Removing unwanted hair is a lifelong struggle for some people, and we may not want it to be permanently removed in the long run. The kind of hair removal methods you choose, be it electrolysis, laser, waxing, shaving, or sugaring, depends on your budget, time, and capacity to manage pain. Moreover, all of these treatments, whether they be permanent or temporary, have their own sets of pros and cons.

As each hair removal method has its own side effects, you cannot label any of them as the better option. One thing you must keep in mind when deciding on your preferred treatment is to carefully choose your dermatologists. You must pick one who is certified, and make sure that they use upgraded instruments.

Let’s study the pros and cons of some of these hair removal methods.

1. Permanent treatments
Laser or electrolysis methods are permanent hair removal methods. A laser is a semi-permanent treatment, and the result varies from client to client. It may not be as effective for some clients, for example, people with heavy pigmentation. In these cases, the laser beam is not able to distinguish between pigmented hair follicles and skin color.

Electrolysis is an absolute solution but a time-consuming one. It’s a process where minute needles with electric current are diffused into a hair follicle, which completely electrolyze the follicle. No hair growth is possible because follicles can never regrow in our bodies.

The pros of permanent treatments include:

• Permanent treatments are effective.
• They save you from weekly and monthly expenses of waxing. One-time electrolysis is more cost-friendly when compared to waxing expenses for your whole life.
• These methods save you from spending long hours at a salon or your home. In addition to that, you are always ready for a beach party or to don short summer dresses, without worrying about body hair at the last moment.

The cons to getting hair permanently removed include:

• Permanent methods can be very expensive. The larger the area, the higher will be the fees. A single laser session costs between $350-$429. A permanent method requires at least six to seven sessions to show results. Besides, there are expenses of medications too.
• It is time-consuming. Treatment of underarms or upper lips will take an hour, but for the bikini area, legs, or hands, it can take hours. Apart from that, each session requires a gap of almost three weeks. Therefore, for the complete result, you might have to wait for eight to nine months.
• There can be side effects like irritation, discoloration, or skin damage in the absence of a trained and certified professional.

2. Temporary treatments
Sugaring, waxing, shaving, and using depilatory creams are some temporary hair removal methods.

Temporary hair removal treatments include the following pros:

• These are less expensive than permanent methods.
• They are not time-consuming.
• While after a laser session you might see significant hair growth, temporary treatments leave your glowing and hair-free following each session.
• These do not require any professional help, and can be done at home by yourself.

The cons to temporary hair removal methods include:

• Temporary methods are not cost-effective in the long term. All the waxing sessions that you have had in your life will certainly cost more than a one-time electrolysis treatment.
• Permanent methods save a considerable amount of time when compared to the summation of all the temporary treatments.
• Some temporary methods can result in irritation and ingrown hair.