How Much Does Permanent Hair Removal Cost?
Unwanted body hair is an extremely annoying personal grooming issue. It is tenacious, grows back quickly and is nearly impossible to remove permanently. Over the past few years, there have been many technological advances in hair removal, but unfortunately, this technology doesn't come cheap.
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Types
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The most talked-about type of permanent hair removal available today is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is relatively quick and for most people, not at all painful. A technician shoots a short burst of laser light at the unwanted hair and the follicle absorbs the light/heat from the laser. This process eventually destroys the follicle and prevents the hair from growing back. Unfortunately, this process only works on dark hair, as the follicle must contain sufficient pigment to absorb the laser's energy. Also, this method can only be used on those with fair skin, as tanned or dark skin can absorb too much heat, resulting in burns and scarring. Laser hair removal usually takes six to eight treatments to completely remove hair and can cost anywhere from $50 for one treatment on a small area (such as the chin or upper lip) to $500 per treatment for a larger area (such as the arms or pubic areas).
Types
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Another popular option for permanent hair removal is electrolysis. In electrolysis, a technician inserts a tiny needle or probe into the hair follicle, which either overheats the hair follicle or galvanizes it, depending on the method. Because each hair follicle must be treated individually, electrolysis can be a very time-consuming process. It is also generally considered more painful than laser hair removal, due to the insertion of the probe into each hair follicle. Most electrolysis technicians charge by the minute. A 15-minute session can cost anywhere from $30 to $50, depending on the skill of the technician and the salon. Longer sessions are usually more reasonable, starting at around $60 for one hour.
Types
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A third type of hair removal is called Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL. IPL is quite similar to laser hair removal, but uses a xenon flash lamp instead of a traditional laser. Although IPL is somewhat less expensive than laser hair removal, it is still costly, with prices starting at around $40 for a small area and going up to $400 for a larger one. IPL also requires at least six to eight treatments to be fully effective and is only for use on light skin and dark hair.
Misconceptions
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Contrary to popular belief, IPL and laser hair removal are not permanent hair removal solutions. Although many people do experience permanent results, these two methods produce permanent hair reduction, not removal. In many cases, some hair will grow back, although much finer and lighter than before the treatment. Electrolysis is the only way to achieve truly permanent hair removal, especially on light colored hair.
Warning
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Anyone considering laser hair removal should make sure that their hair is dark enough at the root to absorb the laser's energy effectively. Hair that appears dark on the surface may not contain enough pigment in the root to be removable via laser. Additionally, those seeking to remove unwanted facial hair permanently should be aware that although the hairs that are treated by the laser should not come back, laser treatment does not prevent new dark hairs from growing.
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