Several professions require people to look presentable and stick to a certain standard when it comes to looks. From hair to clothes, these professions require people to look a certain way. The prime example of this would be models and actors. 

In fact, several celebrities and models like Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, and more have openly talked about going through treatments such as laser hair removal. This is understandable considering how hectic their schedule could be, leaving no time for conventional methods like waxing and shaving.

The laser hair removal industry is projected to go from $549.6 million in 2021 to $1,619.7 million in 2028. Laser hair removal has been growing in popularity due to rising disposable income and the growing trend towards looking better.

According to a report, the main factor responsible for the growth of the industry is the fact that a laser hair removal machine treatment can reduce hair growth by 90 percent. Moreover, they are quick, non-surgical, and effective. If you’re considering hair removal treatment, here’s a brief guide on long-term hair removal.

What is Long-Term Hair Removal?

Hair is a normal part of the human bodies and it can be easily removed through several methods. There’s no dearth of options from good ol’ shaving to more serious treatments. However, as mentioned before, some professions need long-term removal. Some may prefer hair removal methods that are proven to last longer than the conventional methods.

While it’s possible to reduce hair growth for a prolonged period, it’s not possible to remove hair permanently. No one method claims to remove all unwanted hair for as long as you leave. This is because hair growth is caused by hormones in the body. In case of hormonal imbalance, new hair growth is bound to happen due to hair follicle stimulation. 

Types of Long Term Hair Removal

Having said that, there is an alternative hair removal treatment that next best option to have prolonged —not permanent— hair-free skin. Let’s take a look at some of these long-term hair removal methods

Laser Hair Removal

Let’s start with the most popular and obvious hair removal treatment for celebrities. The laser hair removal works using a laser beam that penetrates the epidermis and turns off the reproductive cycle of hair within the follicle. In simpler terms, a laser beam is used to zap hair follicles to stunt future growth. 

Depending on the skin type, hair color, and treatment location, it may take two to six sessions for the laser hair removal method to be effective. When choosing where to get the laser hair removal done, ensure that either a doctor or a trained professional handles the treatment. 

Electrolysis

Electrolysis, as the name suggests uses an electric current to inhibit hair growth. The treatment involves a fine needle passing the current under your skin to heat hair follicles. This is not as popular as a laser because it’s a time-consuming process including treating each follicle individually. Additionally, it’s known to be more painful and might cause redness and tenderness in the treatment area. 

However, the FDA considers electrolysis as a permanent hair removal method because it provides the best overall result when it comes to hair reduction. According to FDA, electrolysis is capable of inducing hair reduction for a much longer period of time or even a whole lifetime. However, the result varies from person to person.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

The Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment is a light-based treatment that has been proven to be an effective long-term hair removal method. The method uses a high-powered controlled handheld machine, which blasts an intense and broad spectrum of light on your skin. However, the treatment only affects the anagen phase of hair growth, which means the active growth cycle.

This is the reason why IPL treatment requires a series of treatment sessions to effectively reduce hair growth. The human body has a different concentration of anagen hair in different parts. Therefore, the time between sessions ranges from part to part. The IPL method is ideal for those who have light skin and dark hair. Additionally, experts warn that the treatment might cause redness and swelling. 

These three are the most effective and trusted long-term hair removal methods. There are many other options promising permanent hair removal, however, the results may vary from person to person. Lastly, always get intense hair removal treatment done by a certified professional or a doctor to avoid any sort of mishap.