There seems to be an ongoing debate about temporary vs permanent hair removal. One of the bigger questions that clients ask is about the so-called “better” option. The truth is, there is no right option or better option when it comes to hair removal treatments. Everyone has different skin and everyone has different body hair – and as such, success with hair removal will differ by individual.
When it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair on your body, every technique or treatment will have pros and cons. In general, this discussion should focus on the differences between the two options: permanent hair removal and temporary hair removal. The bottom-line for clients is to be informed and educated, and seek professional advice.
Temporary vs Permanent Hair Removal: Temporary Hair Removal Options
There are numerous hair removal options that are considered temporary. With varying results, these would include waxing, shaving, sugaring, and depilatory creams. Treatment after treatment, these hair removal methods may reduce hair and/or hair growth, but they are not permanent. All of these will do a great job of removing body hair and leaving your skin smooth - but they have to be repeated over and over again for effective results. Temporary hair removal is less expensive than permanent removal and can often be performed at home. At the same time, some of the methods can be painful, and can even result in skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and otherwise poor results.
Temporary vs Permanent Hair Removal: Permanent Hair Removal Options
Options for permanent hair removal include laser hair removal and electrolysis. While very effective, laser hair removal does not provide total hair loss, but rather substantially reduces hair growth, while lightening hair colour. Importantly, laser hair removal is not for everyone, and results do vary from client to client. Electrolysis, another hair removal option, is almost always effective and permanent. Both of the above-mentioned methods require a qualified professional to provide treatment. This will ensure success, while avoiding skin damage and/or skin discoloration. Needless to say, a professional practitioner is costlier, and multiple treatments are required.
A Variety of Different Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Body Hair
When deciding between temporary vs permanent hair removal, the temporary method tends to be easy and fast, and without the need of a skin care professional. And although an expert treatment in a clinic might be safer and more effective, the finished results remain short term.
Shaving is the age-old method - fast and cheap and effective. When using an electric shaver or a conventional razor, surface hair is removed, leaving the skin smooth. Clearly, this method is effective only until the natural hair grows back again. Importantly, shaving does not damage your hair follicles because you are just cutting the hair. The downside of shaving is that it has to done over and over again as the hair grows. As well, there is the possibility of razor burns, skin nicks, and problematic ingrown hairs.
Waxing is a method of hair removal that uses hot or cold wax applied to the skin. After a layer of wax is applied to the surface skin, body hair is removed by physically pulling off the waxed area. The results are quite long lasting since hair is being pulled out directly from the root (the hair follicle). Clearly, this hair removal option is painful (and time consuming) when compared to the other options. With waxing, it’s better to work with a professional, in order to avoid ingrown hairs or skin pigmentation.
Sugaring is similar to waxing but uses natural ingredients that are mixed and then applied onto the skin. When professionally administered, the right sugaring consistency can remove body hair right from the root, with results that last up to six weeks. Sugaring is ideal for clients who prefer a “natural” approach that uses products like sugar, honey, and water. Sugaring is also less painful than waxing, and because it doesn’t stick to the skin in the same way, there is less chance of skin irritation/redness.
Some of the Benefits of Having Permanent Hair Removal
If you’re deciding between temporary or permanent hair removal, a good understanding of the options will help you make better decisions. With permanent options, a number of treatments are required, but the results are longer lasting than any temporary method. This means that you’re free from daily or weekly hair removal tasks. Keep in mind, however, that age, hormones, and genetics may all play an impactful role in treatment options, and the long-term results that you may be expecting.
Electrolysis uses low-level electricity to destroy hair follicles at their source. This procedure is done with a device that inserts a fine needle (with low electrical current) directly into a hair follicle. The hair follicle can then be removed. Electrolysis is long lasting and virtually permanent, mainly because the hair follicles are destroyed during treatment. It’s a tedious and time-consuming treatment, with some stinging and pricking being felt. Electrolysis has to be performed professionally to avoid any mishaps.
Laser hair removal uses a focused laser beam of light energy to target and destroy many hundreds of hair follicles at one time. Laser hair removal is considered “nearly-permanent” and is very effective after a series of treatments. Professionally performed, this treatment does not cause skin infections and does not leave residual marks. It’s appropriate for all skin types and skin tones - from light to dark skin. There is some discomfort from the laser beam, but with proper treatment, discomfort is reduced.
Intense pulsed light (also referred to as IPL) is a technology used for a variety of aesthetic purposes, including hair removal. With IPL, “light” is absorbed by hair pigment, thus disabling the growth of hair follicles. IPL is able to deliver light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at one time. This hair removal treatment works well with light and medium skin tones, providing permanent hair reduction after a number of treatments. It’s not recommended for gray, red, or white hair (or for those with dark skin).
There’s no Need to Experience the Effects of Shaving or Waxing
Whatever the hair removal option - temporary or permanent – it’s best to seek treatment from a specialist in a professional clinic environment. More than that, having a good understanding of the various options is valuable in making a decision that’s right for you.
If you’re fed up with shaving or waxing, and if you’re deciding between temporary or permanent hair removal, then permanent hair reduction might be the answer. What’s most important is to know about the pros and cons, and here, a professional can certainly help.
If you’re opting for laser hair removal as an option for permanent hair reduction, you can say goodbye to razor burn and ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal promises smooth, hair-free skin all of the time. And with today’s advanced laser technologies, treatment is quite safe.
With laser hair removal, some preparation is required prior to the first treatment, and multiple clinic visits are needed for effective hair removal. Smaller areas like the upper lip can be effectively treated very quickly, while larger areas (back and legs) will take more time.
Although everyone responds to laser hair removal differently, the associated health risks are minimal. High-tech equipment cools the skin during treatment, and every effort is made to ensure both safety and comfort. There is no recovery time required and no-downtime.
In some cases, laser treatment may cause a “mild sunburn” sensation in the treatment area, but serious side effects are rare, and do not usually last more than a few days. In a professional setting, with expert supervision, hair loss will be evident in about 3 weeks post treatment.
Temporary vs Permanent Hair Removal at the IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic
Once decided, laser hair removal should be performed in an established, reputable clinic. At IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic, our laser technicians are well trained and highly experienced – they provide valuable advice on treatment options and realistic information on expected results.
IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic has the most advanced laser technology available, with proven results in stopping hair growth completely. We use the latest devices including the brand new LightSheer® DUET™ and GentleMax Pro®. Noticeable results can be achieved in 3 treatments (within a total of 6 treatments) all depending on your specific skin colour and hair consistency.
With laser hair removal, there are other benefits after treatment. Your skin is actually rejuvenated, sun damage is quite often reversed, and ingrown hairs are a thing of the past. With the LightSheer® DUET™ and GentleMax Pro® devices, you will be completely satisfied with your results. Post treatment, it’s important to make use of quality skin care products to benefit the skin.
When you’re making decisions about temporary vs permanent hair removal, you can rely on the experts at IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic to recommend the approach that best suits your needs. We always provide professional advice so that you can make astute decisions going forward. To learn more about our wide range of hair removal services (and products), call one of our specialists directly at 416-484-4884 or visit www.igbeauty.com/service/laser-hair-removal.
