Permanent hair removal: how it works, how long it takes and what consequences it has

Fast, practical and effective. The almost perfect formula for removing unwanted hairs by the roots. It is not magic, definitive hair removal required decades of trial and error to compete with traditional hair removal systems such as wax, depilatory creams and razors (electric or not) that for years, fortnightly, month after month, we They remembered that “nothing was forever”.

With the development of more precise technologies and word of mouth as its main allies, permanent hair removal finally managed to become one of the most chosen aesthetic resources in the world. It was adopted by women -mainly for underarm, undercut and leg hair- and also by men, who generally use it to reduce hair on the chest, back and abdomen.

According to the latest survey of the American Association of Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), permanent hair removal is in the top 3 of the most demanded non-invasive treatments in the United States, behind Botox and hyaluronic acid.

For many, however, it is still a mystery how it works, how long it takes and what the consequences are for permanent hair removal.

How permanent hair removal works

The permanent hair removal consists of destroying the roots of the hairs using heat so that they do not grow back. There are two systems: one by pulsed light and the other by laser. The most modern is the laser -diode or alexandrite- a more effective method, since it allows reaching higher temperatures to treat the hair follicles, which is where the hair roots are located.

In a first consultation -which is usually free- the photo-type of the skin, the color and thickness of the hair and the presence or absence of hormonal alterations, among other factors, are analyzed. There the number of sessions is defined (according to age, sex, metabolism and area to be waxed), the intervals between sessions and subsequent care.

That is why it is important to resort to centers that have medical support -managed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons- and that all their equipment is approved by the ANMAT (National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology) to avoid the risk of infections, skin blemishes, scars and burns, and ensure proper control and effective treatment.

A doubt -or prejudice- that can arise in the face of permanent hair removal is whether the treatment is painful. In a study on permanent hair removal carried out in Argentina in 2018 by the Candela brand, 8 out of 10 women claimed to have felt little pain (56%) or no pain (23%). In this sense, specialists ensure that the sensation produced by the laser is similar to a tingling, a puncture or a small pinch.

How long does it take to take effect

In each permanent hair removal session, we work on the hairs that are in the active growth stage, which is when they contain abundant melanin and, therefore, are more receptive to the effect of the laser.

In the following weeks, some new hairs that were in the transition phase (or rest) appear and once they progress to the active phase, they are also subjected to the laser.

“Today there are alexandrite laser equipment that gives excellent results and allows treating all types of skin and hair, even the finest. They are ultra-fast and with an average of 6 to 8 sessions, every 45 days, 90% of the hair can be removed”, explains Dr. Mario Fuks, dermatologist member of the SAD (Argentine Society of Dermatology) and director of the Aesthetic Center. M&D Dermacycle.

Some tips to get better results during the sessions:

The report carried out on the Argentine market in 2018 by the Candela brand also revealed that the permanent hair removal treatment is required by women of all ages from the age of 15, and that 63% of those consulted were between 25 and 44 years.

The most chosen areas for permanent hair removal: undercut (82%), armpits (75%) and legs (66%). And it is precisely these three areas that respond the fastest to treatment, since they have thick, pigmented hair that has matured since puberty.

Thighs, forearms and buttocks, with thinner and less pigmented intermediate hair, will require a few more sessions and the result will be 90% effective.

While on the chest, areolas and abdomen, which like the face tend to have more “fine light fuzz”, it will take a little longer to get rid of the hair and the lightening will be 85-90%. The thicker and more pigmented the hairs, the better the results.

What are the consequences of permanent hair removal

Although it is known as permanent, it is important to clarify that it is long-term hair removal. Once the treatment is finished, additional maintenance sessions will be necessary every three months at the beginning and then every one or two years since, although sporadically, new hair will always appear.

Permanent hair removal is highly recommended by dermatologists in cases of folliculitis (ingrown hairs), since it greatly contributes to combating this pathology. In addition, the laser helps to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin as it activates collagen and elastin, providing greater softness.

Some tips to keep in mind: