Laser Hair Removal vs. Other Hair Removal Options

by Dan

We go through a lot in our quest for a smooth and hairless body. When shaving and waxing just won’t do, many people turn to laser hair removal. What does laser hair removal have to offer, and how does it compare to other popular techniques?
Many people remove their unwanted hair by tweezing or shaving. The downside to shaving is that it needs to be repeated every day for a totally smooth effect. There is also the risk of cutting yourself with the razor, and the irritating side effects of razor burn or infected hair follicles. Depilatory creams can do away with razor burns, but they, too, are a short-term solution. They also contain chemicals that smell bad and might irritate skin. Tweezing lasts much longer than shaving, but it’s too slow and painful to be an effective treatment for large areas. In comparison, laser hair removal can target areas large or small, and after an initial set of treatments, its effects can be permanent.

Waxing is another common way to remove hair. It’s also a fairly painful procedure. Hair tends to grow in cycles, which makes it difficult to achieve uniformly smooth skin through waxing alone. And since hair has to be of a certain length in order to be waxed, subjects might walk around with stubble for weeks before they can have another treatment. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles, so the length of the hairs doesn’t matter. Also, the pain associated with laser hair removal has been described as mild, much like a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal procedure that uses thin needles to inject lye or electric pulses into the subject’s hair follicles. This damages the follicle and prevents it from growing hair. Many electrolysis patients report significant discomfort and high prices. Also, the procedure is very slow and methodical. It’s not efficient to use electrolysis on large areas of the skin.

As you can see, laser hair removal has its pros and cons, just like every other hair removal method. Ask your dermatologist if laser hair removal is the right choice for your needs.

If you are interested in a procedure such as laser hair removal, Restylane® injections, or Thermage®, it’s important to research each skin rejuvenation treatment. Find out which procedure and technique is right for you by speaking directly with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist.

About the Author
Author