For many, unwanted body hair can become a repetitive problem. While shaving, waxing, and plucking make temporary forays in eradicating unwanted hair, it reappears, bringing with it the misery of discomfort, the time-consuming rituals involved, and the inevitability of its return. However, laser hair removal has emerged as the modern solution for this age-old problem. Effective and convenient, laser hair removal has become the first resort for people who want smoother skin without the inconvenience that the traditional methods provide.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
What Is the Process?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that employs concentrated light energy to damage and kill hair follicles. Because the light is captured by melanin in the hair, it causes destruction that prevents growth after sometime. It can be a highly effective method of reducing hair growth.
Brief History of Laser Hair Removal
The process of laser hair removal was approved for public use first in mid-1990s. Ever since then, technology has grown so much. The earlier lasers were not very accurate and only worked on people with light skin and dark hair. However, with improving technology, there are no restrictions now: people of all skin tones and hair types can enjoy it.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
How Does It Work?
The scientific principle behind laser hair removal is that it works through selective photothermolysis, which is the process by which the light energy coming from the laser selectively reaches dark pigments within the hair but avoids causing damage to the surrounding skin. The process helps to convert light into heat and disrupts the capability of a hair follicle to grow new hair.
There are a few types of lasers:.
Not all lasers are the same. There are various kinds of lasers, and among the most commonly used are the following:
- Alexandrite laser: This is best suited to individuals with light to olive shades of skin and dark hair color.
- Diode laser: Best for a wide range of skin shades; it can be applied on any ranging from the whitest to the mid-toned.
- laser: Any shade can be made use of this type if there is an appropriately dark complexion.
- Ruby Laser It's one of the oldest, mostly used for light-complexion people but is not that popular anymore.
- Every type of laser has its advantage, and your treatment provider will decide what would be more suitable for your skin and hair type.
Laser Hair Removal: Advantages Long-Lasting Results
This is the primary cause why laser hair removal is favored as it is permanent. Compared to shaving and waxing which only lasts for a period of time, laser hair removal can result in some permanent hair reduction especially if one undergoes multiple sessions. In some cases, one loses all hair that grows in the treated area while in other people hair growth will be relatively less in the same given area.
Minimal Discomfort
Although the process does cause a little discomfort, most people find the whole laser hair removal process less painful compared to waxing. The modern lasers even have cooling tools built into them to minimize the pain and discomfort that people experience after undergoing laser treatment.
Speed and Efficiency
The duration of the treatment depends on how big the area to be treated is. On average, laser hair removal is a relatively short procedure compared to some other beauty treatments. For example, the upper lip may take only a few minutes, but doing your back or legs can take up to an hour. It is much quicker than electrolysis due to the fact that more than one hair is exposed to the pulse at any given time.
Ingrown Hairs Are A Thing Of The Past
Unlike waxing and shaving, laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle at its root, making the possibility of ingrown hairs dramatically reduce, and this should specially be welcome news to those who frequently encounter this problem.
Pre-Laser Hair Removal Preparation
Preparation Consultation and Patch Test
Before the procedure, you are required to see a specialist for consultation. They will review your skin type, hair type, and medical history to see if you qualify for the procedure. At times, they can also do a patch test on you to ensure how your skin reacts to laser.
Pre-Treatment Precautions
To get the very best outcome, there are a few things you will need to do before your session.
- Avoid the sun: Tanning can compromise the efficiency of the laser, and increase the potential for complications.
- Shave your area: Shaving the treatment area before your session allows the laser to target the hair follicle without burning the hair on the surface.
- Do not wax or pluck: Steer clear of hair removal treatments that have pulled the root of your hair before coming in for laser treatment-the laser needs to access the follicle.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
The Procedure Itself
You will be asked to wear protective eyewear at the time of the laser hair removal process to protect your eyes from the bright light of the laser. The area being treated would have cooling gel applied, and the laser device will then be swept over your skin. It is often compared as having a snapping sensation that most people can tolerate.
Aftercare
You will notice a mild redness and swelling in the affected area for a short while during the laser hair removal treatment, similar to how you feel after getting sunburn. Aloe vera and ice packs will be able to minimize the discomfort to your skin. Avoid using tanning beds and the sun for a short time after laser hair removal since your skin will remain sensitive.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
Treatment Schedule
Most people will require more than one treatment to get the ideal effect of laser hair removal. Hair has a specific cycle of growth, and the laser kills hair only in its active growth. On average, a total number of 6 to 8 sessions given at interval of 4 to 6 weeks apart tends to be recommended for maximum effect.
Maintenance Sessions
Although laser hair removal does provide long-term hair reduction, some individuals need maintenance treatments once or twice a year to keep the treated area hair-free and smooth. The number of treatments is determined by individual hair growth patterns and by the area treated.
Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Factors of Consideration
Although laser hair removal works for most people, not everyone can undergo it. Those having fair skin and black hair are the ideal candidates because the laser detects the color in the hair. However, advancements in laser technology gave patrons with darker skin tones and lighter hair benefits through the treatment as well.
Types of Skin and Hair
Light-skinned or graying individuals might not experience much difference since the laser can only do as well as the pigment it has to start with. If you have some special concern about whether you are a good candidate, you should discuss this with someone who is a specialist and can walk you through what you can expect from the process.
Is Laser Hair Removal a Good Choice for You?
Laser hair removal: the permanent and effective way of getting rid of unwanted hair; saves you time since you will not need to shave very often, thus preventing constant irritation to the skin and promoting a reduction in ingrown hairs. So, you can have your skin hair-free for a long time after a few sessions. In case you're concerned about all the time-saving hassles when shaving and waxing, now is the perfect time to learn more about laser hair removal benefits.
Once you understand the process and all benefits that laser hair removal provides, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether you want it done. From unwanted leg hair to arm hair to even face hair, laser can bring you convenience and long-term results on what you've been longing for.