Laser hair removal works best on darker skin with dark hair, as the melanin in the hair and skin helps the laser target the pigment. Blonds, redheads, and gray hair are less likely to respond well because they lack melanin.
When choosing a laser hair removal practice, find one exclusively dedicated to this treatment so they can design a customized plan for you.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Unwanted hair can be safely and effectively removed with laser hair removal. The heat generated by the laser damages the hair follicle, preventing new hair growth. This treatment can be performed on almost any area of the body. It is not permanent, and most people require multiple treatments.
Your skin and hair color affect your results. Light skin complexions and dark hair absorb the laser light best, while red, grey, or blond hair does not. You should avoid tanning or using sunless skin creams before your treatment.
It would help if you also shaved before your treatment. It is essential to do this because the laser is treating your hair follicles, not the surface of your skin. It would help to avoid plucking and waxing, as these can disturb your hair follicles.
Do I Qualify for Laser Hair Removal?
Unlike traditional methods of hair removal that trim the hair or pull it out from the root, laser treatment destroys the hair follicle and stops future growth. During the procedure, a cosmetic laser is calibrated for your skin and hair color. A focused light beam is delivered to the skin by the laser and converted into heat that damages and turns off the hair follicle.
Those with light complexion and dark hair respond well to laser hair removal as the melanin in the hair reflects the light that targets the hair follicles. Patients with tanned or bleached skin should wait for the tan to fade before treatment.
Also, shaving is essential instead of waxing or plucking before laser treatment. This ensures the hair roots are visible to the laser, allowing effective treatment.
How Long Will It Take for Laser Hair Removal to Work?
Laser hair removal works by heating and damaging the dark pigments in your unwanted hair follicles. This causes them to go dormant, where they will not grow hair. Hairs that do eventually grow back will be lighter, finer, and much fewer in number than before your treatment.
Your skin might feel red and swollen after your laser hair removal, but this will fade within a day or two. It would help if you avoided exposure to sunlight until then, as sun damage can affect your results.
Finding a practitioner experienced in performing laser treatments on your body is essential. Look for their name on a register that shows they meet set training and skill standards. This will help to reduce your risk of complications like blisters and scarring.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal is much faster than traditional shaving, waxing, and creams and requires less upkeep. However, you will need 4-6 sessions at regular intervals to see the most benefits.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your hair’s growth cycle in the area you want to treat and determine your best treatment schedule. They’ll also advise you on preparing for your treatments, including avoiding sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
When pursuing cosmetic procedures, ensure the practitioner you choose is board-certified and has extensive experience. Be wary of spas or salons where nonmedical staff perform laser treatments. You may be putting yourself at risk of hyperpigmentation or laser burns.
What is the Cost of Laser Hair Removal?
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking, laser hair removal can help. It’s usually less expensive than other methods, but you might need multiple sessions to get permanent results.
Your doctor will recommend numbing gel for the treatment area before the procedure to reduce discomfort. Then, the technician will use the laser light on your skin, aiming for the pigment that creates the hair color. The laser energy heats the pigment, destroying it and preventing the hair follicle from growing new hair.
You’ll need multiple treatments at four to six weeks to be completely hair-free. Each body part has a different average cost for laser hair removal, but you might save by focusing on the most bothersome areas for hair growth, such as your legs or underarms.
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