Oriental wax, razor, hair removal cream... regardless of which of these hair removal methods are used, hair will always grow back. To counteract this issue, some turn to specialised treatments that promise to slow down hair regrowth. But are they truly effective?
Products that delay hair regrowth: are they effective?
Summary
Published on December 3, 2024, by Manon, Scientific Editor — 3 min of reading
Themes:
Which treatments delay hair regrowth?
It is always frustrating to see hair reappear a few days after hair removal. Fortunately, treatments that delay hair regrowth do exist. Aside from creams, manufacturers also offer ointments, lotions, sprays, and deodorants that help slow down hair regrowth. They are believed to work by reducing keratin, a protein found in every hair strand that is responsible for its strength. As a result, the hair becomes less robust and more fragile, delaying their growth. However, there are no scientific studies supporting this mode of action of these types of products.
Other active ingredients such as wax tree extract or the root of Scutellaria would act by reducing the activity of the cell multiplication factor FGF-7, which triggers a new hair cycle. They would also help to inhibit the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and reduce the growth signal to hair cells by acting on the growth factor IGF-1.
Are they effective?
It is challenging to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of anti-regrowth treatments, as it varies from one individual to another. Indeed, each person has a different keratin level in their hair. Consequently, a person with a high keratin level is likely to see tangible results. Conversely, a person with a low keratin level may not notice any differences. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence on this matter. Studies and tests need to be conducted to confirm the mechanism of action of these treatments and demonstrate their effectiveness.
Are traditional home remedies effective in slowing down hair regrowth?
There are numerous widespread traditional methods for slowing down hair regrowth. But are they effective?
Tiger nut oil.
This oil is reputed for its ability to slow down hair regrowth by delaying the development of the hair follicle, which would reduce hair density. Tiger nut oil can be used daily directly on the waxed area. However, there are not yet any scientific explanations to clarify its mode of action.
Lemon juice.
When lemon juice is applied to the skin after hair removal, it is believed to delay hair regrowth. This technique is often shared but controversial, due to the lack of scientific information on its mechanism of action. Although it is popular, this technique carries risks, particularly because lemon juice is acidic and can be irritating to the skin. Furthermore, lemon juice can be photosensitising, thereby increasing the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, it is advised not to apply it before sun exposure.
These tips are renowned for their beneficial effects on hair regrowth. However, they only have anecdotal evidence drawn from the personal experience of some individuals, but their effectiveness has never been scientifically proven.
