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How to Stop Body Hair Growth in Men
Men experience hair growth in a variety of areas including the back, chest, arms, legs and pubic region. Getting rid of this unwanted hair is stressful for some men. When the area is shaved, results last as little as one to three days, according to KidsHealth.org 1. Other treatment options such as hair removal creams, waxing and electrolysis can stop hair growth in men 12. Understanding these alternatives will assist you in choosing the right product for your situation.
Pluck hairs using tweezers. Plucking hairs is best for small areas of skin. When you pull hairs out, the skin stretches and pulls the hair completely out. Hair growth stops for three to eight weeks, according to KidsHealth.org 1.
How Do Dermatologists Treat Facial Hair on Women?
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Apply hair removal creams 123. These creams, which are also called depilatories, work to remove a man’s hair by reacting with proteins in the hair. Existing hair dissolves and you can wash away easily. Hair removal creams last up to two weeks, according to KidsHealth.org 12. Apply as directed to remove unwanted hair.
Use waxing treatments to stop hair growth. Waxing supplies and kits are available for purchase at most pharmacies. Following instructions, apply the hot wax to the affected area. Use the cloth strips included in the kit to quickly remove hair. If you have difficulty with waxing at home, visit a salon. Professionals are trained in removing hair and minimizing the pain associated with waxing.
Removing an Ingrown Hair on the Face
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Undergo electrolysis to get rid of hair in small areas of the body. During an electrolysis appointment, your doctor will insert small needles into the hair follicles in the skin. Sending small electrical currents kill the hair and stop hair growth. In most cases, hair removal is permanent 12.
Use hair laser removal 123. This treatment, which is available through your dermatologist, directs a laser at the hair follicle and stops hair growth. It works best on men with dark body hair because the color pigment is more easily absorbed.
Tips
If you decide to use electrolysis be prepared for a lengthy treatment session. According to KidsHealth.org, this treatment can last several hours, depending on the treatment area. If hair removal treatments cause inflammation, apply a cold compress to ease pain.
Warnings
Read instructions when purchasing hair removal creams. Some creams aren’t effective to use on certain regions of the body such as the pubic area. Also, test the creams on a small sample of skin to ensure you aren’t allergic to the product.
Related Articles
References
- KidsHealth.org: Hair Removal
- MayoClinic.com: Hair Removal
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Removal
- TeensHealth from Nemours. Hair removal. Updated August 2016.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders. Trichotillomania.
- NIH MedlinePlus. Depilatory poisoning. Updated April 9. 2020.
- Michigan Medicine. Electrolysis for removing hair. Updated October 30, 2019.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal: FAQs.
- USFDA. Vaniqa™. Updated July 27, 2000.
- Hamzavi I, Tan E, Shapiro J, Lui H. A randomized bilateral vehicle-controlled study of eflornithine cream combined with laser treatment versus laser treatment alone for facial hirsutism in women. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(1):54-9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.09.025
- Hamzavi, I., Tan, E., Shapiro, J., Lui, H. (2007). A randomized bilateral vehicle-controlled study of eflornithine cream combined with laser treatment versus laser treatment alone for facial hirsutism in women. J Am Acad Dermatol, Jul, 57, 1, 54-9.
- Wanitphakdeedecha, R., Alster, T.S. (2008). Physical means of treating unwanted hair. Dermatol Ther, Sep-Oct, 21, 5, 392-401.
Writer Bio
Nicki Howell started her professional writing career in 2002, specializing in areas such as health, fitness and personal finance. She has been published at health care websites, such as HealthTree, and is a ghostwriter for a variety of small health care organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Portland State University.