Can You Remove Unwanted Hair Forever?

The million-dollar question when it comes to unwanted hair removal is whether you can get rid of them permanently and forever. It’s disheartening many times to know that even laser hair removal needs multiple sessions to reach the so-called permanent reduction! And even then, you may need a session or two in between as maintenance. 

Today’s blog discusses why true “permanent hair removal ” is a distant dream and why it takes so much time to get smooth hairless skin with even a laser. 

The simple reason is that the hair root is live tissue and keeps generating new hair strands. Thus, every time we pluck out a hair, new hair forms below the skin and comes out. This is why our head hair grows in length over time too.  As a result, to permanently stop hair growth, these root stem cells need to be destroyed (without damaging the surrounding skin, of course!). This will permanently remove unwanted hair. 

All our routine hair removal methods, like shaving, plucking, epilation, hair removal creams, waxing etc., all only remove or cut the hair shaft of the hair and do not damage the root stem cells at all; as a result, they are temporary hair removal modalities and require repeated sessions. 

Whereas laser and electrolysis both use technologies that can destroy stem cells, but they require multiple sessions to selectively destroy the stem cells without damaging the surrounding skin organs. With multiple sessions, laser hair removal and electrolysis hair removal eventually do cause almost permanent hair removal. 

Laser hair removal is currently the best and safest modality for unwanted hair removal, according to the dermatologist. A variety of lasers can be used to target different types and thicknesses of hair to give smooth, healthy hairless skin. 

Coming to natural hair removal remedies – The internet can be a pandora’s box with its available answers to our innocent queries. Our dermatologists do not recommend any hair removal soaps, hair removal oils, herbal teas or herbal pastes like turmeric for unwanted hair for hair removal at home. 

The simple reason for this is there is no scientific evidence that backs the use of these methods, and there is always a risk of damaging or burning the skin due to certain caustic ingredients like strong acids or alkalis that they may contain. 

Here are some hair removal tips that can be tried at home: 

• • Shaving – Shaving is one of the quickest and most cost-effective hair removal methods that all can use. Women can use razors specially designed for them. Make sure to use new blades, shaving cream or gel and shave in the direction of hair growth every time you shave to avoid irritated skin and razor bumps. Always finish up with a moisturiser and sunscreen to protect your skin. 
  • Epilation – Epilation involves plucking the hair from its root and can be done by special machines, a thread or a tweezer, depending on the area involved. It can be painful for larger areas but is a good long-lasting solution for smaller areas like eyebrows or chin hair in women. 
  • Hair removal creams (depilatory creams) –  These creams dissolve the hair protein, and thus hair can be wiped off after the application of these creams. This is a cost-effective painless method of hair removal that can be safely done at home. But be cautious before using these creams for sensitive areas like the face, underarms or private parts, as they may cause skin irritation. It’s always better to consult your skin doctor before going for hair removal creams. 
  • Waxing – Hair removal using hot or cold wax and cloth strips is the most popular technique done at home or in salons. To avoid irritation and bumps after waxing, make sure to have adequate growth before waxing; always try and get the hair out in a single pull in the direction of hair growth and finish it up with a good moisturiser. 

If you are seeking a more permanent solution to unwanted hair, you may consider the following 

Laser Hair Reduction

One of the most effective methods for permanent hair reduction is laser hair removal. Lasers use heat from concentrated light to target the melanin, or pigment, in the hair follicles, causing damage to the hair follicles (including the stem cells), which slows or stops hair growth. It typically requires a series of treatments but can provide long-term results, with many people experiencing a significant reduction in hair growth after several sessions.

Electrolysis

Another effective method is electrolysis, which uses a fine needle to deliver a small electrical current directly into the hair follicle, damaging the hair growth cells. This method can be more time consuming and requires  more expertise to prevent any scarring of the skin, but it is the only method that is FDA-approved for permanent hair removal.

On an ending note, it is also important to remember that unwanted hair growth can be due to underlying hormonal abnormalities like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), hyperprolactinemia, hyper or hypothyroidism, hirsutism, insulin resistance etc. It is vital to seek proper medical treatment for hormonal abnormalities along with hair removal for a better overall result.

In conclusion, while it is possible to reduce the growth of unwanted hair using various methods permanently, permanent removal of unwanted hair forever is not possible. The closest is a well-visible reduction in growth, density and thickness, which can be offered by laser and electrolysis. 

Consult our experts at Clear Skin clinics today to know more.