How to Stop Hair Growth on Legs

Many people have to grapple with unwanted hair somewhere on the body; in most instances on their legs. Stopping hair growth on the legs is challenging, at best, but it can be done. There are a variety of methods to remove hair. It's important to note that hair grows in cycles. No matter what treatment you choose, it will take time and patience to stop hair growth on legs. There are three common methods of stopping hair growth on legs: a hair growth inhibitor, laser treatments or electrolysis.

Things You'll Need

• Waxing kit
• Hair growth inhibitor spray or lotion

Instructions

Using a Hair Growth Inhibitor

1. Wax your legs. This process can be undertaken at a professional salon or spa or you can opt to do it yourself. At-home wax kits are available at grocery stores and beauty supply boutiques and come with a fairly simple set of instructions. Waxing is actually recommended before using a hair growth inhibitor. This is not a pleasant process, but it will get the hair off of your legs. It's usually best to have someone else assist you as it can be difficult to pull off the large strips of paper yourself.

2. Purchase a hair growth inhibitor. There are over-the-counter and prescription versions and can be found in a lotion or spray form. Emjoi and Kalo are over-the-counter hair inhibitor lotions available in stores and online. Vaniqa is a prescription, FDA-approved hair growth inhibitor that is designed to inhibit the growth of facial hair. Although it has not been tested for use anywhere else on the body (besides the face), ask your dermatologist or physician if it is safe to use on the legs. Moreover, there are several prescription oral medications, like Spironolactone and Flutamide, that have been proven to inhibit hair growth in clinical trials.

3. Massage a thin layer of the hair growth inhibitor on your legs about five to ten minutes after waxing. Cover every square inch of your legs with the lotion. Allow them to dry for a few minutes before getting dressed. If you're using the hair growth inhibitor spray, spritz it all over your legs, then use your hands to rub it into your skin.

4. Use the hair growth inhibitor lotion about twice a day, in the morning and at night, for best results. It may take a few weeks to a month before you start to see the benefits of the treatment.

Laser and Electrolysis

1. See a dermatologist. It's best to talk to a professional about laser hair removal and electrolysis. These are two permanent methods of hair removal that will stop hair growth on legs. Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and light skin. The light from the laser most effectively targets the melanin in dark hair. Electrolysis, on the other hand, can be used effectively on dark and light hair.

2. Commit to at least four to six treatments of laser hair removal. These treatments are usually about six to eight weeks apart. Several treatments are necessary because hair grows in cycles, and it's necessary for the hair follicle to be in the active phase in order to be destroyed permanently.

3. Alternatively, commit to electrolysis treatments. Electrolysis is a process of hair removal that involves using heat energy to destroy the hair follicle. The number of treatments differs based on individual needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a dermatologist for full treatment options. Talk to your dermatologist about possible side effects resulting from the oral and topical medications. Avoid sun exposure after laser and electrolysis treatments. UV rays can cause discolorations on your skin.

References

• Hair Growth Control
• Hair Growth Inhibitor Active Ingredients
• Oral Medications That Stop Hair Growth

Resources

• Emjoi Hair Inhibitor Lotion