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1 Shock it with electrolysis
Electrolysis works on fair hair and all skin types and it's one of the most effective ways to get rid of unwanted hair. That might just be because it uses electricity to kill off your hair matrix cells – permanently. If that conjures up memories of accidentally touching an electric fence on a country walk (hey, they're hard to see), don't worry – it's no way near as strong as that – and it's totally safe.
Your technician pops a probe straight into each of your hair follicles (they won't pierce the skin) and blast them with a small current. It'll take a few sessions to get every last bit, as your hair doesn't grow all at the same time
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2 Zap it with lasers
In keeping with the Star Wars theme here. Strictly speaking, the results of laser hair removal aren't permanent, but they do last for years and years. Most treatments work best on pale skin with dark hair (although some, like Nd:YAG and Alexandrite, are good for darker skin tones too).
Here's the sciencey bit: lasers work by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles, heating them up and destroying them. The technician will pop it on one setting at a time so they can easily adjust the frequency to suit your hair colour.
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3 Light it up with IPL
Intense pulsed light therapy, to give it its proper name, is similar to laser treatment. But instead of using one beam, it blasts a whole spectrum at your follicles. It's most effective if you've got dark hair and pale skin.
A good technician will do a small patch test before getting started, and after a few sessions your face should be silky smooth.
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FAQs
How effective is electrolysis for removing facial hair?
Electrolysis removes facial hair permanently by using electricity to destroy hair matrix cells. This treatment works on fair hair and all skin types, but you’ll need several sessions because hair grows in different cycles.
What types of skin and hair are suitable for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal works best if you have pale skin with dark hair. Some lasers, like Nd:YAG and Alexandrite, are also suitable for people with darker skin tones, as the technician can adjust the settings to target the pigment in your hair follicles.
How does IPL therapy differ from laser hair removal?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) uses a spectrum of light instead of a single beam to target hair follicles. Like laser treatments, it is most effective on dark hair and pale skin, and requires a patch test before your first session to ensure safety.
Do you need multiple sessions for permanent facial hair removal?
Yes, you need several sessions to remove facial hair permanently with electrolysis, laser, or IPL. This is because not all hairs grow at the same time, so repeated treatments ensure every follicle is treated for smoother results.
How many British women have facial hair?
About 40% of British women have facial hair, which equals two out of every five. Many people manage it with treatments such as waxing, threading, shaving, or longer-lasting options like electrolysis, laser, or IPL.