Some hair removal treatments can deliver long-term results, though only electrolysis is considered permanent. Learn about your options and how long each method lasts.
Body hair is normal, but depending on your personal preferences, you may want to remove some of it.
Most hair removal treatments cannot permanently remove hair. However, many can remove hair for weeks, months, or even longer periods of time.
In this article, we discuss long-term hair removal techniques and their benefits, side effects, and effectiveness.
Shaving, trimming, and chemical hair removal creams only remove hair from the shaft. This means they don’t typically last very long, and hair may be back before you know it, especially if your hair tends to grow fast.
Removing hair from the bulb or follicle lasts much longer. And some prescription creams can help reduce the rate your hair grows.
The following methods are ranked by how long results last, starting with electrolysis, which is considered permanent.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses shortwave radio frequencies distributed through fine needles placed directly into your hair follicles. The aim is to destroy the hair follicle so that it cannot stimulate new hair growth.
Unlike other hair removal options, electrolysis is considered a permanent solution by the Food and Drug Administration. However, for the best results, you will need multiple follow-up appointments to catch all the hairs at the correct part of the hair cycle.
Most people need follow-up sessions every week or two. Depending on the length of the session, the cost is typically around $35 to $100 per session.
Once the hair is gone, however, you won’t need maintenance treatments.
Electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body and works for most skin types. It can also remove light-colored hairs.
The most common side effect of electrolysis is skin irritation, which can cause pain, redness, or soreness. Rare but serious side effects include scarring and infection from the needles, as well as keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue). Keloids are more common in darker skin tones.
It’s important that the procedure is done by a board certified dermatologist or electrologist to reduce the risk of side effects.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is another longer-term hair removal option. Like electrolysis, this treatment targets the hair follicle. It works by damaging the follicle with high-heat lasers to stop new hair from growing.
Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body, with the exception of the eye area. The treatment tends to work best in people with light skin tones who have dark hair.
Like electrolysis, laser hair removal requires multiple sessions for the best results. Depending on the area of hair removal, you may need about 4 to 6 treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. It can cost up to $250 a session.
Hair removal usually lasts several months, and in some cases, it can last for years. However, laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. If hair does grow back, though, it’s often finer and lighter in color.
The most common side effect of laser hair removal is skin irritation and redness, but this usually goes away after a few hours. This treatment can also cause temporary pigment changes, especially with darker skin tones.
More serious side effects, such as burns, are uncommon, but it’s important to find an experienced practitioner to reduce your risks.
Prescription creams
If you don’t like the idea or the cost of electrolysis or laser hair removal, you may want to talk with your dermatologist about prescription creams.
One type in particular is called eflornithine, which you apply twice a day for 1 month. It works by blocking the production of enzymes that stimulate hair growth.
Eflornithine works only on facial hair and is better suited to women. Side effects may include burning, rashes, and acne breakouts caused by follicle disruption.
Professional tweezing and waxing
An option for smaller areas of your body is professional tweezing and waxing done by a certified aesthetician. When hair is removed this way, it’s pulled directly out of the root. Depending on how fast your hair grows, results may last from 2 to 8 weeks.
This is a less expensive option than laser hair removal or electrolysis, but you may need to repeat the treatment more often.
While tweezing can be done on any area of the body, waxing shouldn’t be done around the genitals, nipples, ears, or eyelashes. You should also avoid applying wax over varicose veins, moles, warts, or chapped or sunburned skin.
Mild rashes and irritation are the most common side effects of both professional tweezing and waxing, but these are usually temporary.
If your hair continues to regrow very fast despite trying different hair removal treatments, make an appointment to see your doctor. It could be a symptom of an underlying condition, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperthyroidism.
Ingrown hairs are possible with any type of hair removal. In some cases, this can lead to an infection. Follow up with your doctor if you have widespread ingrown hairs or if they’ve become infected or turned into cysts.
A dermatologist can also help you determine which hair removal options are best for your skin type.
It’s normal to have body hair, and removing it is optional. Take your time to consider whether you want to remove your body hair and whether you want the results to be permanent or not. Different hair removal options can last for different lengths of time.
Talk with your doctor or dermatologist about the best options for you. Your skin type and color can also affect how different methods work and the risks you may have.