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Hair removal

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Hair removal is a question that undoubtedly worries every woman. It so happened that the standard of female beauty is inextricably linked with well-groomed and smooth skin. Hair removal with a razor is quite simple, the effect occurs instantly, but lasts only for a few hours. Epilation creams also give a short-term result. But at present, there are many different ways to get rid of hair in unwanted places, the main ones are the following:

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Laser hair removal

This method is safe and painless, does not cause side effects. Sometimes, with hypersensitivity of the skin, slight hyperemia may be observed, which usually goes away within 24 hours. Hair removal with laser hair removal is effective in the armpits, intimate areas, on the legs, arms, etc., as well as in the elimination of ingrown hairs. Laser therapy will not be effective for people with light hair or dark skin. When performing the procedure in the eyebrow area, there is a risk of the laser beam hitting the cornea of the eye, so such laser hair removal in the face is not recommended. Before the procedure, the skin should be clean, slightly moisturized, tanning is undesirable. Contraindications to the procedure are various damages to the skin, as there is a risk of getting a burn. To achieve the maximum effect, the length of the hairs should be from one to three millimeters. When performing laser hair removal, hair removal does not occur instantly, as in the process of shaving. It occurs gradually, but is characterized by a long-term effect.

The duration of the laser hair removal course directly depends on the patient's age, hormonal levels, hair color, location, and growth rate. In most cases, three to six sessions are sufficient. The greatest effect is achieved when removing dark hair from fair skin. After laser hair removal, you can apply a hypoallergenic lotion to the skin or cool it with an ice pack. In the first three days after the procedure, you cannot take a hot bath, peel your skin, use perfumes, or sunbathe. Repeated hair removal is recommended after three to four weeks. Between laser therapy sessions, you cannot bleach or pluck your hair, remove it with an epilator or wax, since laser hair removal will not have a positive effect if the follicles are destroyed. It is better to get rid of hair during this period using a depilatory cream or a razor. After the first laser hair removal session, hair growth is reduced by approximately fifty-five percent, with a repeat session – by another forty percent, and ultimately, after six to seven procedures, this figure reaches ninety-five percent.

Waxing

This hair removal can be done using cold, warm or hot wax. Cold wax is softened manually and then applied to the skin. Warm wax (at a temperature of forty degrees) is applied to the skin and removed with a cloth tape. Hot wax (at a temperature of fifty-five degrees) is applied to the skin and after hardening is removed along with the hair. Waxing makes hair thin and dulls its growth, suitable for all skin types. The lasting effect lasts up to two months. At the same time, it should be noted that this hair removal causes pain, can provoke irritation of the skin and ingrown hairs. Contraindications to the procedure are increased skin sensitivity, the presence of dermatological diseases, skin damage, moles, warts, papillomas, varicose veins, diabetes. Before the procedure, you cannot sunbathe or go to a bathhouse or sauna, the skin must be sufficiently cleaned and dried, the hair length must be at least four millimeters. A lasting effect is achieved by waxing at least once every four weeks. After the session, the skin can be lubricated with a soothing cream, for 24 hours after the procedure, you cannot sunbathe, and you should also avoid contact with water on the skin.

Hair removal with electrolysis

Electrolysis is the destruction of the hair follicle using a thin needle under the influence of electric current. This method is quite safe and effective for all skin and hair types. In case of increased skin sensitivity, anesthesia may be administered. In general, the procedure causes minor discomfort. The electrolysis method allows you to remove hair on any part of the body, including ingrown hairs. Hair begins to grow back two to three weeks after electrolysis, after which a repeat session is scheduled. It is possible to completely eliminate unwanted hair growth in the eyebrow area in two procedures, in the upper lip area - in three to four sessions, on the shins and thighs - in four to seven sessions. It should be noted that one session takes quite a long time - from one to two hours, red dots remain on the skin for one to two weeks due to the effect of the needle.

In order to perform electroepilation, the hairs must be at least five millimeters. After such a procedure as hair removal, the skin must not be wetted or exposed to direct sunlight for twenty-four hours, and it is also forbidden to visit a solarium, sauna, etc. for seven days. In between electroepilation sessions, other methods must not be used.

Photoepilation

This hair removal is based on the use of high-pulse light. Thermal waves promote blood coagulation in the capillaries that feed the hair follicle, as a result of which the hair follicle is destroyed and the hairs fall out. The photoepilation method is safe and painless. One of the advantages of photoepilation is that it allows you to treat large areas of skin in a short period of time. The day before photoepilation, you need to shave your hair with a razor to prevent the energy of the light flash from dissipating along the entire length of the hair. You should also avoid sunbathing for a week before photoepilation. Contraindications to the procedure: dermatological diseases, diabetes, varicose veins, oncological skin diseases, acute infections and inflammations, pregnancy, tanning, taking medications that increase the sensitivity of the skin to the effects of sunlight or ultraviolet rays.

Enzyme hair removal

Before the session, the hair is removed with wax. Then, a preparation containing enzymes (papain, trypsin) is applied to the treated surface and exposed to infrared rays, causing the hair follicles to die. Then the skin is moisturized with enzyme milk, which removes hyperemia and slows down hair growth. The procedure is recommended to be performed once every thirty days. Contraindications to enzyme epilation are varicose veins, skin diseases, pregnancy, and individual intolerance to enzyme-containing preparations.

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Elos epilation

This method is based on the combination of optical and radio wave energy, which makes it possible to influence the hair structure, causing its destruction, as a result of which hair growth stops completely. The procedure has a positive effect on any skin type and hair structure, does not cause ingrown hairs and does not require post-epilation treatment. It should be taken into account that this method has quite a few contraindications. After elos epilation, a burning sensation, hyperemia, folliculitis may appear, which subsequently, as a rule, quickly pass. Sunbathing is prohibited for one to two weeks before and after the sessions, the procedure is carried out once a month and a half. Between elos epilation sessions, growing hair should be removed with a razor or cream, wax and plucking hairs are prohibited. Permanent hair removal is observed after six to eight procedures.

Hair Removal at Home

  1. To prepare the mixture, take pine nut cones (you can also take the shell), pour boiling water over them (1 cup of boiling water per 2 tablespoons of fruit or shell), leave to steam for fifteen to twenty minutes, then cool and strain. Soak gauze with cotton wool in the decoction and intensively wipe the areas of the arms or legs from which you want to remove unwanted hair.
  2. Fifty grams of crushed seeds of non-stinging nettle are poured with 100 grams of vegetable oil, filtered and used to lubricate hands and feet for eight weeks.
  3. Datura seeds are finely ground, poured with vodka until a homogeneous thick mass is obtained, infused for twenty days, and the resulting infusion is used to lubricate unwanted hairs.
  4. Mix 100 grams of milkweed juice with 50 grams of aloe juice and slaked lime, leave for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Then rub into the desired areas, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. After the procedure, treat the skin with a soothing cream.

It should be taken into account that home hair removal using folk remedies may be accompanied by allergic skin reactions or burns.

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