What is the best laser/IPL solution for thick pubic hair that I don't want to remove permanently?

Question

I rarely shave my pubic area but when I do, I get razor burns and if I shave all the way, on occasion I get something like a vaginal infection. My question is what would be the best hair removal solution given the fact that I don't want to risk permanently removing the hair? I incline towards IPL because I've heard it rarely leaves the skin hair-free forever. What would be the solution that would only soften and thin out the hair, but still help keep its infection-protecting properties?

Barbara Padilla, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
In our office we use the Cutera Coolglide for laser hair removal. This inclusive laser system uses an innovative cooling design to allow for the safe and effective removal of hair from all parts of the body and works for men and women of all skin tones.  As the name implies, the CoolGlide laser hair removal handpiece cools and soothes as it glides along the skin, which allows for a more comfortable experience.
  
This laser only targets hair in their active growth cycle, and at any given time only a small percentage of your hair follicles are in this phase. Typically for complete hair removal we recommend an average of 6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Therefore, if you are seeking to reduce the amount of hair in an area without completely removing it, you could choose to only have a few treatments, and wait in between treatments to see if you are satisfied with remaining amount of hair. In addition, hair that grows back is usually less dense than it originally was, due to the reduction in hair follicles.
  
If this is something you would be interested in, I suggest researching trained professionals in your area and to set up a consultation to determine if you would be a good fit.
  
Hope this helps!

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Any laser hair removal treatment has the ultimate goal of damaging the follicle resulting in permanent hair loss. However, you need multiple treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart to ensure the hair is in the proper stage of growth for the treatment. I would recommend getting fewer treatments that needed and using lower settings to ensure you keep some hair in tact. Best of luck. Dhaval Patel MDDouble Board CertifiedPlastic SurgeonHoffman EstatesOakbrookOrland ParkChicago

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL treatments are a good options. Although, diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement hence if you wouldn't like a full removal, you could simply do less sessions. Please see an expert for an evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Laser hair removal only works on actively growing hair. Only about 15- 20% of your hair is actively growing at any specific time. If you want to "soften and thin out the hair" simply have 2 or 3 IPL treatments (instead of standard 6-8) each 4-6 weeks apart. This would remove about a third of your hair and make them fine.

Kurt Kuhlman, DO · Answer

Laser hair removal only works on actively growing hair. Only about 20% of your hair is actively growing at any specific time. If you want to "soften and thin out the hair" simply have 2 or 3 IPL treatments (instead of standard 6-8) each 4-6 weeks apart. This would remove about a third of your hair.

What is the best laser/IPL solution for thick pubic hair that I don't want to remove permanently?

Answers (6)

Answer: Partial reduction of Hair

Answer: Partial reduction of Hair

Answer: Partial hair removal

Answer: Partial hair removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is the best laser/IPL solution for thick pubic hair that I don't want to remove permanently?

Answers (6)

Answer: Partial reduction of Hair

Answer: Partial reduction of Hair

Answer: Partial hair removal

Answer: Partial hair removal

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.