There are many methods available for removal of hair. I would divide them into three categories:
Short-term: These range from shaving and cutting [the cheapest and painless], to depilatory creams, mechanical epilators, sugaring, threading, tweezing and waxing [more expensive, messy and/or painful].
Medications: Certain drugs can be effective in reduction of excess hair growth. These include: Eflornithine Hydrochloride; Estrogen and Leuporide combination; Flutamide; Casodex [a new derivative of flutamide]. All of these drugs may have serious side effects [including liver problems, blood pressure problems and even increased risk of cancers], some of them may still be in clinical trials and may not be available in Australia yet.
Long-term: To the best of my knowledge there are currently three mechanical [no use of drugs] methods for long-term hair removal. These are: electrolysis, laser and IPL. These are more expensive, but produce a long-term hair reduction result. Lately, more and more people choose IPL as their preferred method of fighting excessive hair growth. While achieving outstanding results IPL is also the fastest and certainly least uncomfortable, often more affordable method and has less risks then the other two.
RF (Radio frequency) and Microwave hair removal: Please be aware of the newly emerging RF and Microwave hair removal technologies. Investigate thoroughly the technology itself [major eye safety issues for microwave hair removal (especially for facial hair removal) as well as effectiveness of these methods]. Talk to as many manufacturers, distributors and operators as possible, before opting for these. Independently sourced information is available on this topic, please ask your IPL therapist if you would like a copy.
