Must know before trying laser hair removal treatment
Shaving, plucking, waxing... all of these take time, but for those who prefer smooth, hairless skin, they may appear to be the only options. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you could opt for a more permanent solution: laser hair removal. This high-tech method uses light to destroy the follicle, resulting in fuzz-free skin.
Here is all the information you need to know before having this procedure done.
1. Laser hair removal isn't as complicated as it sounds:
Any service that includes the word "laser" in its name may appear intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. "The energy from the laser is picked up by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing destruction to the root," explains New York dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. So, once the root is destroyed, the hair can no longer be produced.
2. There are three main types of lasers:
Here's a quick rundown of the most popular laser types:
Diode Laser: Diode lasers are very effective on both light and dark skin.
Alexandrite Laser: The fastest of all lasers, this laser is best for treating larger body areas in patients with light-to-olive complexions.
3. Laser hair removal works best on four areas:
While laser hair removal can be used on any body part, it is especially effective on the bikini, lip, chin, and underarm areas.
4. People with thick, coarse, and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal:
If you have dark hair and have ever been frustrated by how resistant it can be to regrowth and removal, rejoice: "The laser is attracted to pigment, or colour, in the hair follicle."
However, thicker hair may take a little longer to fully work. "Some hair is just very resistant, and sometimes new ones come out due to hormonal changes or other hair bulbs becoming active during the treatment period.
5. You need to stop using specific medications:
This skincare treatment, like waxing, is incompatible with certain medications. Any medications that are photo sensitive must be stopped at least one week prior to treatment It is also mentioned that most antibiotics can be photosensitive, so if you have an infection, you may want to postpone your treatment for a few weeks.
"Patients should not use skincare containing strong active ingredients such as retinoids and alpha hydroxyl acids. These ingredients can cause an increase in skin cell turnover, making the skin more susceptible to sun damage and irritation during the treatment period. Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether your medication will interfere with your laser hair removal treatment and could negatively affect your laser hair removal treatment.
6. You'll see real results after about 6 to 8 treatments:
Because everyone is different, the number of sessions required varies by individual. Laser hair removal works when the hair is actively growing. Different parts of the body grow at different rates, so it may take longer or shorter depending on which area you're treating. It is mostly seen that the majority of clients require six to eight treatments for full hair removal.
7. You need to attend every session:
One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to complete the required number of sessions," warns Dr. Lolis. Once hair growth slows, patients don't stick with it. If you truly want your treatment to be effective, pay attention to your practitioner — they are the experts and they know the best.
8. It shouldn't be painful:
With numbing, it should be comfortable. However, it feels like a "rubber band snapping the skin. It is noted that most of the people describe it as a light, warm pinch.
9. Don't worry if you're on your period:
Unlike a bikini wax, you should not cancel your treatment because you are on your period. It's very important to stay consistent with treatments. So even if a woman is menstruating and we're treating her bikini area, the skin care professional simply ask the client or patient to use a tampon on the day of treatment.
10. Before your appointment, there is one thing you must do: shave
Skin care professionals ask the patient to shave the area you are treating first so that the laser can penetrate into the root of the hair and not target or singe any hair on or outside the skin. You should not wax, tweeze, or bleach any hair one month before your session because the root needs to stay intact in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair.
11. After your treatment, you should apply SPF to the affected area:
After your treatment, you should apply SPF to the affected area. Avoiding sun exposure after your session is advised, and the use of a sunscreen such as Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion for Face & Body ($29, kiehls.com) is highly recommended. However, you were already wearing sunscreen every day, right, it is recommended that any hair growth between sessions be shaved rather than waxed or threaded.
12. Each session costs between $50 and $300:
The cost of a laser hair removal session varies depending on the provider, but Dr. Lolis says it can vary depending on which body part you're removing hair from.
Given that multiple sessions are frequently required to completely stop hair growth, it is not exactly a cheap treatment. However, if you want hairless skin for the rest of your life, imaging using razors or going to the salon for a wax — when you consider how much all of that costs, laser hair removal may appear to be a more long-term investment. Furthermore, some service providers offer packages for clients who purchase multiple sessions at once, so be sure to inquire about any available specials.
13. There are a few risks:
While laser hair removal is thought to be a safe treatment, Dr.Lolis warns that there is a risk of burning, and the FDA adds that blistering, dis coloration, redness, and scarring are also possible side effects. There's also the possibility that your hair will regrow, which, according to Dr. Lolis, may necessitate yearly treatments to keep new hair growth at bay.