Permanent hair removal drastically reduces the necessity of constantly shaving, waxing or plucking hair that grows in noticeable places, especially on the face. Women in their 40s and 50s must deal with falling estrogen levels that cause excessive facial hair growth often opt for permanent hair removal treatments. Younger women who don't want to be bothered with shaving legs or armpits anymore may also choose permanent hair removal as well.

While waxing and plucking leaves the skin smoother than shaving, it is not a form of permanent hair removal and may result in counterproductive consequences. Dermatologists say that ripping a hair out and taking the root with it actually stimulates the hair follicle into quickly regrowing hairs that are stronger than previous hairs. Additionally, people who pluck and wax frequently may experience follicular scarring or damaged skin conducive to painful and unsightly ingrown hair growth.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a popular method of permanent (usually around 90 percent permanent) hair removal that is performed by using a tiny needle infused with an electrical current. This needle directly cripples each hair follicle and effectively inhibits reproduction of hair from that follicle. Because each hair follicle needs treated by the shock of an electrical current, electrolysis treatments are predominantly restricted to smaller areas of the body, such as the upper lip or eyebrows. Using electrolysis on larger areas would take a long time and some people find this type of permanent hair removal somewhat painful.

Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal is not considered permanent hair removal, it can eliminate a tremendous amount of hair in a short period of time. Because a special laser beam effectively heats cells containing melanin pigment in hairs, the hair is quickly vaporized but the follicle remains. Laser hair removal presents a much faster hair removal treatment than electrolysis which is why it is so attractive to many individuals looking for quick and easy hair removal. While electrolysis performed on upper lip hair may take more than an hour or two, a laser hair removal session on a woman's legs, for example, will probably take about half that time. However, laser treatments are more expensive than electrolysis, with laser hair removal costing several hundred dollars while an electrolysis session can range anywhere from $50 to $150.

Oral Medications

For extreme cases of excessive hair growth known as hirsutism, oral medications such as Aldactone is prescribed to inhibit hair growth. The medication works by interfering with testosterone production and increasing metabolic elimination of any excess testosterone. Aldactone also reduces levels of an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that stimulates hair follicle growth.

Good Candidates for Permanent Hair Removal

Good candidates for laser hair removal are those with dark hair and fair to medium skin. Individuals with light-colored hair, however, may not experience the same results. Alternatively, electrolysis works equally well on any kind of hair color or skin tone so those with a lighter hair color may consider sitting through a longer electrolysis session for better results.