The appeal of hair-free skin is here to stay and teenagers are first in line when it comes to removing unwanted hair. As fine and light-coloured as it may be; excess hair is simply not tolerated. Young girls compare with each other; one friends shaves, the other doesn´t. One sees an esthetician for waxing while the other has the privilege of undergoing electrolysis. One question remains in the minds of many parents: at what age should we allow teenagers to begin hair removal and which method is best.

There is no ideal age to begin hair removal. The best course of action is to discuss the subject openly with teenagers before they pick up a razor in the bathroom and shave all unwanted hair with unfortunate consequences. The time to discuss this subject will depend on each adolescent. If you notice hair in unwanted areas then so do the other children and they are not very kind about any perceived flaws.

Here are a few methods of temporary hair removal and permanent hair removal available to today´s teenagers. We qualify certain techniques of “temporary”, because in these cases, hair is bound to grow back in the short or medium term, and may even become darker and stronger than it was before.

Razors, clippers, depilatory lotions and abrasives are readily accessible low-cost methods. It comes as no surprise that they are very popular with teenagers. However, they generally stimulate hair regrowth, especially in sex-specific areas, and the results are short-lived. In most cases, we can see the hair shaft stick out of the skin as early as the next day. As far as shaving is concerned, there is also a risk of cuts and infection if the razor is not properly disinfected or if it was borrowed from another family member.

Mechanical epilators that use a coiled spring are fairly painful method that yields mixed results at best. When using this type of device, that hair can become highly distorted and often breaks in its follicle, which promotes the appearance of ingrown hair with or without infection. And hair regrowth is still stimulated and fairly quickly.

Bleaching creams give the hair a yellowish colour and open its scales which increases its diameter. Even if a teenager has facial hair it would be much better to use a different method, since this method makes the hair more apparent once the effect of bleaching fades.

Waxing and plucking are two hair removal methods that provide slower hair regrowth (up to three weeks), which is very convenient for teenagers. However, they can be painful for certain people. There is also a risk of distorted hair follicles or ingrown hair with or without infection if the technique is not properly executed. Hair regrowth is stimulated, regardless of the type of wax used: hard, soft, hot or cold, or even sugar.

Hair removal by laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) is not effective on all skin and hair types. The ideal situation is fair skin and dark hair. It is a costly technique that yields a reduction of hair density rather than permanent hair removal. Moreover remember that a teenage hair is often quite fine and barely pigmented. For this reason, it would be better t wait until the end of adolescence before resorting to this method. If a teenager still decides to go with this technique, then he or she should take the time to choose an experienced technician and an effective type of laser or IPL system.

Electroepilation (electrolysis) is the only permanent hair removal method known to be effective on all skin and hair types, regardless of the treated area. And with new technologies at our disposal, we can offer teenagers highly effective treatments with hardly any pain. There are even insulated probes that can protect the skin surface while providing extra comfort and effectiveness.
Electrolysis is therefore the ideal method to rid teenagers of unwanted hair for life. Electrolysis is the method of choice for young women, because unlike laser, there is no need to shave the face prior the treatment. Although it requires commitment electrolysis is safe and has no side effects.
The most important thing is for teenagers to feel good about themselves. The ideal solution would be to give the best present there is: a smooth, hair-free skin for life. It´s an intelligent investment for which the teen´s will be eternally grateful.