If you’re tired of shaving, tweezing, or waxing to eliminate unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be a viable choice. Laser hair removal is a method of removing undesirable body hair. People may want the therapy to be applied to their underarms, back, or private areas. Although it is not permanent, the effects stay longer than shaving or waxing. Most folks require six treatments. It is normally harmless, although it can cause burns, scars, and permanent skin discolouration.
It is non-invasive, which means no incisions in your skin are required. It sends highly focused light into hair follicles during laser hair removal. Light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles. That takes away the hair.
In this blog, you will get to know the basics of laser hair removal and whether you should opt for it for your skincare journey.
1. What is the procedure for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal employs a technique known as selective photothermolysis. Laser heat kills cells with a lot of pigment. Dark hair absorbs the greatest heat due to its high pigment content. Hair sends heat to the hair follicles, destroying them and preventing hair growth. For the technique to operate, a hair follicle must be in its anagen, or growth, stage. Because follicles grow at various rates, most people require numerous laser treatments.
A few days after your initial treatment session, some of your hair may start to fall out. Overall, laser hair removal is a rapid procedure. Smaller regions, like the top lip, may be done in a matter of minutes. Larger regions of hair removal, such as the back or chest, may take an hour or more to complete. If your dermatologist initially administers a topical pain reliever (anaesthetic), you should anticipate staying in the clinic for up to an hour.
Despite laser hair removal’s high success rate, hair follicles ultimately recover. This causes new hair to grow. You may need to go through numerous therapy sessions to get the greatest outcomes.
2. Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is more than simply removing undesirable hair. It is a medical treatment that necessitates training and poses possible dangers. Before undergoing laser hair removal, extensively investigate the credentials of the doctor or technician administering the treatment.
If you want to get laser hair removal, you should avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before the procedure. This is because the laser targets the hair roots, which are removed momentarily by waxing or plucking. Sun exposure should also be avoided for six weeks before and after therapy. Sun exposure reduces the effectiveness of laser hair removal and increases the likelihood of problems following treatment.
3. Who may benefit from laser hair removal?
Anyone with excess body hair can benefit from laser hair removal. Typically, it is cosmetic surgery. It may enhance your attractiveness or self-esteem. Many folks also choose not to shave daily. Laser hair removal works best for persons with thick, dark hair and fair complexion. The difference between skin and hair colour allows the hair to absorb heat more easily. It may not work as well for persons with dark skin or blonde, grey, white, or red hair.
4. What can one Expect during the Process
There are various processes involved in laser hair removal. Your healthcare provider will first clean the area. Provides you with safety glasses or goggles to wear during the process. Your healthcare provider will also be wearing protective eyewear. The laser is used to treat your skin. It might seem like a string of stings. Some compare it to a rubber band cracking across their skin.
Your operation might last a few minutes or an hour. It is determined by the size of the area to be treated. You could notice the scent of smoke and burned hair. This is natural and is caused by the hair burning away from the heat of the laser.
5. Precautions following laser hair removal
Following laser hair removal, your skin may become red, inflamed, and painful. You can apply a cold compress to the affected region. Avoid exposing the treated area to either natural or artificial sunlight. You should be able to resume normal activities immediately.
6. Does it offer permanent results
In a nutshell, no. Laser hair removal works by heating the hair follicles, preventing new hair growth. This causes the hair follicles to go into dormancy for a significantly longer amount of time than shaving and waxing. When the hair returns, it will be lighter, finer, and fewer in quantity. Although laser hair removal is sometimes marketed as “permanent,” it simply decreases the number of undesirable hairs in a certain location. It does not entirely remove undesirable hairs.
7. Follow-up sessions are required
To get the most out of laser hair removal, follow-up sessions are required. The number of maintenance laser sessions required varies per individual. According to one study, most patients require four to six laser treatment sessions. You must also space these out by six weeks apiece, which means the entire therapy cycle might take up to nine months. You’ll probably see fewer hairs after each session. Any remaining or regenerating hair will be lighter in texture and colour. Additionally, for optimum results, you will most likely require periodic maintenance sessions. These aid in preventing hair follicle regeneration.
THE BOTTOM LINE
While laser hair removal isn’t completely permanent, it is one of the greatest alternatives for decreasing hair growth over time. It is advisable to leave laser hair removal to the professionals.
Read more: Can White Hair Turn Black Again? Things you must know
