Laser hair removal can be permanent, if done properly. After several treatments, you could lose most of your unwanted hair permanently and not have to shave or epilate as often. In general, most clients need between twelve and sixteen treatments to see results. However, people with naturally darker skin may require more frequent treatments than those with lighter complexions. If you want to make sure that the laser hair removal process is safe for you, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent Safe, Where Not To Get Laser Hair Removal
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent Safe
Using laser hair removal technology is a safe way to get rid of unwanted hair. Most people find the procedure to be quick and easily tolerated.
It is important to understand how laser hair removal works in order to understand why it does not harm your skin.
Laser hair removal works on hair follicles because the energy from the laser is absorbed by the melanin in the hair.
- Melanin is the pigment that gives hair and skin its color; one of its primary duties is to absorb light energy, which helps protect the skin from sun damage.
During a laser hair removal procedure, the melanin in the hair absorbs the laser energy into the hair follicle where it causes damage.
- Hair follicles are tiny organs that grow within the second layer of skin; they regulate and grow hair. The human body has many different types of hair. These variations are determined by the follicle and its behavior.
When it is treated with the laser, the damage hinders the hair follicle’s ability to grow hair.
Damaging the hair follicle during laser hair removal does not usually have any side effects. On occasion, the epidermis around the follicle can become irritated and red for a couple of hours after a treatment.
- The epidermis is the outer layer of your skin; its primary job is to protect your body from the environment, so it contains the melanin that keeps you protected from the sun’s rays.
Because the energy pulsed from the laser hair removal device is absorbed by melanin, the treatment sometimes varies for people with lighter hair and those with less contrast between their hair and skin pigmentation. Different laser types may be used for better results depending on your skin and hair color.
On occasion, treatments for people with low contrast – meaning hair and skin color which are similar – have resulted in temporary skin lightening. You can help avoid this by staying out of the sun before and after treatment and following the instructions for your procedure.
The AAD deems the following areas as appropriate for laser hair removal:
- chest
- back
- shoulders
- neck
- bikini line
- face (except for the eye area)
This form of hair removal works best with darker hair colors on light skin tones. This is because the lasers target hair melanin (color). Even if some hairs aren’t removed, the lightening of their color can reduce the appearance of hair on the skin.
Some of your hairs may also shed within a few days of your first treatment session.
Overall, laser hair removal is a relatively quick process. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip, can take just minutes. Larger areas of hair removal, like the back or chest, may take an hour or longer.
If your dermatologist applies a topical pain-relieving gel (anesthetic) first, you may expect to be at the office up to another full hour.
Despite the high success rate of laser hair removal, hair follicles eventually heal. This results in new hair production. To ensure the best results possible, you will need to undergo multiple treatment sessions.
Where Not To Get Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal isn’t intended for areas of the skin near an open orifice. This includes the hair inside your nose and ears, as well as around the genital area.
Most of the side effects related to laser hair removal are mild, and they occur after the procedure. These include:
- redness
- swelling
- blisters
- hyperpigmentation or scarring
- increased risk for sunburn
While anesthetic (numbing) creams can help to minimize the pain, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source recommends only using them when absolutely necessary and at the lowest dose possible.
Using too much numbing cream has been linked to life threatening side effects. Talk to your provider about the benefits and risks of numbing cream, especially if you’re undergoing multiple treatments.
Overall, numbing cream has been deemed safe when used in small amounts on small areas of the body and when applied by a professional.
You may also consider using different types of lasers for your hair removal treatments. One older studyTrusted Source found that alexandrite lasers tend to be less painful, with or without numbing agents.
It’s also important to get laser hair removal from a licensed professional. Although at-home laser kits may be less painful to use, they aren’t guaranteed safe or effective at removing hair.
Alternative armpit hair removal treatments
Laser hair removal for your underarms may lead to longer lasting results. But the potential pain, possible side effects, and cost might not make this the best option for everyone.
You may consider other armpit hair removal methods, such as:
- Waxing. Waxing removes hair and their roots via heated wax and strips. While the results last longer than shaving, you may be left with similar side effects as laser removal, such as temporary pain, swelling, and redness.
- Wet shaving. Perhaps the easiest method of armpit hair removal is wet shaving. When done with shaving cream, you reduce the risk of razor burns and cuts. While shaving is inexpensive, you may need to shave your armpits every time you bathe to help maintain your results.
- Electrolysis. Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis also destroys hair follicles to reduce hair growths. However, this method uses radio frequencies, which aren’t painful. Still, electrolysis is typically the most expensive option and can cause other side effects, like irritation and swelling.
- Depilatory creams. Depilatory creams dissolve hairs from the surface after application and rinsing. While easy to use, these chemical based products can burn and blister the skin, so you may consider avoiding them for sensitive underarm skin.