People have been waging a war against unwanted facial hair for centuries. In the past, it came down to plucking, which is still being used today. Over time, people turned to waxing and creams. But with advances in technology there are now new forms of removing hair. For those individuals looking for permanent facial hair removal there are more options available.
Taking on the task of permanently removing facial hair has its challenges. For one, the face has extremely sensitive skin and the slightest irritation can be seen for some time. Plucking and waxing have only short residual after effects, but they are also not permanent. To get into this category the individuals has to be willing to experience some discomfort and some residual effects to the skin.
The main procedure for this treatment is electrolysis. This involves inserting a needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current directly to the root, in order to kill it. This has to be done for each individual hair, which is time-consuming. The needle has to remain in the follicle for approximately one minute in order to work properly. Plus, depending on the level of hair to be removed it might take multiple visits.
Every area of the face can be treated in this manner except for the inside of the nose and the ear. These do not respond well to this procedure and will have to be treated one of the old-fashioned ways. Otherwise, the entire face is open to having this done.
A downside to this procedure is the cost, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, again based on the volume of hair to be treated.
Another treatment option is laser hair removal. Touted as another permanent method, it usually does not have the resounding positive after effects as electrolysis. But it certainly is better than the other standard options.
Laser removal is actually considered a medical procedure in which melanin is applied to a hair and then hit with a laser light. The light allows the melanin to be absorbed into the hair follicle causing it to resist re-growth. But some skin types and skin colors are not recommended for this treatment as they can damage the color permanently.
This treatment also requires multiple follow-up visits since you can only treat hair that has already grown. When new growth emerges they have to be dealt with.
While both methods are considered permanent facial hair removal systems, it should be noted that electrolysis is the only one considered permanent by the FDA.
