Hair Today,Gone Tomorrow

THE 411 ON LASER HAIR REMOVAL

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

Tired of razor burns, stubble, nicks and cuts, ingrown hairs, chemical-laden depilatories, and painful waxing? It’s time to check out laser hair removal for silky, smooth, hair-free skin. Keep reading to learn more about this popular procedure.

WHY IS NOW A GREAT TIME TO GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Laser technology is more sophisticated, efficient, and effective than ever. Issues such as effectively treating skin with more pigmentation have been addressed, and adjustable settings for energy levels, pulse widths, and cooling allow treatments to be customized for your skin and hair type. Newer laser models have larger spot sizes, allowing them to cover more areas of skin in a shorter amount of time. Enhanced cooling devices and cooling gels integrated into the process minimize discomfort.

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

During treatment, a laser emits light that is absorbed by the hair’s pigment (melanin). The light energy is converted to heat, which damages hair follicles that produce hair. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK FOR EVERYONE?

In the past, those with light skin and light hair or dark skin tones were not considered good candidates. Today’s advanced laser technologies help alleviate these issues, making laser hair removable a viable treatment for more people. Multi-wavelength lasers have wavelengths for different skin tones, and newer laser systems are designed with features that enhance safety. For instance, some devices have sensors that adjust the laser’s intensity to the patient’s skin color or the thickness and color of the hair, minimizing risk and improving treatment efficacy.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TREATMENT AREAS?

Most people are interested in treating one or more of the following areas: legs, armpits, back, chest,

arms, upper lip, chin, buttocks, toes, and bikini line. When choosing laser hair removal for eyebrows or a unibrow, it’s imperative that your provider protect your eyes adequately to avoid the possibility of eye injury.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED, AND HOW FAR SHOULD THEY BE SPREAD APART?

It’s different for everyone, but generally, four to eight treatments spread four to six weeks apart are required to completely remove hair in a targeted area. This is because around 15% of body hair is in a growth phase at any given time. You can expect the hair to start falling out within 10 to 14 days after treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION?

Frist, it’s essential to select an experienced, licensed professional laser hair removal provider with a track record of safely and effectively treating your specific skin and hair type. Your medical history, the medication and supplements you take, and your history of skin disorders, scarring, and past hair removal procedures will be reviewed to help determine if you’re a suitable candidate.

Ask your provider what to expect, about potential risks, to explain what laser hair removal can and can’t do for you, and about periodic maintenance. While laser hair removal can delay hair growth for extended periods, results are usually not 100% permanent.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Tips

It’s essential to carefully follow your provider’s aftercare instructions to help ensure the desired results. They may include:

Avoid sun exposure for about two weeks to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation and other issues.
Don’t tan. It may increase your risk of hypopigmentation (light spots) and burns.
Avoid saunas and hot baths for several days. When showering or washing the treated area, use cool or lukewarm water for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Don’t apply lotions with fragrances or perfumes to the treated areas. These may cause skin redness, discoloration, and irritation.
Don’t apply deodorant to your underarms if treatment was targeted in this area. These products may also cause skin irritation.
Avoid body scrubs for at least a few days. They can irritate your skin.
Avoid cosmetic and medspa treatments in the treatedarea for two weeks or more, including but not limited to IPL, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling, laser, and radiofrequency (RF) treatments.