If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, it’s a good idea to do some research first.
We understand how easy it is to be enticed by the promise of a stubble-free existence, but it’s critical to first educate yourself on the facts (and negative effects) to ensure that the therapy is good for you.
Beyond the hair removal component, there is a slew of other advantages of laser hair removal.
It can help you get rid of ingrown hairs that irritate your skin and cause pigmentation (which is very frequent in people with dark skin tones).
Hair removal has a plethora of alternatives. Waxing, threading, shaving, and tweezing are all alternatives for removing body hair, but laser hair removal is one of the few that is more permanent (if you wish to).
Let us get started already. But, before then, let us describe what hair laser removal is all about.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
During the process of laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment melanin in the hair.
This light energy is converted to heat, and this heat damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin called hair follicles. The hair follicles produce hairs.
Apparently, this damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Is Laser Hair Removal a Permanent Procedure?
Many people feel that laser hair removal is a permanent procedure but it isn’t.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal.
For the initial hair removal, multiple laser hair removal treatments will be required. And maintenance treatments might be needed as well.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair. However, it can be successfully used on all skin types.
What You Need to Now about Laser Hair Removal
Here is what you need to know about hair laser removal.
1. The Process Sounds Painful, but Isn’t Too Bad
Laser hair removal works by passing laser light through the pigment in the hair, explains Dr. Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director at the skin clinic.
“This (light) causes harm to the hair follicle and hair bulb because it transforms to heat.”
It was a rapid, intense sensation that was especially severe on the thinner skin surrounding my nose, chin, and temples.
Fortunately, the lasers used on me had a cooling system (essentially, a constantly running cold blast of air just where the laser was pointing), which was quite beneficial.
I also found it more unpleasant if my body temperature was up as a result of rushing across town to meet my appointment on time.
2. Patience Pays Off
It takes two or three weeks after your first treatment to notice an improvement, and eight to twelve treatments to achieve the desired outcome.
You must also keep your visits on a frequent basis because your hair follicles are all at different phases of growth, and you want to ensure that each one gets zapped.
According to Lucy Dawe, Senior Consultant at Pulse Light Clinic, “laser hair removal literally gets to the base of the problem.”
“The laser will be used to target hair that is actively growing. Clients may notice that their hair is finer and less visible after just one treatment, but a series of sessions is required to achieve the best benefits.”
3. You’ve Got to Use a Hair Trimmer/Shave the Area before You Laser (Same Goes for Makeup)
The laser can react with hair on the skin’s surface, causing discomfort and possibly the dreaded burnt hair odor, which I experienced firsthand, wonderful.
Thankfully, I was aware that the notion that shaving equals thicker, darker hair was a prevalent beauty myth.
You must, however, ensure that you have properly prepared for each visit in order to achieve the best results.
These are the most important things to remember, according to Lucy:
- The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long.
- Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area.
- The treatment area needs to be free from makeup, lotion, deodorant and sun cream- inform the practitioner before treatment starts if you require wipes.
- The area cannot be treated if it has been exposed to sun within 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Fake tanning products cannot be used 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues.
4. It’s Actually a Pretty Fast Process
You can go in for a full face appointment and they only take 20 minutes, including a quick chat and makeup removal at the start.
Sure, you had to reapply your makeup but that’s a small price to pay for smooth skin, right?
Read: Why is My Hair Splitting? Causes, Remedies and Preventive Measures
5. You Can’t Go to the Gym Afterward
The laser’s heat stays in your skin for 24 hours, so no gym, saunas, or hot showers for you.
You risk creating a wonderfully warm environment for germs to multiply and giving you spots if you do so. Gross.
6. Get Ready to Think Seriously about the Sun
Your dermatologist will advise you, but you should avoid sunbathing and exposure to the sun as much as possible before and after treatment.
Also, if you have a tan, you must wait for it to fade before beginning your therapy.
Again, your dermatologist will check in with you about impending holidays to ensure that you don’t have any upcoming vacations that could affect the date of your next appointment.
7. Laser Treatment Can Trigger More Growth in Some Cases
It’s true that certain hair types can be induced to grow longer and thicker. But don’t panic; if your hair isn’t appropriate, your dermatologist will inform you.
“Yes, laser hair removal can trigger growth in a small number of situations,” Lucy explains.
“We discovered that the most prevalent cause of stimulated hair growth is when vellus hairs, a finer type of hair, are stimulated into growth by the laser’s light.”
8. You Might Need to Switch up Your Beauty Regime and Products
Scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams should be avoided for two days prior to and after the treatment.
As my skin became drier, I began to use facial mists and increased the amount of moisturizer in my routine.
Chemical peels should be avoided for at least two weeks before and after laser treatment, and fake tan should be avoided for at least two weeks.
9. Laser Hair Removal Has More than One Benefit
I was shocked to learn that laser can assist with ingrown hairs, which can be very irritating.
“In addition to a cleaner, smoother skin and permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal has other advantages, such as reducing ingrown hairs and reducing skin irritation.
This is due to the fact that the therapy stimulates hair to grow straight, according to Lisa Mason, Head of Medical Standards.
10. You Can’t Pluck, Dye or Wax the Hair
The process is slowed by plucking, waxing, and bleaching. Instead, shave if you wish to remain hairless throughout the procedure.
To make each shave last longer, you’ll need these pointers.
11. It Works on All Tones
All that is required is for the hair to be dark enough to draw the laser. Long pulsed ND:YAG lasers are used by sk:n to treat pigmented and darker skin tones.
“In the past, older laser hair removal technology was not suggested for persons with darker skin tones, especially those with Black or Asian skin,” Lucy explains.
“Because the laser’s energy targets the pigment in the hair, and the pigment in the skin is shallower, the laser may be drawn to the skin rather than the pigment in the hair.”
Darker skin tones are at risk of being burned.”
12. You Might Need to Go Back for Top up Treatments
The majority of patients report a 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth, but hormone fluctuations can cause hair to regrow.
“At the end of the treatments, depending on your hair growth and each individual client’s condition, we may offer some top-up treatments that might take place with longer times in between quarterly, or twice a year,” Lucy says.
13. Don’t freak out if your lady parts accidentally get zapped
“No, you won’t incur more damage on those areas than any others,” says Rheel.
“But if you have an inexperienced technician who uses the wrong settings, you can wind up with marks, burns, blisters, or hypopigmentation.” Yikes.
Naturally, this isn’t ideal anywhere on your body-but be warned that if you do get them in the bikini area, sitting, walking, standing, going to the gym, going to the bathroom, sexual activity, and pretty much everything else in your life will be especially unpleasant, she explains.
What happens during laser hair removal? How is laser hair removal done?
The region to be treated will be disinfected prior to the therapy. A numbing gel is applied to certain patients.
When creating a small region of skin that is particularly sensitive, numbing the area to be treated help.
A numbing gel takes 30 to 60 minutes to take effect.
The laser treatment will be performed in a room dedicated to laser treatments.
During the process, everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear. The skin is maintained taut during the operation, and the skin is treated with a laser.
The laser pulses are described by many patients as feeling like warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapping on the skin.
Hair is removed by vaporizing it with a laser. This results in little plumes of smoke with a sulfur-like odor.
The length of your treatment is determined on the size of the area to be treated. It only takes a few minutes to treat the upper lip.
If you’re having a wide area treated, such as your back or legs, your treatment may take longer than an hour.
When will I see the results after having laser hair removal?
The effects of treatment will most likely be visible right away. The outcomes differ from one patient to the next.
This outcomes are influenced by the color and thickness of your hair, the region treated, the type of laser utilized, and the color of your skin. After the first treatment, you should expect a ten percent to twenty-five percent reduction in hair.
The majority of individuals will require two to six laser treatments to completely eradicate their hair.
Most patients do not notice any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years after the treatments are completed.
When hair regrows, there is typically less of it. In addition, the hairs are finer and lighter in color.
When is it safe to have another laser treatment for hair removal?
This differs from one patient to the next. Hair removal frequently necessitates a series of laser treatments.
Laser hair removal is usually done once every 4 to 6 weeks for most people. When it’s safe to undergo another treatment, your dermatologist will let you know.
Hair regrowth is seen in the majority of patients. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you when laser treatments may be done safely to keep the results.
Read: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? Expert Advice
What is the safety record for laser hair removal?
Lasers are useful in the treatment of a variety of skin, hair, and nail disorders.
Many advancements in laser treatment have been accomplished in recent years. Dermatologists have been at the forefront of these advancements.
One such advancement is the increased safety of laser hair removal for more people.
Previously, laser hair removal was only safe for persons with dark hair and fair complexion.
Individuals with light-colored hair and light complexion, as well as patients with dark skin, can now benefit from laser hair removal.
In these patients, laser hair removal must be done with extreme caution.
Dermatologists are aware of the precautions that must be taken in order to deliver laser hair removal that is both safe and effective.
What must I do after getting laser hair removal?
To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun.
After laser hair removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
- Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
- Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.
- You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is a terrific technique to get rid of unwanted hair, but it’s not a permanent or magical answer.
For your beauty, you’ll have to put up with some short-term discomfort, and you may need maintenance touch-ups after your initial treatments.
It’s a terrific alternative to get closer to your naturally gorgeous self if you want to cut down on how much shaving you have to do and lessen the quantity of ingrown hairs.
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