Electrolysis is the only approved method of permanent hair removal. A trained electrologist inserts a thin wire into the hair follicle under the surface of the skin, and an electric current destroys the hair root. This damage prevents hair from growing and causes existing hair to fall out. You will have to permanently remove hair before certain gender-affirming surgeries such as vaginoplasty.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a procedure where hair removal devices apply pulses of light to the hair root, forcing it to go into its resting phase. The hair you have then falls out, and gradually your body grows less hair in that area. IPL is a temporary hair removal method that is fairly long term.

SHR - or super hair removal - uses low-intensity pulses of light to inhibit hair growth. Some treatments include in-built cooling systems for comfort.