Nothing will make you feel more feminine than smooth, hair-free skin. There are lots of options for hair removal, including shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatories, etc.
But the holy grail is permanent hair removal. This is especially true if you’re planning a full transition.
So what’s best? Electrolysis? Laser hair removal? DIY devices? Creams?
In this post, I share what actually works for permanent hair removal – and the pros and cons of each method.
Electrolysis
First and foremost, electrolysis is considered the only TRULY permanent method of hair removal. During electrolysis, a small probe is inserted into hair follicles to damage the follicle with electricity.
Because each hair must be treated individually, electrolysis is very time consuming. It also takes more than one treatment per follicle, so you could be looking at years of weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
PROS:
- It’s the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal.
- It’s effective for all skin and hair colors.
CONS:
- It takes many sessions. For example, transgender facial electrolysis averages 70-90 hours all the way up to 300 hours.
- It can be quite painful, especially in areas like the upper lip.
- There’s a risk of skin discoloration or scarring if not performed properly.
COST:
Licensed electrologists charge from $75-$100+ per hour, so the full treatment can add up to thousands of dollars. However, once the hair is gone, it’s gone.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the most popular “permanent” hair removal method, but it’s important to know that it’s only approved for permanent hair REDUCTION. It uses lasers to damage hair follicles, reducing growth. It can thin the beard by 70%-85%.
Laser hair removal can inhibit hair growth for several years, but some or all of the hair can grow back – especially in people with fair hair. That means that you may need to have repeat maintenance sessions every 6-12 month.
PROS:
- It can treat large areas at once.
- It’s much faster than electrolysis.
- Most people see a significant reduction in hair growth after 3-8 sessions.
- The hair grows back lighter and finer.
- It’s less painful than electrolysis (though not totally pain-free).
CONS:
- It’s only effective for hair reduction, not 100% hair removal.
- It’s most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. If you have darker skin or fair hair, it will not be as effective.
- There’s a risk of skin discoloration or scarring if not performed properly.
COST:
Laser hair removal costs $50-$400 per area per appointment depending on size. That means it can also add up to thousands of dollars over the course of the treatment.
You can also check Groupon for deals, but be sure to research the facility carefully. Bargains aren’t always the best idea when it comes to your face and body.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
With the high cost of laser hair removal, there are now some decent options for doing it yourself. DIY devices can indeed work, but they aren’t without drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of at-home laser hair removal:
PROS:
- It offers considerable cost savings over professional treatments.
- It’s more convenient since you don’t have to schedule appointments.
CONS:
- It’s time consuming since at-home devices are smaller than pro devices.
- It’s less effective since at-home devices aren’t as strong.
- It’s hard to treat certain areas (like the back) when you’re treating yourself.
- There’s more risk of side effects since you aren’t a trained pro.
- The devices can be painful to use.
Here are the most popular at-home laser hair removal systems:
- Silk’n Infinity 400,000 – $399
- Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x – $449
Creams and Natural Remedies
Finally, you might be wondering if there are any “natural” ways to remove hair permanently. If you search the internet, you’ll find all kinds of so-called permanent hair removal creams and home remedies involving turmeric, honey, onions, etc.
Unfortunately, these simply do not work. The only way to permanently stop hair regrowth is to destroy the hair follicles, which creams and natural remedies can’t do.
That said, there are some hair inhibitor creams that can be effective. These temporarily slow hair regrowth by blocking hair follicles with enzymes. But keep in mind that they only work for as long as you use them.
Here are a couple options for hair inhibitor creams:
- VANIQA – A prescription cream that reduces facial hair regrowth
Let’s talk hair removal
Now that I’ve covered the options for permanent hair removal and reduction, I’d love to hear what YOU think.
Have you tried any of the procedures or products above? What were your results?
Please take my poll and share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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Forgot to say In my other comment. Emla cream and other numbing agents and preparations containing lignocaine and / or lidocaine are very helpful for electrolysis. Especially for whimps like me with low pain threshold. Emla is 5% of both.
Depuis plusieurs années, je pratique l’épilation intégrale du corps à la cire. Ca me permet d’aller régulièrement en institut de beauté.
There is such a place I’ve heard about I believe near Houston, Texas.
I had the laser treatment, they did a test shot on my neck, it did turn a little red but nothing real noticeable. I went back and had my who face and neck done. The tech spent a good deal of time round my chin. The next day I noticed that it felt burnt. Then it started to look infected. They had actually burnt me, badly. I went back and said that they had used a too strong of laser and gave me a prescription for some burn ointment. Then asked when I wanted to schedule my next appointment. They had just burned my face, acted like it was no big deal and wanted to know when I was coming back. Nope. Now the skin on both sides of my chin below the corners of my lips is scared. As I have gotten older it has become worse when I shave so I have had to give up dressing as it is just too noticeable.
Charley, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m appalled that this clinic treated you that way and caused permanent damage. 🙁
Yes I use to go out a lot, some people use to say that I looked a lot like Jamie Lee Curtis when she was younger. They often said I should have been born a girl. That is what makes it the hardest. Oh well.
Charley, don’t let this stop you from getting dressed and going out. I’m sure most people don’t notice the scars. Have you looked into treatments such as microneedling? Microneedling looks quite promising: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840919/
Are home electrolysis systems any good? Is there a Brand/Model worth tying?
Thanks
I’ve tried electrolysis, laser and epilady.
Electrolysis was great and works but expensive and a pain for appointments and time. The little I had did thin my facial hair a bit.
I had some laser and believe it thinned my facial hair. I’d do more but have aged and think my hair is too light, white or gray to work now.
I use an epilady on my arms and legs now. It does hurt but lasts longer than shaving or nair. I also can’t reach all the areas I want with epilady.
Hi Lucille. Just a note to you and your readers on my experience with laser hair removal . I had a very good/positive result from laser removal on my legs and face . Time was an issue for me and this was very quick as I was able to accomplish both areas in a six week period . This was done about two years ago and I have very little regrowth .
That is fantastic to hear!
In my experience, with my facial hair type, laser was pretty much as good as permanent. Especially together with HRT. But it only works for dark hair; I transition to an age much of my facial hair is white. Laser is altogether ineffective for this hair, so I really really wish I’d done this much earlier.
With regards to electrolysis, there is a clinic 2pass in Antwerp that does eight hour sessions with the help of oxycodone. Opioids make my tummy really, really sick, so, although the Spain the session was remarkably pain free, it was a bit of a marathon because I felt continuously that I was going to throw up. Not many people have a reaction to oxycodone as bad as mine. But the very WORST thing for me about electrolysis is that I must let my hair grow for 3 days. I feel horrible. So the wonderful thing about the eight hour session is that it gets so much done, and you only have to grow your hair every three months or so. Maybe there are similar clinics in the US.
Hi Selene, that’s great that you’ve had such good results with laser hair removal. You bring up a very good point about doing treatments sooner rather than later since laser does not work on white/gray hair.
I believe there are also clinics in the US that do intensive electrolysis sessions.