The reality of hair removal is that just about any method used will not give completely permanent results. There is a large gap, however, between certain methods as some will likely remove unwanted hair for years while techniques will only work until the hair grows back at its normal rate. We are going to briefly discuss some of the (usually cheaper and more DIY) hair removal systems that provide a shorter term effect in this post.
If you are looking for temporary hair reduction, it is often accomplished with the use of IPL, laser and eflornithine hydrochloride cream. Be aware that IPL and laser may often give more permanent results. People will use these removal systems usually for medical reasons such as ingrown hair and various other conditions which cause abnormal hair growth on places of the body that are visual to the public.
Your more common methods for removing hair temporarily consist of the following techniques:
Epilation: physically removing the hair from the shaft.
- Waxing: by far the most common and effective means of epilation. Be aware that a rash will often follow, and that the follicles can actually become infected causing what appears to be acne. Antiinflammatory creams are often used afterward to treat this. Also, make sure to use good, clean wax to prevent infection.
- Mechanical epilators
- Sugaring: a paste is made, cooled and then applied to the offending area. It is then ripped off the body much like waxing. This method is very appealing to many DIY types.
- Threading: a method commonly used in India and other parts of Asia where a thread is used to mechanically pluck hair from the body.
- Abrasives: if you are prone to ingrown hairs, this method should be avoided.
Depilation: removal of part of the hair shaft.
- Chemical depilatories: the use of creams, chemicals or shaving powders to dissolve the hair. While this method can often be painless, it may also cause chemical burns to those with sensitive skin. Be cautious using these on highly visable areas of your body without first testing them elsewhere first. Be aware that it is often difficult to use these to remove coarse or thick hair without also burning the skin so use caution.
- Trimming and shaving: self explanatory.
- Friction: be aware that this method can cause ingrown hairs to those who are susceptible.
Finally, bleaching is an alternative used by many with thin hair. With this method, the hair isn’t removed, but simply made to be lighter and thus less noticable. Those with sensative skin should be aware that this can actually burn the skin if left on too long, so be careful!
There are many different ways to cheaply and temporarily remove hair, what system you use will depend largely upon what resources are available as well as the type of skin and hair you have. Make sure to experiment first on a small patch of hair located in a not so easy to see and insensitive part of your body first before attempting a new technique on a highly visible part of your body like your face.
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