The Ultimate Guide to Laser Hair Removal​

Getting rid of unwanted hair can be frustrating and time-consuming, whether on your legs, underarms, or other body parts. Razors, waxing, and plucking can all be rough on your sensitive skin, too; many have cut or nicked themselves. What if you didn’t have to use a razor to treat unwanted hair and still had silky-smooth skin?

Laser hair removal is a popular choice for people who are tired of spending time and money on methods that only work temporarily. Laser hair removal is a long-term solution that uses laser energy to destroy hair follicles and stop hair from growing back in the same place.

If you want to remove your hair with a laser hair removal device, you should know what to expect before, during, and after your treatments.

So, say goodbye to the back hair growth you don’t want and hello to smooth skin. Let’s dive into laser hair removal and find out the best ways to get rid of hair for good.

laser hair removal

Preparing For a Laser Hair Removal Session

Avoiding tanning and sun exposure

A study found that sun exposure can change the chromophores in the skin. This makes the laser less effective and increases the risk of side effects. When going outside, wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Stopping the use of certain hair removal methods

At least four weeks before the laser hair removal session, you should not wax, pluck, or use electrolysis. This is because these ways of removing hair pull the hair out of the follicle, where the laser is aimed. The laser needs to find the hair follicle to destroy it. This will stop new hair ever from growing back in that spot.

Shaving the area to be treated

One or two days before laser hair removal, you have to shave the area that will be treated. The laser goes after the hair follicle, not the hair shaft. The hair needs to be short for the laser to reach the follicle. Shaving the area will also reduce the chance of surface burns, which can happen when laser hair removal works when the laser energy heats the hair above the skin’s surface.

hair removal process

Repeat Sessions

Laser hair removal treatment usually takes numerous sessions to attain the best results. The number of permanent hair removal sessions necessary is determined by the person’s skin type, hair texture, and hair colour. You may require four to eight permanent removal treatments several weeks apart to achieve permanent hair reduction.


The Process of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular procedure for removing unwanted hair on various body regions. It is a non-invasive process that removes hair from the targeted area using a concentrated light beam. The following steps are commonly involved in this method:

Consultation

Before the procedure, you will consult with a certified technician or registered healthcare practitioner. They will evaluate your skin type, hair texture, and hair colour to determine which laser to use and how many sessions you need.

Preparation

For a few weeks before the procedure, avoid sun exposure, tanning, and utilizing any hair removal or cosmetic procedures that remove the hair from the root. It would be best to shave the region that will be treated on the day of the therapy.

A cooling gel will be applied to the skin by the technician to protect it from the heat caused by the laser.

Laser Treatment

The technician will use laser hair removal devices that emit a concentrated beam of light. The laser targets the hair follicles, and the laser’s heat destroys them, preventing them from growing back.

Aftercare

Following the laser hair removal procedure, you may have some redness, swelling, or soreness in the treated area. Avoid sun exposure and other activity that may produce sweating for a few days following the treatment. The technician may also propose using a cooling gel or aloe vera gel to calm the skin.

A study showed that shaving before laser hair removal did not change how well the treatment worked. It also lessens the pain of laser hair removal, making the treatment easier for patients.

What to Expect During and After Laser Hair Removal

You can get a topical anesthetic right before the laser procedure to help you feel less pain during the treatment. This is put on 20–30 minutes before the laser procedure and is recommended for sensitive areas like the bikini line and underarm.

You will usually be given eye protection, and the laser equipment will be set up differently depending on where the skin is, how thick it is, and what colour it is. Lastly, a cold gel or a particular cooling device will protect the skin and reduce side effects.

During the laser process, pulses of laser light will be sent to the treated area, which may be a little uncomfortable. People have said this feels like a warm pinprick or a light rubber band snapping against the skin.

The first treatment usually pains more than the later ones, and the laser process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on where the treatment is done. Once the procedure is done, you may be given lotion, anti-inflammatory cream, or ice packs to help with pain.

Post-treatment Care and Recommendations

 Redness and swelling

 It is typical after cosmetic surgery for the area where the procedure was done to be red and swollen right after it. Using an ice pack or cold compress can help ease these symptoms.

 Sun protection

 After laser hair removal, you should stay out of the sun and put sunscreen on  the treated area. This will stop hyperpigmentation and other problems from happening.

 Avoid irritants

Don’t use products like perfumes, deodorants, or scrubs that could make smoother skin on the treated area red or itchy. 

 

 Exfoliation

 You can gently exfoliate the area a few days after the treatment to help   remove dead hair follicles. But it would be best not to use harsh exfoliants or   scrub dark skin too hard.

 Hair loss

 It’s normal for the hair to fall out in the treated area a week or two after the   procedure. This is a sign that the laser hit the hair follicles where it was   supposed to.

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laser hair removal

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has several benefits that can be the best long-term solution for people who want to remove unwanted hair without much pain.

Long-term hair reduction

Laser hair removal can stop hair from growing back in the treated area for a long time. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that after six months of laser hair removal treatments, the amount of hair that grew back on treated skin was much less.

Saves time and money

The cost of multiple ways to get rid of hair can add up over time. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is a one-time investment that can last for a long time.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that people can save around $10,000 throughout their lives if they choose laser hair removal over other methods of hair removal.

Improved skin texture and appearance

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery says that laser hair removal can help improve the texture skin color, and look of the skin by getting rid of ingrown hairs, razor burn, and bumps on darker skin.

Minimal pain

The advanced technology used to cool the skin during laser hair removal can make the process almost painless. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that most people who had laser hair removal said it was “somewhat uncomfortable” or “not uncomfortable at all.”

Even though laser hair removal treatment has many benefits, it’s important to remember that the results can vary based on skin tone, hair thickness, and how well the clinic does the treatment.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment vs. Other Methods

Shaving

Shaving is one of the most popular ways to eliminate body hair worldwide. Even though it’s cheap and easy to do, it doesn’t last long, and hair can grow back quickly. Shaving can also cause razor burns, cuts, bumps, and hairs that grow back into the skin.

Also, shaving often can make the skin discoloured, give it an uneven colour and rough texture.

Waxing

Waxing is another common way to get rid of hair. This method puts a sticky resin on the skin and then pulled off with the hair. Waxing can be painful, and if you do it too often, it can hurt your skin. After getting waxed, people are told to stay out of the sun because their skin is more sensitive and likely to burn.

Chemical Depilation

A chemical depilatory is creams or sprays that break down the hair on the skin’s surface. They can hurt the skin’s protective barrier and cause irritation and allergies. Before using chemicals, you should do a patch test and not leave them on for too long, as this can cause skin irritation or a chemical burn.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

A few things make someone a good candidate for hair removal with a laser. You must know how lasers work when aiming at hair to understand these things.

Skin types and hair types

Since the laser goes after melanin in the hair follicle, it works best on people with dark hair and light skin. People with light blonde, red, gray, or white hair are not good candidates for laser hair removal because the laser can’t tell the difference between their hair and deep skin tones. But as laser technology has improved, there are ways to treat people with darker skin tones and light hair.

Candidates with illnesses or medical conditions

People who are getting any medical treatment, have active skin irritations or rashes, or have any illness or medical condition that affects their immune system may not be good candidates for laser hair removal because their skin may become more sensitive or less responsive to the treatment, which increases the risk of negative reactions.

Age restrictions

Men and women of all ages can safely undergo laser hair removal. However, individuals going through puberty should avoid the procedure as their hair growth has not yet stabilized, which can result in hair regrowth and reduce the longevity of the treatment’s effectiveness. Pregnant or nursing women should refrain from laser hair removal as it can impact fetal growth.

Before trying the laser hair removal technology, you should talk to a certified laser specialist. They can help determine if the treatment is safe and good for your skin type and hair colour.

laser hair removal

Fountain Aesthetics – Your Partner for Your Hair Removal Journey

Fountain Aesthetics is the ideal companion for anyone embarking on a hair removal adventure. Our aesthetic skills, cutting-edge technology, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the go-to choice for all hair removal needs.

Our skilled team takes the time to understand your specific wants and concerns before developing a customized treatment plan that provides the best possible results.

Fountain Aesthetics has the skills and knowledge to help you attain the smooth, hair-free skin you desire, whether you want to remove unwanted hair from your face, arms, legs, or bikini line.

With our mild yet powerful treatments, you can be confident that you’re in good hands and on your path to feeling attractive and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laser hair removal is a semi-permanent form that can produce long-term benefits, although it is not always permanent.

A concentrated beam of light targets hair follicles during laser hair removal, which destroys them and hinders their capacity to regrow hair. Certain hair follicles, however, may not be totally damaged, allowing hair to regenerate in such regions. Nevertheless, some people may have hair regrowth over time due to hormonal changes or other circumstances.

Many people who use laser hair removal find a considerable reduction in hair growth, with some seeing permanent benefits after numerous sessions. The treatment’s effectiveness can vary depending on various factors, including the individual’s skin type, hair colour, and the type of laser employed.

Note: Maintenance sessions may be required to keep the results of laser hair removal looking good over time.

The number of laser hair removal sessions needed depends on various factors, including the area being treated, the individual’s skin type and hair colour, and the type of laser utilized.

To achieve considerable hair removal, most people require 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. But, depending on their circumstances, some people may require more or fewer sessions.