Electrolysis is the only hair removal method classified by the FDA as permanent hair removal. Electrolysis works on all hair and skin colors, and can be applied to all areas of the face and body. Electrolysis has no permanent side effects, only temporary redness following treatment. 

Hair removal lasers/IPLs have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for "permanent hair reduction" in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under the FDA's definition, "permanent" hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime.