Hair growth is something that we cannot determine or control, at least at first. And that's pretty much the case for all body parts – even the ears. While ear hair growth is common, several people do not like the idea and hence look at ways to remove ear hair permanently.

Ear hair growth in men and women 

With ear wax, ear hair is a barrier that prevents dirt, debris, bacteria, and other germs from entering your inner ear and causing infections.

Some men have very coarse and thick hair growth in the outer ear region and sometimes even in the inner ear. This is due to increased hormone levels after age 30. This is completely normal and healthy. Endocrine disorders can also increase ear hair in rare cases in women. 

Ear hair removal is a personal choice for hygiene and grooming purposes. There are many ways to do that – both temporary and permanent. And this post lists everything one needs to know about it.

How to remove ear hair permanently?

• Laser Ear Hair Removal

One of the ways to permanently remove ear hair is by laser. In the process, the cooling and numbing of the skin is the first step. The skin is soothed, and any discomfort is reduced.

The hair one wants to get rid of is treated with a laser by a technician. The laser causes the hair follicles to be attacked by light pulses. These destroy the hair at its root. They prevent it from growing back.

The majority of people experience little discomfort during the procedure. The procedure is quick, despite the slight discomfort. Under the laser, each session takes just a few minutes. Six to ten laser sessions are typically required during the first year to achieve long-term epilation.

A single treatment can reduce hair by 10–20% with most laser systems, three treatments by 30-60%, and multiple treatments by 80-90%. These results are maintained at post-treatment follow-up for 24 to 36 months.

Laser hair removal on any part of the body requires multiple sessions to be effective. The hair follicle must be in the growth stage for the laser to kill the hair at the root. This is because hair grows in different stages. Because of this, one can anticipate multiple sessions, even for small parts of the body, like ears.

• Electrolysis

A small, fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle for electrolysis. This then uses a small electrical current to harm the hair follicle. It eventually kills the hair follicle. 

There are distinct approaches to this. Galvanic electrolysis uses direct current electrolysis. This involves injecting an electric current directly into the hair follicle through a needle. This causes a chemical reaction. 

The other is thermolysis. In this, a high-frequency alternating current is used. It is delivered to the hair follicle through the needle. The high frequency generates sufficient heat to sear the hair bulb by vibrating the cells of the hair follicle.

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal. It takes a long time and may take longer if you insert the needle multiple times into the hair follicle. Galvanic electrolysis can remove every hair in as little as one minute.

Permanent ear hair removal cost

Depending on the kind of laser equipment used, the clinic's reputation, and the case's complexity, the cost of laser ear hair removal treatment can range anywhere from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. Because one can achieve the desired results in only a few sessions, a laser-ear hair removal package that costs one time becomes cost-effective.

In India, electrolysis ear hair removal sessions cost between Rs 2,500 and Rs 4,000. It may differ depending on the number of sessions needed, the density of hair growth, and the size of the treated area.

UnCover has one of the most trusted teams of dermatologists and technicians who perform laser hair removal. Their plans differ for different body parts, starting from Rs 1,800.

Temporary ear removal hair 

Some safe and best ways to temporarily remove ear hair if someone is concerned about it are:

• Trimming: To trim ear hair, use small scissors or an electric trimmer with a small attachment. Make sure the tool is safe to use on the ear and clean. Also, clean the ears with a damp cloth to remove any potential dirt or debris before trimming your ear hair.
• Waxing: A careful application of warm, soft wax can be used to remove ear hair. Since getting wax stuck in the ear canal is unpleasant, one should get ear hair waxing done by a professional. 
• Tweezing: Tweezers can quickly and easily remove ear hair. But this can be painful and irritating. One must hold the hair as close to the skin as possible. Then, pull the hair out in a steady, firm motion toward new hair growth.
• Shaving: Ear hair can be removed with electric shavers. This can be noisy and uncomfortable.
• Ear Candle: A cotton ball is wrapped around the barber's scissors, dipped in certain alcohol, and then lit on fire before being tapped against the ears for the ear candle treatment. The fire separates the hair and burns it to the skin. If done incorrectly, it can be extremely painful and cause long-term issues.

Note: Remember that any hair removal method must be carried out safely. And stop the procedure as soon as one notices any discomfort or irritation.

Complications associated with ear hair removal

Ear hair removal can lead to many problems, especially when one uses razors/blades or does ear hair waxing. The following are examples of these issues:

• Infections: Ear hair removal can lead to skin openings and bacterial infections in the ear canal.
• Unwanted hairs: Ingrown hairs can occur when hair is removed from the ear canal. These can cause pain, irritation, and infection,
• Irritation: Removing hair from the ear can irritate the skin, causing redness, swelling, and itching.
• Trouble hearing: Using tools not made to be used in the ear canal to remove ear hair can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.
• Tinnitus: Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, can be caused by ear canal or eardrum damage during hair removal.
• Bleeding: Bleeding can occur when ear hair is removed, especially if the skin in the ear canal is accidentally cut.

Note: Hair removal should be performed with care and safety in mind to reduce the likelihood of complications. After removing ear hair, one should seek immediate medical attention if one experiences any discomfort, pain, or infection.

Precautions for laser ear hair removal

Laser ear hair removal is the most effective option if complete removal is the goal. It doesn't have the same long-term results as electrolysis. But it has a much lower risk of causing damage to the ears. Laser ear hair removal is well worth the money if one wants to have hairless ears for at least a few years. One of its advantages is that this procedure is less painful than most others. It also produces long-term results with a low risk of damage. However, due to the angles of the ear and canal, laser ear hair removal is expensive. It is also difficult to perform.

• Places on the body where one wants hair removed should not be tanned. Before the treatment, tanning should be avoided for four to six weeks. This is because it can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. This also means avoiding sprays and creams for self-tanning.
• Refrain from waxing, bleaching, or plucking three weeks before the treatment. The laser hair treatment will not be successful unless the hair's root and pigment are preserved.
• Completely wash the treated area and get rid of any oil that may be on it. Most dermatologists will tell people to thoroughly clean the skin before it and ensure it is not oily to get the most out of the treatment.
• For a smoother and more satisfying response, thoroughly moisturize the area before and after the laser.

Summing it up 

Multiple factors, including genetics, play a role in ear hair growth. However, some doctors believe that older men with higher testosterone levels have higher levels of DHT. This stimulates more hair growth throughout the body. This includes the ears.

While ear hair removal isn't always recommended, it's a personal choice to want to do it for grooming or other reasons. UnCover is one of the most trusted spots for treatments associated with the skin. Their team has qualified doctors and skilled technicians – with reasonably priced plans. So now you can make the right choice!