Tired of unwanted hair growing in places you don’t want it to be seen? Then laser hair removal might be the answer to this agonizing dilemma. If you fear people can see hair growing over your lip or simply want smooth and sexy legs without all the nicks and cuts, read on to find out all the answers to your laser hair removal questions!
Are laser hair removal devices safe?
You can breathe a sigh of relief, for laser hair removal devices your aesthetician uses are FDA-approved. Laser hair removal devices have been in use for more than 50 years now and there is plenty of literature and technical review to reassure even the more skeptical of us of their safety and efficacy.
It’s important to know though that no matter how experienced you are with laser hair removal, you must never use them near your eyes; don’t use it on tattoos, pigmented areas, or moles; and never use it directly on genitals though using on the bikini line is safe.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Yes, but this will not happen from a single treatment! You will need a course of treatments. The standard recommended practice is between 6-8 sessions before you get to a permanent state. The reason for that is that the laser treatment works only on the hair in anagen cycle, when it can destroy its root and prevent it from growing. When hairs do return, there are fewer of them and they’re lighter and finer. So, laser hair removal will help make dealing with unwanted hair easier, but it will need a few sessions before it targets all the hairs in their various growth stages for a hairless look.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Unfortunately, laser hair removal is something you can feel, though most people won’t describe it as painful. It feels more like light pinching or the snap of a rubber band on your skin. Plus, it is less painful than waxing even in those sensitive regions.
Can laser hair removal cause other health problems?
No long-term health risks have been discovered from using the laser hair removal method. Your dermatologist will likely do a patch test to see how your skin reacts before using it on the entire surface to be treated.
As for the myths about laser hair removal causing infertility or skin cancer, these are completely false. The lasers do not penetrate deeper than the skin, and the radiation produced is not harmful.
Which laser hair removal is best for my skin?
No matter what kind of skin you have, laser hair removal may be a good option to remove unwanted hair. Speak to your dermatologist or aesthetician about it, though in most cases the hair needs to be just dark enough to draw in the laser. The treatments today are safe for treating pigmented and darker skin tones so whether you’re Asian or you have dark skin or anything in between, laser hair removal can work for you. For darker skin though, choose newer technology to prevent burns.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal technology emits a light that the pigment in the hair absorbs. This light energy converts to heat which then damages the hair follicles that the hair is growing from, thus hindering or delaying the growth of hair from that follicle. So hair may still grow from that follicle in the future, though this process slows things down, leaving you with smoother, hairless skin.
Why laser hair removal is worth it
Do you like spending time shaving in the shower? How about that hot bikini wax? If both of these things make you shudder, laser hair removal is worth it. It’s less painful and you need to do it less often. However, getting it done in a clinic is costly, but there are good news! Laser hair removal used to be expensive but with the developments of technology and with a wider availability, you don’t need to visit your bank before signing up for a course of hair removal. The cost of a laser session has come a long way and is now affordable for almost everyone interested!
When you break it down though, that will equate to less over time if you were to always get waxed and plus a good seasonal offer you might easily equate it to the cost of waxing for a year. Not to ignore, it’s the fact that laser hair removal stops ingrown hairs and the discolorations from them so you will improve your appearance.
What risks should I know before laser hair removal?
If you have tattoos, do not have laser hair removal performed on those areas. It can distort your tattoo and possibly damage your skin. Sunbathing before and after treatment is also discouraged. To achieve that hairless look ahead of a vacation, you should plan ahead for your treatments.
In between laser hair removal sessions, you may shave any hairs that regrow. However, do not wax! Waxing disrupts the hair cycle.
When to get laser hair removal
You may be a candidate for laser hair removal if you’re age 14 and up. Your laser aesthetician can assess your situation to see if this type of treatment will benefit you.
Where is the best place to get laser hair removal?
Your bikini area, underarms, and legs are the best places to get laser hair removal treatments. If you are looking for the best dermatologist or aesthetician in your area to perform this treatment, you should choose licensed and recommended places in your location.
Which laser hair removal machine is best?
All the top manufacturers are praising their devices as the best ones, but the truth is that it is difficult to single out the ultimate champion. The technology is an established one so currently there are only a few particular features that differentiate the machines. Mainly these are very technical and make sense for providers and expert users, but very important as well for your wellbeing. We suggest checking if your provider uses a branded machine, from an established manufacturer, if it’s an FDA-cleared and clinically-proven device.
One of the top manufacturers is Cutera, with their Excel HR laser, with which we had great results and removing hair and ensuring the patient’s comfort. The Saphire cooling tip is excellent in reducing pain to the level of a rubber pinch and minimizing the discomfort to as little as possible during the treatment.
Laser hair removal vs other hair removal methods
So, how does laser hair removal stack up against other methods of hair removal? It’s the best when it comes to investing in a hairless appearance on your upper lip, underarms, bikini line, and legs. Compared to IPL, it removes the hair for longer and it is more effective for darker skin tones and Asian skin.
Epilators can be painful and don’t keep hair from coming back. Meanwhile, waxing is something that is both painful and requires follow-up treatments to ensure a smooth appearance. As it stands, laser hair removal is one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted hair.
Interested? Why not give us a call and book a consultation!
