Do you ever wonder what it would be like If you didn’t have to shave on a daily basis? Have you ever had to deal with painful, ingrown hairs? If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, then laser hair removal may be the perfect solution! In fact, it’s one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. Below are some facts regarding laser hair removal, as well as some helpful hints for ensuring the best results.
Facts About Laser Hair Removal
- Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, legs, arms, underarm, bikini line, back, and other areas.
- It is precise. The laser only targets pigmented areas on the skin, such as the hair follicle, so the follicle is burned; NOT the surrounding skin.
- Hair removal has been proven to be extremely effective. According to the FDA, “permanent hair reduction” is defined as being the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regimen.
- For hair removal treatments to be effective, the hair needs to be caught in the anegen stage, when the hair is actively growing. This is why it is necessary to receive a series of 4-6 consecutive treatments.
- With laser hair removal, clients have less of a chance of getting ingrown hairs because they aren’t shaving or waxing. Plus, when hair grows back after laser hair removal treatments, the hair tends to be spars and fine. The change in texture reduces the chance of ingrown hairs.
Helpful Hints to Achieve the Best Results:
- Realize that laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin. So it’s important not to be tan while getting treated.
- Avoid any tweezing or waxing for at least 3 weeks before treatment. The laser will not be able to “read” the follicle if there is no hair there.
- Shave closely right before your treatment. This will minimize the pain.
- Expect some pain. It has been described as similar to a rubber band snapping your skin.
- Communicate with your technician. When you leave the office, you should be slightly red which could last up to a day or two.
Many men and women have chosen laser hair removal and have been extremely happy with the results. While laser hair removal treatment is fast and effective for permanent hair reduction, remember that one individual treatment will not stop hair growth for good. Most patients will need an average of six laser hair removal treatments in order to reduce, and often times remove, any and all unwanted hair. It’s not surprising that laser hair removal continues to be the number one non-invasive aesthetic laser procedure performed in the United States.