Permanent hair removal means destroying the root of the hair that lies under the skin to retard further growth of the hair. There is a wide choice available to get it done. Some of these options are:

Electrolysis-

This is one of the most commonly used methods for safe and effective hair removal from most parts of the body. In this method, a very thin probe is inserted inside the skin into the hair follicle. A small electric current is then delivered to the hair through this probe. It damages the root of the hair hence inhibiting its further growth. Basically, there are three methods that are used for electrolysis-

• Galvanic electrolysis
• Thermolysis electrolysis
• Blend electrolysis

The results offered by all the three methods are same. The success however

depends more on the expertise than the method being used. Also, type of hair also

affects the electrolysis treatment.

This is a very effective and safe method of permanent hair removal.

It is however a painful and slow method as it treats one hair at a time. Electrolysis

can be done at home or get it done professionally

Verseo ePen permanent hair removal system- It is a needle free electrolysis pen that removes unwanted hair permanently. It is easy and comfortable to use.

Vector system- This system uses electrolysis to permanently remove unwanted body hair. This product has been approved by FDA

Laser Hair removal- This method uses a light of a specific wavelength from a hand held device inside the skin. The target of this light is the pigment in the hair and this light causes damage to the hair follicle and not affecting the surrounding tissue. This method is quite effective and fast. But at the same time, it is very expensive. Laser hair removal, like electrolysis, can be either done professionally or at home.

Various laser hair removal systems meant for home are:-

Rio salon laser scanning hair remover- This is designed for home use. One can enjoy the benefits of permanent hair reduction in the privacy of their homes at a very low cost. It has 2 modes of operations. It can treat one hair at a time or even the larger areas.

TRIA- It is a compact hand held device which is very easy to use and rechargeable. It uses latest technology and has been dermatologists approved. It uses diode laser which reacts with the pigment of hair shaft at the root of the hair hence sending it into dormant phase.

StarLux permanent hair removal system- This system has been in use for a while now. It is now available in the model suitable for home use. The new model has been approved by FDA. It uses a pulse of light to disable the cells that are responsible for new growing hair. It enables rapid hair reduction at a very low cost. It can be used by men and women and is very effective.

Types of laser hair removal systems are-

Ruby laser- This laser does not work well for people with dark or tanned skin

Alexandrite laser- It is mainly used for handling larger areas.

Diode laser- This laser is mainly suitable for darker skin tones. It is more suitable for darker skin types. Not so suitable for lighter skin tones.

Long pulse Nd- It is suitable for all skin tones.

If one decides to go for permanent hair removal by laser, there are many options available. You can choose the laser type being used.

The effectiveness of laser hair removal system depends on skin and hair type of an individual.

Laser hair treatment is expensive. The cost of the treatment depends on the hair type, skin type and area being treated. It may also depend on the number of sessions required to get the desired results.

Flash lamps/ Intense pulsed light- In this method, a hand held device delivers a light of specific wavelength into the skin that damages the hair follicle. It uses extremely small amount of light and hence does not cause any damage to the skin. They use the same technique as laser. This method works for a very specific type of skin and hair. Not suitable for most of the people.

Whichever system is used for permanent hair removal, it is very important to make an informed decision. It is advisable to have realistic expectations. One must do some research prior to taking any decision.