Struggling with thick, coarse body hair can feel overwhelming, especially if shaving or waxing just isn't cutting it. For many people, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution that reduces hair growth while helping minimize common issues like razor bumps and ingrown hairs. As Taylor Coverson, LaserAway Patient and Brand Advocate shares, "I've been doing laser hair removal for years now, and it's been amazing."
Why Is My Body Hair So Thick?
Thick body hair happens for lots of reasons. It could be in your genes, linked to hormonal changes, or even caused by medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While genetics largely dictate your hair's placement and coarseness, hormonal changes can trigger strands to become significantly thicker and more noticeable.
Furthermore, people with coarse hair often feel as though their hair grows back faster after shaving. In reality, hair doesn't actually speed up its growth cycle; rather, the blunt, thick stubble is simply much more visible as it breaks through the skin, making regrowth appear far more obvious.
4 Ways to Remove Thick Body Hair
Not all hair removal methods are created equal, especially for thick body hair. Here's a breakdown of the most common options and what to expect:
1. Laser Hair Removal: The Long-Term Solution
For people tired of constantly shaving or waxing thick body hair, laser hair removal offers long-term hair reduction by targeting the hair follicle beneath the skin.
Over a series of treatments, thick hair typically becomes finer, lighter, and less noticeable. Many people also choose laser hair removal to help reduce ingrown hairs, razor burn, and the ongoing maintenance that often comes with coarse hair growth.
Taylor says, "Laser hair removal ended up being so much easier than shaving or waxing ever was."
2. Shaving: Quick and Easy, But Short-Lived
While shaving is a highly convenient hair removal method, it is often far from ideal for those with thick, coarse hair. Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, explains, "Shaving is a very surface-level hair removal method where you simply remove the visible hair that pokes out of the skin."
Leaving the root intact beneath the surface frequently leads to stubble, razor burn, and painful bumps. Taylor experienced this frustration firsthand, sharing, "I have really thick hair, so shaving always causes ingrown hairs, especially in sensitive areas."
Ultimately, for individuals with coarser hair types, the short-term convenience of a razor often comes at the expense of long-term skin irritation.
3. Waxing: Smooth for Longer, But Ouch!
Waxing pulls hair from the root, keeping your skin smooth for weeks. The downside? It can be painful and expensive if you're heading to a professional. Waxing can also lead to ingrown hairs and isn't always the best for sensitive skin. Not to mention, you have to let your hair grow to a certain length in order for it to work.
Dr. Kirby adds ,"Waxing is a little less temporary... However, it is still temporary because it doesn't rip out the bottom cells of the hair bulb."
4. Depilatory Creams: Easy, But Not for Everyone
These creams dissolve hair at the surface and can be a convenient option. However, they often contain strong chemicals that might irritate your skin, especially if your hair is coarse. Always do a patch test before trying a depilatory cream.
Can You Permanently Get Rid of Thick Body Hair?
Laser hair removal is one of the best long-term options for reducing thick body hair, but it is more accurate to call it long-term hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal.
While results vary, many people experience less hair, finer regrowth, and smoother-looking skin after completing a treatment series.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
A laser targets the pigment in your hair follicles, heating and damaging them to stop hair production. Since hair grows in cycles, several treatments are needed to catch all the follicles.
According to Dr. Kirby, "The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which then destroys the follicle to prevent future growth."
Because hair grows in cycles, not every follicle can be treated during the same session. Multiple treatments are needed to target hairs during their active growth phase.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Thick Body Hair?
Yes. Thick, coarse hair is often one of the most responsive hair types for laser hair removal.
Because coarse hair typically contains more pigment, it can respond particularly well to treatment. Many people with thick body hair notice growth becoming finer, lighter, and less noticeable throughout their treatment plan.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Needed for Thick Hair?
Most people need a series of treatments to achieve their desired results. The exact number depends on factors such as the treatment area, hair density, and individual hair growth patterns.
People with thick, dense hair may require additional treatments compared to someone with finer hair, though many patients begin noticing changes after their first few sessions.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Thick Hair and Different Skin Tones?
Laser hair removal can be customized for different hair types and skin tones. Because thick, coarse hair often contains more pigment, it may respond especially well to treatment. However, the right laser settings and treatment approach are important for both safety and results.
At LaserAway, treatment plans are personalized based on your skin tone, hair color, hair density, and treatment area.
Get Smooth Skin, Your Way at LaserAway
Managing thick body hair doesn't have to mean dealing with constant shaving, waxing, razor bumps, or irritation. Laser hair removal can help reduce unwanted hair growth over time, so you can spend less energy on hair removal and more time feeling confident in your skin.
As Taylor shares, "I feel way more confident not worrying about hair or razor bumps anymore."
Ready to make thick body hair easier to manage? Book a consultation at LaserAway to get started.
References
- "Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study," Medicina, September 2, 2022.
- "Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss," Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2023.