Methods of hair removal Hair removal might be considered a "cosmetic" issue,
but managing or removing unwanted hair can go beyond being a simple
"cosmetic" problem.
Many cultures have an aesthetic "ideal" amount of
hair for males and females. For some of us, unwanted hair that
exceeds this arbitrary standard can cause real or perceived problems
with social acceptance.
The information I've compiled would fill a book, so if you're
researching a specific method, you can go right to that topic.
For a more thorough review, I recommend reading the background
information.
Background Information
 Definitions
Temporary Methods
Hair removal can be achieved through depilation (removing part
of the hair above the skin's surface) or epilation (removing the
entire hair). For many consumers, temporary methods at regular
intervals are acceptable. Right now my focus is on devices claiming
permanence, but I'll be discussing temporary methods in the future.
Depilation lasting several hours to several days can be achieved
by:
Shaving or trimming (manually
or with electric shavers)
Depilatories (creams
or "shaving powders" which chemically dissolve hair)
Friction (rough surfaces
used to buff away hair)
Epilation lasting several days to several weeks can be achieved
by:
Tweezing
Waxing
(a hot or cold layer is applied and then removed with porous
strips)
Sugaring
(similar to waxing, but with a sticky paste)
Threading (also called
fatlah or khite, in which a twisted thread catches hairs as
it's rolled across the skin)
Rotary
epilators (devices which rapidly grasp hairs and pull
them out by the root)
"Permanent" Methods
If you're seeking permanent hair removal, you have several imperfect
options. A number of methods have been developed that use chemicals,
energy of varying types, or a combination to target the areas
that regulate hair growth. Permanently destroying these areas
while sparing surrounding tissue is a difficult challenge. I recommend
relying on a body of published, peer-reviewed scientific evidence
to ensure the effectiveness of a method.
Permanent hair removal for most
Electrolysis
Permanent hair reduction for some
Laser
Flashlamp
Lasting hair inhibition for many (requires continuous use)
Home-use laser
Prescription
oral medications
Prescription topical
preparation (Vaniqa)
Restricted methods
X-ray (banned in the United
States)
Photodynamic therapy
(experimental)
Doubtful methods
Electric tweezers
"Transdermal electrolysis"
"Transcutaneous
hair removal"
Photoepilators
Microwaves
Foods
and Dietary supplements
Nonprescription topical preparations
(aka "hair inhibitors," "hair retardants,"
or "hair growth inhibitors")
How to choose
Choosing a method
Choosing a practitioner:
Laser/light
Electrologist
Hair removal information:
recommended and non-recommended
Other resources
This site on plastic surgery is a good resource for board certified plastic surgeons.
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