Laser hair removal at home is a convenient, affordable and painless way to remove unwanted hair. It’s also a great way to save money when compared to visiting a salon or spa. Laser hair removal at home uses a specific type of laser light that targets melanin, which is found in the hair follicle.
The laser light heats up the follicle so it can be removed from your skin. This can take between 4 and 6 sessions before all of the hair growth is removed, but it’s worth it because once you’re done, you don’t need to worry about shaving or plucking again!
Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal At Home UK
Best Laser Hair Removal At Home UK
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments to reduce or remove unwanted body hair. This procedure is a long-lasting way to eliminate unwanted hair and can be performed on any area of the body including the face. Laser hair removal has shown promising results in women suffering from hirsutism, which is a condition defined as excessive hair growth in a male-type pattern. Some people observe permanent results from the procedure however this tends to be more likely on the body rather than on the face.
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicles (1). Hair follicles are small cavities in your skin from which hair grows. When the laser device emits light, hair follicles absorb that light which is attracted to hair melanin pigment. The light energy converts into heat and instantly vaporizes the hair below the skin down to the root.
The contrast between skin and hair colour (light skin & dark hair) is ideal for laser hair removal. This is because hair pigment absorbs the laser, so darker, coarse hair absorbs the laser more effectively.
People with light hair are the less ideal candidates as the laser light cannot be well absorbed by the non-pigmented hair.
Laser hair removal tends not to be as effective for people with blonde, grey, or white hair.
The Procedure
- Shaving is recommended up to 24 hours before the procedure so the laser can easily locate the hair follicles.
- Your dermatologist or medical specialist cleans the treatment area before the procedure to remove oils from the skin.
- A topical numbing cream can be applied to reduce any discomfort during the treatment. During the procedure, you will need to wear eye protection such as goggles to prevent laser eye damage.
- The laser equipment settings will be adjusted according to the treatment area and hair thickness. You may feel slight discomfort just like a warm pinprick, sunburn-like sting, or the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
- There can be a sulphurous smell from smoke puff as laser energy vaporizes hair.
- The larger the area you would like treated, the longer the procedure takes. For example, the upper lips can take only a couple of minutes while the chest or legs area can take an hour or more.
The Results
It can take days to weeks to fully hair shed, as hair doesn’t fall out immediately after the treatment.
After the first treatment, most patients see a 10 to 25% hair reduction in the treated area. The results can vary among individuals, which may be due to multiple factors including hair location, density and thickness.
Four to ten sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart may be required to target the various stages of the hair growth cycle.
Recovery time after the treatment is minimal as most individuals can return to work immediately. You should wear sunscreen after the procedure and continuing to wear it as necessary. This helps prevent irritation.
How Long Does It Last?
Laser hair removal provides permanent or near-permanent results (long-lasting). Results vary and depend on several factors including areas being treated and changing hormone levels.
Body: On body hair, laser hair removal provides permanent or very long-lasting results. You may not notice hair for many years. Over time, any hair that grows back will be very thin and fine.
Face: Permanent results are not generally achieved in the facial areas. Individuals may experience re-growth on the face, chin and neck and may need annual sessions to maintain the results.