatory is considered an effective solution to removing hair. With that said, it’s not a temporary solution. Unlike laser hair removal and electrolysis, a chemical depilatory doesn’t break down the hair follicles, and your hair will eventually grow back after a couple of weeks. This means you’ll have to continuously apply the cream or gel again to maintain results.
But there are many benefits to using a chemical depilatory. For one, it isn’t expensive. You can also do it in the comfort of your own home. Make sure you read the instructions before applying these products, and do a skin test patch. Leaving these products on for too long can cause chemical burns, and some people have skin that’s more sensitive to these products.
Find What’s Right For You
Body hair is normal, so don’t stress too much about finding the right product or procedure. But if you experience an excess amount of body hair, or simply don’t want hair, there are options. The treatments above, from electrolysis to dermaplaning, are considered effective at removing unwanted hair growth and are worth giving a try.
