definition: A qualified practitioner inserts a filament, or long thin needle, into each individual hair follicle and zaps it with an electric current. This is the only permanent, or nearly permanent, method of hair removal. It's used mostly for facial hair. frequency: To remove, say, a mustache, usually requires weekly visits for a few months (because new hair grows all the time); then you can taper off with touch-up visits. cost: Expensive. Probably several hundred dollars for a mustache; less if you're just having a few stray whiskers removed. $$$$$ pain: No picnic, but not as bad as a hard day at the dentist. Helps to take ibuprofen or another pain reliever about a half hour before. There are also creams that you can rub on your skin to temporarily numb the area. pros: Hair removal is eventually permanent. cons: Each session is very expensive, the treatment is fairly painful, and you need to find a good practitioner in order for the work to be permanent and to avoid slip-ups that can cause scarring.