Quite often, the phrase ‘permanent hair removal’ is a misnomer and is used out of context. Legally, there is only one procedure that is accepted as having permanent results in hair removal and that is Electrolysis. This traditional process has been in existence for more than 12 years and can give 100% results. This process involves piercing the hair follicles with a thin needle and then passing electric current through this needle. The current proceeds to destroy the hair roots and prevent the possibility of rejuvenation and re-growth. The type of needle and the type of current that is passed vary as per the individual and procedure but the end results are guaranteed. Permanent hair removal is achieved through this method.

This procedure is time consuming and is long drawn out. The minimum duration of the procedure is more than three months, involving many sessions. Every session is also for long durations, often running beyond three continuous hours. These sessions are also very painful and the people will need to bear this pain for long durations in a session. It is also painstakingly time consuming and requires high level of expertise of the practitioner. The concentration levels of the practitioner also need to be up to the mark, otherwise it can lead to skin burns and electrical shocks. In spite of these short comings, many people are willing to undergo electrolysis because of the tag – permanent hair removal.

There are other methods of hair removal that are more efficient, more hygienic, less painful, less stressful and less time consuming. But they do not have the tag of permanent hair removal associated with them. They have a permanent hair REDUCTION tag. The difference is that these methods weaken the hair structure during the course of the procedure. The resultant hair growth is thin, finer and less coarse. They also manage to destroy many hair cells just the electrolysis method (you can also check out: Electrolysis Hair Removal for more information) but not all and so, they are not removers but are reducers. Hair reduction means that the reduced hair eventually grows back weaker. The time taken for this regrowth process is also lengthened, often running up to many years. The end results after these procedures are as good as electrolysis but the people need to undergo the procedure again after a few years. Nowadays, more people are opting for these procedures rather than electrolysis because of their time and cost efficiency. The most popular reduction methods are laser and IPL.