Unwanted hair growth can be a nuisance. Shaving, waxing and plucking are time-consuming and only give temporary results.
Laser hair reduction is a safe, effective way to reduce unwanted hair on the face and body. It is also a great option for people with hormonal imbalances.
Laser and light energy targets pigment and destroys the hair follicle. Since hair grows in different stages, a series of treatments is required.
Benefits
The laser treatment uses a beam of light to destroy unwanted hair follicles and prevent re-growth. This technique eliminates the need to shave, pluck, or wax unwanted hair, saving you time and effort. It also reduces the appearance of bumps and ingrown hairs and reduces sweating and body odor.
Laser treatments work by damaging the hair follicles that produce the unwanted hair, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Most people do not feel any discomfort during treatment, though some may experience a slight stinging sensation.
It is important to schedule regular sessions to get the best results. The number of sessions required varies by body zone and individual. It is best to avoid sun exposure or take an effective sunscreen before treatment. It is also advisable to discuss any medications you are taking with your skincare professional. They will help you choose the best treatment protocol for your situation. Some areas require more treatment than others, depending on the hair growth cycle.
Side effects
Laser treatment is one of the safest ways to remove unwanted hair. Unlike electrolysis and waxing, laser treatments do not cause pain or discomfort. However, patients should avoid shaving or plucking the hair for six weeks before their first session. They should also wear sunscreen when going outdoors.
Lasers emit light pulses that are absorbed by the pigment melanin (pigment found in dark hair roots) and converted into thermic energy. This destroys the root and stops hair growth. The neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser is the best type of laser for Indian skin for this purpose.
The skin will be slightly red and itchy for a few days. Occasionally, the area may develop blistering or superficial crusting. The resulting scarring is usually mild and not noticeable. In some cases, the hair will grow back thicker. This is called paradoxical hypertrichosis and is more common after apulsed light and alexandrite lasers. Despite this, it is still possible to achieve long-term hair reduction with other types of lasers.
Cost
The treatment is expensive, and multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results. Clients must shave the area to be treated the night before or the morning of their appointment, and cannot wax, pluck or use tanners in the area for 6-12 weeks before each laser hair removal session. Clients must also refrain from taking any photosensitizing medications (a type of drug that increases a person’s sensitivity to light) before and during the course of laser treatments. It’s important to understand that no laser or light-based machine has clearance from the FDA for ‘permanent hair removal,’ only permanent hair reduction.
Even electrolysis machines don’t have clearance for this term, because the only type of hair that can be permanently reduced is vellus hair, also known as peach fuzz.
Preparation
Unlike traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking, laser hair reduction uses a focused beam of light to treat the follicles of unwanted hair. This method is quick, effective and relatively painless. It also has fewer side effects than other hair removal techniques.
Before undergoing a laser hair removal treatment, you should avoid shaving and waxing the area for six weeks. You should also use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. Then, you should apply a sun cream to protect the area from sunlight.
The procedure begins with your doctor spreading a thin layer of liquid carbon over the surface of your skin. The carbon will absorb oil, dirt and other impurities. Then, the doctor will pass a laser over your skin on a low-energy setting. This will heat up your skin and destroy the hair follicles, making it impossible for them to grow back. During the treatment, you may experience a slight pinkish appearance.
