Laser hair removal uses light to target the pigment in individual hairs. The light travels down the shaft of the hair and into the hair follicle. The heat from the laser light destroys the hair follicle, and a hair can no longer grow from it.
Hair follows a unique growth cycle that involves resting, shedding, and growing periods. Recently removed hair that is in a resting phase will not be visible to the technician or laser, so a person may need to wait until it regrows before removing it.
For most people, laser hair removal requires several treatments spaced roughly a month’s time apart.
Hair removal from a destroyed hair follicle is permanent. However, people who undergo hair removal can expect that some hair in the targeted area will grow back. Most people find that when hair regrows, it is lighter and less noticeable than it was before. This is because the laser may damage the hair follicle even when it fails to destroy it.
When hair regrows, it is possible to treat it again, so people who want to remove all the hair may need several treatments. In some cases, hair may be too light, too short, or resistant to treatment.
Hair removal works best on people with light complexions who have dark hair. This is because the pigment contrast makes it easier for the laser to target the hair, travel into the follicle, and destroy the follicle. People with dark skin or light hair may need more treatments than others and may find that more hair grows back.
What are the areas that can be treated by LASER hair reduction?
Laser Hair Removal can be used to treat your arms, legs, hands, feet, face, chest, back, bikini area – basically, any body part where hair grows and is unwanted. This is true for both males and females.
Though the time it takes to perform effective Laser Hair Removal differs according to area size, and its effectiveness depends upon individual characteristics such as skin tone and hair colour.
Does it work on all the hairs?
LASER hair reduction treatment requires the hair to have some colour for it to be effective. Grey/white hairs cannot be treated by this modality. Same is the case with baby hairs which many people have on their face, arms and elsewhere as they lack the required thickness and pigment for the LASER to be effective.
What are Side effects and risks?
During treatment, some people experience burning, stinging, or discomfort but nothing, which is not bearable. The machines, now a days are equipped with cooling devices which reduce the discomfort during the procedure.
Minor side effects are common, and may include:
- changes in the color of the skin, particularly in people with dark skin, which are usually temporary
- skin redness
- blistering or crusting of the skin
What are the precautions to be taken while on a LASER hair reduction regime?
- Avoid sun – sun exposure can cause the skin (which has become sensitive from the LASER) to burn and cause blisters and consequently scarring or pigmentary changes.
- Waxing and Bleaching in the treatment area is prohibited as these procedures render the LASER ineffective.
Laser hair reduction can significantly reduce the amount of body hair a person has. In most people, some hair will regrow over time. Even when hair does regrow, there will be less overall hair, producing a smoother appearance.
To get a realistic understanding of what to expect from laser hair reduction, discuss your treatment goals with us and we will be happy to help you.