Hair removal can be a tricky topic. With so many people looking for effective and affordable ways to reduce unwanted hair, lasers have been steadily gaining popularity over the last decade. Are they safe? How effective are they? What do you need to know before getting a laser treatment? This post will address these issues and more so you can make an informed decision about whether or not laser treatments are right for your needs.
Lasers are very powerful and intense beams of light that can be used for many purposes. In order to understand how lasers are used for hair removal, it is important to know how they work. A laser emits a single wavelength of light (or color) that differs from that of natural sunlight or other sources of artificial light. A laser’s intensity can also vary depending on its purpose—some types of lasers emit more energy than others do.
Read on to learn more about Ls Laser For Hair Removal Good, Laser Hair Removal Benefits and Does Hair On Certain Areas Of The Body Or Face GrowBack Faster?
Ls Laser For Hair Removal Good
If you’re considering laser hair removal, it pays to study up. We know it’s easy to be lured in by the promise of a stubble-free life, but it’s oh-so important to read up on the facts (and side effects) first, to make sure the treatment is right for you. There are so many pros to getting laser beyond just the hair removal aspect. If you are susceptible to ingrown hairs that aggravate your skin and cause pigmentation (super common in deep skin tones skin) then it can help to eliminate this.
The options for hair removal are endless. From waxing to threading and shaving to tweezing, but laser hair removal is one of the few options that offers a more permanent approach to getting rid of body hair (if you wish too).
However, just like with any procedure you’re doing to your body, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the ins and outs of the process before you start a course. Because, while the end result will be *chef’s kiss*, there are a few things to bear in mind and ways you can prep for the best laser experience, wherever on your body you’re getting it done.
We spoke to a few laser experts at Pulse Light Clinic and sk:n clinic about everything you need to know prior to getting laser. Below you’ll find out straight facts and have all your laser myths busted – from laser triggering hair growth (rarely) to having to avoid sun exposure (always).
1. THE PROCESS SOUNDS PAINFUL, BUT ISN’T TOO BAD
Dr. Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director at the sk:n clinic explains that laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. “This (light) converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb.” I found it to be a quick, sharp pain which I found more painful on thinner skin near my nose, chin and temples. Thankfully, the lasers used on me had a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser was pointing) which really helped. I also found it more painful if my body temp was raised due to running across town to make it on time for my appointment.
2. PATIENCE PAYS OFF
It takes two or three weeks after your first treatment to see a difference, and 8 -12 treatments to get the full result. You also have to be really regular with your appointments because your hair follicles are all at different stages of their growth, so you want to make sure each one has a chance to get zapped.
“Laser hair removal gets to the root of the problem, literally,” says Lucy Dawe, Senior Consultant at Pulse Light Clinic. “The laser will target the hair that is in its active growth stage. Clients may find hair to appear finer and less noticeable after one treatment but a course of treatments is essential to see optimal results.”
3. YOU’VE GOT TO USE A HAIR TRIMMER/SHAVE THE AREA BEFORE YOU LASER (SAME GOES FOR MAKEUP)
The laser can react with hair on the skin’s surface which will cause some irritation and maybe dreaded burnt hair smell which I learned first hand, yay. Thankfully for me, I knew that whole ‘shaving = thicker darker hair’ was a really common beauty myth.
You do have to make sure you have prepped properly before each visit though for the optimum results.
Lucy says these are the key things to remember:
- The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long.
- Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area.
- The treatment area needs to be free from makeup, lotion, deodorant and sun cream- inform the practitioner before treatment starts if you require wipes.
- The area cannot be treated if it has been exposed to sun within 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Fake tanning products cannot be used 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues.
4. IT’S ACTUALLY A PRETTY FAST PROCESS
You can go in for a full face appointments and they only take 20 minutes, including a quick chat and makeup removal at the start. Sure, you had to reapply your makeup but that’s a small price to pay for smooth skin, right?
5. YOU CAN’T GO TO THE GYM AFTERWARD
The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours so no gym, saunas, hot showers, you get it. If you do, you run the risk of creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply and give you spots. Gross.
6. GET READY TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THE SUN
Your dermatologist will advise what is best for you, but you might need to avoid sunbathing and sun exposure as much as possible before and after treatment. Also if you have a tan you’ll need to wait till it fades before you can start your treatment. Again, your dermatologist will check in with you about upcoming holidays to make sure you don’t have a holiday coming up which might affect the timing of your next appointment.
7. LASER TREATMENT CAN TRIGGER MORE GROWTH IN SOME CASES
It’s true, particular types of hair can be stimulated into growing longer and thicker. But don’t worry, if hair isn’t suitable, your dermatologist will let you know.
“Yes, in a rare number of cases laser hair removal can stimulate growth,” says Lucy. “We have found the most common reason for stimulated hair growth is when certain type of finer hair, known as vellus hairs are stimulated into growth by the light from the laser.”
8. YOU MIGHT NEED TO SWITCH UP YOUR BEAUTY REGIME AND PRODUCTS
Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided 2 days before and after treatment. I also started using face mists and added extra moisturisers to my regime as my skin got drier. It’s recommended that for a 2 week period before and after laser, you avoid chemical peels and similarly you should wait 1-2 weeks before using fake tan.
9. YOU CAN’T PLUCK, DYE OR WAX THE HAIR
Plucking, waxing and bleaching impedes the process. If you want to be hairless throughout the process, go the shaving route instead. You’ll need these tips to make each shave last longer though.
10. IT WORKS ON ALL SKIN TONES
The hair just needs to be dark enough to drawn the laser. sk:n use long pulsed ND:YAG lasers – which are safer for treating pigmented or darker skin tones.
“Older laser hair removal technology was previously not recommended for people of darker skin tones, in particular those with Black or Asian skin,” says Lucy. “The energy from the laser targets the pigment in the hair, with the pigment of the skin being shallower, this could lead the laser to be attracted to the skin rather than the pigment in the hair. Putting darker skin tones at risk of burning.”
11. YOU MIGHT NEED TO GO BACK FOR TOP UP TREATMENTS
Most people report 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. “Depending on your hair growth and each individual clients’ case, at the end of the treatments we may recommend some top up treatments which could take place with larger periods in between quarterly, or twice a year,” advises Lucy.
Laser Hair Removal Benefits
Laser hair removal is the best method for permanent hair removal. Ready to learn why?
Here are just some of the benefits of laser hair removal treatment:
1. It’s Quick
If it’s a quick solution you’re searching for, laser hair removal is the fastest way to get rid of unwanted hair.
You will have to have multiple treatment sessions, but most sessions only take a few minutes. The smaller the treatment area, the less time you’ll spend under the laser.
2. It’s Less Painful Than Other Hair Removal Methods
Laser hair removal is a lot less painful than most people think. Many people equate it to the feeling of snapping a rubber band against the skin.
Depending on your threshold for pain, you may find it slightly uncomfortable, but the sessions are so fast that most people find it easy to endure.
3. It’s Precise
Laser technology is incredibly precise, making laser hair removal ideal for people looking to target and remove a few specific hairs.
This makes it a great option, even if you’re looking to remove small areas of hair from around the eyebrows, upper lip, nose, bikini line, or hairline.
4. It Can Remove Hair From Any Part of the Body
With the exception of the eyelashes, laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body.
It’s especially ideal for the back and bikini area, which can be hard to reach with razors and extremely painful to wax.
5. It Prevents Ingrown Hairs
Shaving, waxing, and other methods of hair removal can cause ingrown hairs. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, laser hair removal is an excellent option.
By destroying the hair at the root, you’ll never have to worry about those pesky hairs growing back in or curling back into the body and becoming ingrown.
6. It Saves You From Having to Endure Regrowth
Some methods, such as waxing and plucking, require that you endure a bit of regrowth in between sessions. With laser hair removal, you can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin at all times.
7. It’s a Long-Term Solution
Most people see permanent, lasting results with laser hair removal. In some cases, you may need a touch-up a few months or years down the line, but it remains one of the best long-term solutions available.
At minimum, you will see a permanent reduction in hair growth that becomes easier to maintain over time.
Because it’s a long-term solution, it’s also cost effective. Over the course of your lifetime, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, as there won’t be a need for monthly waxes or razor blade refills.
Keep in mind that while laser hair removal works on all different skin tones, it is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. People with darker skin tones may experience temporary hyperpigmentation of the skin in the treated area.
Does Hair On Certain Areas Of The Body Or Face GrowBack Faster?
After laser hair removal, hair is most likely to grow back on the chin, neck, and other areas of the face.
This may be due in part to hormonal fluctuations and the reactivation of hair follicles by androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone.
In some women, regrowth of hair on the chin, neck, upper lip, and sideburns may coincide with menopause, when estrogen levels drop.
Hair regrowth on the body is also possible. In some people, it may be more likely to occur on the arms, legs, or chest rather than on the bikini line, stomach, or underarms.
When hair does grow back on the body, it’s typically sparse and very fine.
In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.