How can you prep beforehand?
The area you are targeting needs to be hair-free before IPL can be used. Dr. Williams recommends shaving (as opposed to other methods) because there needs to be a hair bulb in the follicle that can then absorb the light from the device.
How long will it last?
IPL is all about long-term hair reduction. As Dr. Williams explained: “It essentially utilizes high-energy light to achieve long-term hair reduction. It works by progressively reducing the regrowth of hair by applying gentle pulses of light to heat the hair root (i.e., hair follicle). This puts the hair into a resting phase. Existing hair then sheds naturally, and regrowth is greatly slowed down. Application is incredibly straightforward; you simply treat the desired area of the body every two weeks for an eight-week period to reduce hair growth by up to 92%. After the initial phase, you treat every six to eight weeks to maintain the results.” As expected, results do vary with each person.
Threading
Not as painful as tweezing or waxing, threading is another popular hair removal option that doesn’t require fancy tech. This ancient practice uses a cotton thread to remove hair and has become a go-to for a quick and cost-effective method.
Where does it work best?
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skincare Junkie, says that threading is best suited for smaller, precise areas. Think eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and sides of the face.
How do you use it?
A trained technician will use a cotton thread and twist it to trap and pull hair out at the follicle level.
How can you prep for it?
There’s minimal prep before a threading appointment. Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends going into an appointment free of makeup or heavy oils. You can expect minimal pain, and she likens the sensation you’ll feel throughout as a quick pinching, but it is generally well-tolerated. Just be sure to go to a trained threading professional.
How long will it last?
Dr. Murphy-Rose says results typically last to four weeks. As for aftercare, she recommends using gentle skincare, avoiding irritants, and minimizing heat or friction for 24 hours.
Oral Meds
Oral medications don’t remove hair directly, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Instead, some medications that target underlying hormones are also able to reduce hair growth over time. The most common ones include spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors, and certain oral contraceptives that help regulate hormone levels.
Where does it work best?
Dr. Murphy-Rose explains that because oral meds are particularly helpful for hormonally driven hair growth, they are best for hair on the face, chest, chin, and lower abdomen.
How do you use it?
This will be dependent on which oral med you opt for, so be sure to ask your doctor how to safely take your medication of choice.
How can you prep for it?
This is also dependent on which oral med you take. For best prep, ask your doctor.
How long will it last?
Dr. Murphy-Rose says results are gradual and can typically take several months to become noticeable, but there is continued improvement over time. She adds that there is no traditional aftercare, and you’ll want to take it under medical supervision.
Laser
As Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, laser hair removal uses a specific wavelength of light to target pigment in the hair follicle to damage it and reduce future hair growth. Results last longer than waxing, threading, or tweezing, but can be more of an investment.
