Waxing, shaving, and other hair removal techniques only provide temporary results. Furthermore, they often lead to irritation, uneven hair growth, ingrown hairs, and other concerns. For this reason, many men and women now look for alternatives that provide long-term results.
If you fall into this category, it may be time for laser hair removal. With this process, a technician or medical professional destroys hair follicles using a laser. This process removes unwanted body hair. However, clients must understand that it cannot remove all hair. Knowing this before they commit to the treatments helps to ensure their satisfaction. What other things do clients need to know before undergoing this procedure?
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser machines designed for hair removal use targeted light in the form of a laser to address hair follicles in the area being treated. They aim the laser at the follicle to heat and destroy it. Once destroyed, the follicle can no longer grow hair, as it lacks a root.
Which Hairs Respond Best to This Treatment?
A person can request laser hair removal wherever they have hair on the body. However, for the procedure to be effective, the laser must target dark, coarse hair. Light blonde, gray, and red hairs don’t respond well to this treatment, as they lack melanin, the pigment found in hair follicles. When the hair lacks melanin, the laser cannot see it.
Skin Tone and Its Role in Laser Hair Removal
Before undergoing laser hair removal, individuals need to speak with the technician performing the procedure. They must share information about their ethnicity so the technician can choose the right setting to avoid burns and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, the technician must know if the patient burns easily when in the sun, as people who tan easily are at more risk of hyperpigmentation. Finally, any injuries to the skin need to be discussed, as the laser technically harms the skin. The technician must know how the skin responds to injuries before proceeding.
Treatment Requirements
Clients want to know how many treatments they will need for hair removal. This answer varies by person, but most people need six to eight sessions. The sessions take place approximately every six weeks, and a person might not see results until after a few treatments. Each session takes 15 to 60 minutes per body part being treated. However, men and women requesting hair removal in a small area, such as their upper lip, find they need to set aside less time for each session.
Who Shouldn’t Get Laser Hair Removal?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to delay hair removal treatments because of hormonal changes that take place in the body when they are expecting or lactating. Individuals with a sunburn, deep suntan, or fake tan cannot undergo treatments, as any tan or sunburn increases melanin in the skin. As a result, the laser cannot distinguish between the skin and the hair. Finally, anyone suffering from inflammation cannot undergo treatment. This includes individuals with dermatitis, rosacea, or acne.
What to Expect
Hair doesn’t fall out immediately after treatment. Facial hair takes up to ten days to fall out, while body hair can take up to three weeks. Patients often experience mild tingling following treatment, and red bumps may appear on the skin. This serves as a sign of successful treatment, and the bumps usually disappear within 72 hours. Avoid working out following treatment, as any sweat may irritate the skin. Furthermore, avoid extremely hot baths and showers for 48 hours after a treatment.
While laser hair removal cannot eliminate all hairs, most people find they are satisfied with the results. Speak with a technician to determine if this is a good option for you. A person cannot know whether they should try this option until they have all the facts, and the technician serves as the best source of information.