What is the best permanent hair removal? Which one to choose?

Have you ever tired of temporary hair removal methods such as waxing, shaving or depilatory cream? If so, permanent hair removal may be the solution for you! This article explores the different methods of permanent hair removal, including laser hair removal, electrolysis, pulsed light hair removal and chemical hair removal, and their respective benefits. You'll discover how each method works, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and tips for successful hair removal. Whether you're a hair removal novice or an expert, this article is a must-read for everything you need to know about permanent hair removal!

Laser hair removal

Among the various methods of permanent hair removal, laser is the most reliable.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal requires specific training, accessible only to professionals. A beam of light destroys the hair at its root, the bulb. By targeting melanin, the laser exterminates the hair bulb once and for all. Treatment is carried out exclusively in a doctor's office, under the supervision of a dermatologist.

This method offers many advantages:

• Effective on dark hair
• Fast treatment
• Suitable for all parts of the body
• Permanent results

The only drawback to this hair-removal technique is that it doesn't work on light, white, blond or red hair, or on down. The sensation during treatment is not comfortable.

For whom is laser hair removal suitable?

Laser hair removal is particularly suitable for people with fair skin and dark hair. For areas of the body such as the underarms, bikini line or legs, laser hair removal has proven its effectiveness. 

Intense pulsed light hair removal: a semi-definitive solution

Intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal is an effective hair-removal method, provided it is carried out rigorously.

What is IPL hair removal?

Pulsed-light hair removal sends out a spectrum of light that weakens the hair. The flash emitted diffuses heat that does not burn the skin or destroy the hair bulb. This method is performed in beauty salons by specially trained beauticians. However, more and more devices are being developed for home use.

The advantages of IPL hair removal include shorter sessions, a more affordable price and the possibility of hair removal at home.

However, more treatment sessions are required, and IPL hair removal is less effective on darker skin and lighter hair.

Who is Intense Pulsed Light suitable for?

If you have medium to dark hair and want a gentler treatment than laser, IPL is the right long-term hair removal method for you. It's the ideal way to treat sensitive areas such as the face or arms. 

Electrolysis: the solution for small areas and light hairs

Electrolysis is the ideal solution for areas of the body where hair is not overly present and is fairly light in color.

How does electrolysis hair removal work?

Less well-known than the two previous hair removal techniques, electrolysis is an electrical hair removal process. Only doctors offer it. The professional uses a filament connected to an electrical device. The filament is inserted into the hair bulb and a small electrical discharge is sent. The chemical reaction produced in the bulb is called electrolysis. It's a trickle of caustic soda into the hair follicle that destroys the hair. For small areas such as the face, this method is perfect. Since the treatment is performed hair by hair, body parts such as legs are rarely treated.

The advantage of electrolysis hair removal is that it adapts to all hair types, even the lightest. More painful and time-consuming, however, the treatment is only suitable for small parts of the body.

Ideal areas for electrolysis

The main advantage of electrolysis hair removal is its ability to treat small areas. It is mainly intended for light-colored hair on small areas of the face. On the other hand, you should allow plenty of time to get rid of unsightly hairs, as the technique is slow to perform and requires many sessions.  

Comparing results and durability

Each of these hair removal techniques allows you to put an end to that embarrassingly increased hair growth. Results and durability vary according to the method chosen.

Laser hair removal results

Certainly the most optimal, laser hair removal offers interesting results from the very first sessions. Most patients report smoother skin and up to 90% hair reduction after a full program.

Durability of Intense Pulsed Light hair removal

Intense pulsed light gives you excellent results at the end of your treatment. As the sessions progress, the result is visible. Just allow for a greater number of sessions than with laser hair removal, and remember that a maintenance session is required once a year.

Electrolysis results

Electrolysis hair removal guarantees permanent results. This method of hair removal is perfect, but you'll need to count on long sessions as it works hair by hair. It is not suitable for large surfaces.

Selection criteria: which method is right for you?

To make the right choice when it comes to hair removal, it's essential to consider the right criteria to guide you.

Your skin and hair type

First of all, talk to a dermatologist about your skin type, to make sure it's not too sensitive or prone to allergic reactions.

If your hair is dark, laser hair removal is ideal. If you're looking for a longer-lasting, gentler method of hair removal, opt for pulsed light. If the areas you wish to treat are small and light-colored, opt for electrolysis.

Cost and number of sessions

The cost and number of sessions is another point to consider when making your choice. Laser is more expensive, but you need fewer sessions than pulsed light. In contrast, pulsed light sessions are more affordable. Electrolysis hair removal, on the other hand, is more economical, since it is performed on very small areas. Nevertheless, sessions are more time-consuming.

Pain tolerance

Pain levels vary from one method to another. You should also be aware that not everyone reacts in the same way. Indeed, some people feel pain, while others just have a feeling of discomfort or tingling. On the whole, electrolysis and laser are more uncomfortable than pulsed light hair removal, which is more moderate.

Now that you're familiar with the different techniques for long-lasting hair removal, you'll understand that it's important to assess your needs and know your skin tone and hair type. Your budget and pain tolerance are also factors to consider. Laser, pulsed light or electrolysis, there's bound to be a long-lasting hair removal method to suit you.