A recent survey by the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) shows one in four of its members have noticed an increase in male hair removal procedures. Men are becoming more conscious of body image and seek out treatments to improve their appearance and self esteem. Men’s choices include facials, manicures, moisturisers and removal of body hair, particularly unsightly back hair.

The growing trend in male grooming referred to as “manscapeing” is refuting the previously ingrained belief that such activities were reserved for homosexuals or metrosexuals. The CPSA President, Dr Mary Dingley, states that many athletes such as rugby players, swimmers and cyclists are seeking permanent hair reduction as an alternative to shaving.

Types of treatments

There are three ways of permanently reducing hair growth: laser treatment, intense pulsed light treatment and electrolysis. Lasers which destroyed hair were invented in the 1990’s, early versions only provided temporary removal as they weren’t very powerful. Modern lasers chill the skin and remove hair by killing it.

Laser Hair Removal

Lasers are much more efficient than electrolysis. They can treat a 9 x 9 square millimetre area of skin in half a second. The laser seeks out hairs and destroys actively growing hair in that area. Repeat treatments are required since only a portion of the hair grows at any given time, while other hairs remain inactive.

Removal methods that actually remove hair such as waxing or plucking should be avoided some months before undergoing laser hair removal. This is because lasers only kill follicles that have actively growing hairs. It is recommended that shaving or depilatory creams such as Nair be used during this period instead.

Lasers seek out the hair by looking for dark colours. They basically destroy any brown and cannot differentiate between hair and tanned skin, causing blistering on darker skin. Hyperpigmentation is most severe on people with olive complexions after laser hair removal. To reduce these side effects, it is suggested that lightening cream be used at least two weeks prior to laser treatment.

The darker the skin, the less power can be used in order to avoid blistering. Accordingly, dark skinned persons will require more treatments, often over a dozen. Lasers cannot treat white or blonde hair and often struggle even with light browns. Electrolysis is used for hair that cannot be treated with lasers. Lasers can cause blistering, bruising, scarring and increased or decreased skin pigmentations.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Hair Removal)

IPL uses light energy to destroy hair follicles. It uses broad spectrum light of multiple wavelengths. It differs from traditional lasers, which use coherent light of one colour or wavelength. The energy output of IPL equipment can be varied according to each patient’s requirements. The system sends intense light through skin cooled to 10 degrees celsius permanently destroying hair follicles. IPL can also treat a number of skin concerns at once including red veins, brown spots, tone, texture, acne and regenerating collagen.

Unlike traditional lasers, IPL can be used on all skin types and hair colours and on practically any part of the body. However, it is more effective and requires fewer sessions when treating lighter skin with darker hair. IPL is an effective hair reduction technique with regrowth becoming increasingly weak, thin and lighter with each treatment. Possible side effects include redness, bruising, swelling, scarring and lightening or darkening of skin. Anaesthetic cream may be applied to the skin before treatment. In order to have no downtime, low energy must be used and therefore requiring repeat treatments.

Electrolysis

Electric current is used to fry hair follicles. The process is painful and extremely slow. Scarring can occur if the procedure is not performed correctly. Selecting a trained medical professional is a must. The method cannot treat ingrown hairs. It should only be used on blond or white hairs as laser treatments are much more effective at treating darker hair.

During treatment, a tiny probe is inserted directly into the hair follicle, sending an electric current into the follicle which destroys the hair. The needle is very thin so it shouldn’t damage the skin. While the current works, a sting like pain is felt for a couple of seconds. Remaining loose hairs are then removed with tweezers.

Risks of electrolysis include swelling and redness. Possible side effects which may occur include infection, whiteheads, scabs and scars.

Some tips

Prior to undergoing hair removal treatments, ask a trained medical practitioner what equipment is being used and whether it is TGA approved. Find out whether the removal is permanent and the percentage of hair each treatment destroys. You should also enquire as to the chance of complications such as skin pigmentation problems, blistering, swelling, scarring and bruising. Due to risks involved, it’s always recommended you seek treatment from a qualified medical professional experience in the procedure.