How to Stop Body Hair Growth

stop body hair growth

Body hair is a natural part of the human body. It is needed to help regulate the body temperature, keep infections at bay and provide insulation. There are two types of hair that everyone has: Vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is the softer, thinner and lighter hair that covers most of the body like the arms and face. By contrast, terminal hairs are thick, coarse and dark. After puberty, terminal hair will grow on places like the scalp, face (in men), armpits and pubic area. This is normal. 

If hair growth becomes excessive, it is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance. That is, too much androgens such as testosterone circulating within the body. In women, excess hair growth usually takes the form of terminal hair that grows in unwanted places such as the face, chin, back and chest. This is also called Hirsutism.

In most cases, there is an underlying cause to Hirsutism. Common causes include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Cushing Syndrome. In rare cases, it may also be growths or tumors on the adrenal gland or ovaries. As there may be some quite serious conditions that cause Hirsutism, it is key that you discuss these symptoms with your doctor. They can find out what causes it and suggest possible treatment options for you.

There are physical treatment options to remove the hair, but there are also medications, based on the underlying cause of the excess hair. Let’s have a look at them:

Hair Removal Methods

There are two groups of hair removal methods – at home and semi-permanent or permanent hair removal methods.

At-Home Hair Removal Methods

These are the most basic methods of removing hair. It includes shaving, plucking and waxing. These methods can be effective for instant results, but hair growth will return in a matter of days or weeks. Physical methods of hair removal are not permanent. They are most effective when used in combination with other treatment methods.

Plucking/Epilation 

Plucking or epilation are relatively safe and inexpensive hair removal processes. Plucked hairs can remain absent for six to eight weeks before regrowth. An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping the hairs and pulling them out at the root. Epilation can be quite painful and may result in skin irritation (folliculitis) due to the trauma of hair removal at the root.

Shaving

Shaving only removes hair just below the surface of the skin and needs to be repeated on a regular basis (ie. every few days). Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker. The sharp edge of the razor blade shears off the hair, resulting in a rougher appearance.

Waxing

This is a fairly popular method of hair removal. Waxing involves applying a layer of heated wax to the area where unwanted hair is located. When the wax is pulled off, the trapped hairs are pulled out. Waxing tends to leave the skin smoother and is usually less painful than epilation. Waxing is not a permanent hair removal technique.

Depilatories

A chemical (a depilatory agent) that essentially dissolves the hair a few minutes after it is applied to the skin. However, results do not typically last much longer than two weeks, and it can lead to skin irritation. Always do a patch test before applying it to larger areas of the body.

In summary, physical methods of hair removal have immediate short-term results and tend to be cheap or inexpensive. However, these results are not long term and hair will return within a brief period of time. For greater success, physical methods should be used alongside other hair removal techniques.

Semi-Permanent and Permanent Hair Removal Methods

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) 

Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are used to reduce hair growth through a process known as photothermolysis.  Laser and IPL treatments have gained much favour and popularity in the last few years due to the ease of use and fairly good results. But total removal of hair should not be expected. A more realistic expectation for laser/IPL treatments is hair reduction.

In terms of effectiveness, IPL systems have been shown to be as effective as laser hair removal. However, a side effect of both techniques is the risk of burns or skin tone interference. This risk increases with dark skin pigmentation. Other side effects include pain, redness and blistering.

Electrolysis

If performed properly, electrolysis is technically the only permanent method of hair removal there is. It is performed by inserting a needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current before removing the hair. Multiple electrolysis sessions must be attended. Electrolysis can be very effective in reducing hair but since technique can vary amongst electrologists, many patients can experience small amounts of hair regrowth. Side effects of electrolysis are redness, post-inflammatory pigment changes and scarring.

Medications

Depending on the underlying cause of the excess body hair growth, medications may also be an option. After diagnosis, your doctor may recommend the following treatment options:

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are a temporary treatment option for women who do not want to become pregnant. Hormonal contraception can reduce the levels of free androgen (male hormone) in your system. This helps to stop hirsutism at the source. But once the medication is stopped, hair will start to grow back. 

Anti-androgens

These drugs block the action of the hormones responsible for excessive hair growth. Anti-androgens are sometimes used in addition to an oral contraceptive pill. For example, if the initial trial of an oral contraceptive pill has failed to reduce hair growth then your doctor might add one of these medications to enhance treatment. 

Eflornithine (Vaniqa)

A topical cream that reduces hair growth by blocking an enzyme involved in hair growth. Results are seen in about six to eight weeks but once the cream is discontinued, hair returns to pretreatment levels.

Conclusion

As excessive body hair might have quite a serious underlying cause, it’s important to discuss the symptoms with your doctor, as they find what causes it, and suggest treatment options for you.

If you decide to remove your hair physically, remember that whatever technique you settle to keep the following in mind:

  • Be patient. Regardless of the treatment method used, long term hair removal or hair reduction is a process that usually takes 3-6 months to see consistent results
  • Both electrolysis and laser hair removal/IPL work well for a majority of women. But they are each associated with their own pros and cons. They also come with their own unique side effects particularly when used on women of darker skin tone. If undertaking either of these treatments, be sure to have them carried out at reputable establishments
  • Consider using different treatment methods. Many women use several hair removal methods, based on their preference.
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