So, you’ve heard that laser hair removal is the holy grail of permanent hair reduction. Maybe you’ve even started researching the topic and are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there.
Well, you can take a deep breath and relax: we’re here to help answer some of your questions. After all, while laser hair removal may be a simple procedure, it requires knowledge and understanding.
In this article, we’ll dive into laser hair removal—what it is, how it works, who can get it done, and most importantly—the results you can expect from this popular method of permanent hair reduction. We’ll also cover the important considerations to keep in mind before trying laser hair removal yourself.
Types of Laser Hair Removal Treatments
We get it: those pesky ingrowns, the dread of shaving your legs in the winter—all the reasons to look for an easier and more permanent solution for hair removal. Enter laser: a more painless, longer-lasting regime that’s been gaining traction among beauty circles. But it can be hard to tell which type of laser is right for you.
Luckily, there are a few options to try out:
- Alexandrite Laser – This is best suited for people with light skin and dark hair since the laser targets pigment within the follicles between light and dark colors. It’s known as a fast acting option, so you’ll see results soon after your first treatment.
- Diode Laser – Diode laser treatments are designed specifically for those with darker skin tones and hair color combinations, given their ability to distinguish between them. This type of laser is also particularly effective in removing thicker hairs on more sensitive areas like the bikini line or upper lip.
- Nd:Yag Laser – The Nd:Yag laser isn’t as powerful as Alexandrite lasers, but it does offer greater safety for all types of skin tones—even darker ones—since it has a longer wavelength and can therefore penetrate deeper without risk of burning your skin. So if you have sensitive skin or need a strong beam that can go deep into your skin without damaging its surface, then this option might be best for you.
At the end of the day, each type has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to helping you achieve smooth, hairless skin—so make sure to consult with your practitioner to understand which one is
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has a ton of benefits, and let’s face it—it’s way more appealing than razors or waxing. From preventing ingrown hairs to saving time and money, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider laser hair removal. Let’s dive into some of the major benefits.
Painless Procedure
Gone are the days where you have to endure painful waxing sessions. Laser hair removal is designed to be a painless procedure that won’t leave your skin feeling irritated or raw afterwards. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick, so you can get in and out without taking too much time out of your day.
Permanent Results
One awesome perk is that laser hair removal can give you long-lasting—or even permanent—results. This means less time on upkeep and more time doing things that you actually enjoy in life, like playing soccer with your buds or working out at the gym!
All Skin Types Can Benefit
The best part? Almost all skin types can safely undergo laser hair removal without any adverse reactions. So regardless of whether you have fair skin or darker skin tones, laser hair removal is an effective solution for reducing unwanted hair growth for just about anyone.
Possible Risks of Laser Hair Removal
When it comes to laser hair removal, like anything else, there are possible risks and you should be aware of those before you decide to go through with the process.
First and foremost: never have laser hair removal performed by someone who doesn’t have the proper training and certifications. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends only seeing trained laser professionals who are certified by a state medical board. They must be licensed to perform laser hair removal or any other cosmetic procedure.
Risks that may accompany laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation
- Discoloration of the skin
- Scars from blisters, either from too much heat or too much cooling on the skin
- Infection (though this is rare)
- A puzzling increase in facial or body hair in the area being treated (also rare)
- Changes in skin texture including mild bruising and swelling of the affected area
Don’t let these risks scare you; if you make sure you’re working with a professional who is trained in laser hair removal procedures, these occurrences are very rare. But always make sure you’re educated on both the benefits and potential risks of any kind of treatment prior to committing.
Conclusion
Put simply, laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and relatively painless way to remove excess hair. It’s important to bear in mind that it does require multiple sessions to achieve long-lasting results, and that skin types should be taken into consideration before booking a treatment.
Your best bet is to do your research, learn about the various laser types and devices available, look for qualified technicians, and make sure the laser hair removal center you choose is experienced and qualified.
Though laser hair removal is not a permanent treatment, it can yield very long-lasting results when it is done properly and regularly maintained. When done right, you can enjoy a life free of cumbersome waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis with minimal discomfort and fewer trips to the salon.