Hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing only remove hair above the surface, while laser hair removal uses high-heat laser beams to destroy hair-producing follicles directly. This approach works especially well on people with dark hair and light skin because their pigment absorbs heat more effectively, says our Dermatologist.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal utilizes powerful lasers to destroy or disable the follicles that produce unwanted hair, targeting melanin pigment and damaging its source to stop production or reduce thickness. Unfortunately, this process cannot be applied to those with blonde or grey locks as these don’t contain enough melanin pigment to be targeted by laser light.
As part of your laser light treatment, protective goggles or glasses may be worn during treatment. Your practitioner may apply a cooling agent prior to applying laser light; when this occurs, it feels similar to rubber band snapping against skin or an uncomfortable sunburn-like sensation.
Before your initial treatment session begins, be sure to shave the area that will be addressed. Also avoid tanning beds and waxing, tweezing or plucking hair from this treatment area between sessions.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser permanent hair removal does not offer permanent solutions, but it significantly decreases the amount of regrown hair over time and tends to grow back thinner, lighter and finer.
Laser hair removal treatments involve directing a laser beam of light toward your target area. When the light hits hair pigment (colour), it converts into heat that prevents further hair growth from the hair follicles. Unfortunately, due to hormonal changes that cause extra hair growth in some areas during pregnancy and light hair’s inability to absorb laser light well; therefore this procedure should not be recommended for people with blonde, reddish or grey locks as their light colours don’t absorb as well as dark hues do. Treatment times range between minutes and an hour, depending on how big an area needs treating.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Needed?
Hair loss and growth cycle is unpredictable, therefore multiple laser treatment sessions must be scheduled in order to achieve long-lasting results. Hair follicles respond best when exposed to light during their antigen phase.
Full body laser hair removal cost is affordable and the procedure is quick and pain-free. Numbing cream can also be applied for added comfort if necessary.
After your treatment, you will notice your hair is significantly thinner. Over the coming days or weeks, this process of hair reduction should continue until eventually all growth ceases altogether.
Hair that remains after laser hair reduction will be finer and lighter in colour, with reduced ingrown hairs to reduce irritation from cuts or nicks. Most patients require six laser treatments in order to achieve permanent hair reduction.
Can I Get Laser Hair Removal at Home?
Laser hair removal, says our celebrity dermatologist in Mumbai, offers an effective alternative for people tired of shaving, tweezing and waxing their unwanted body hair. Unlike traditional methods, this treatment destroys hair follicles to delay or stop new growth altogether.
But is it possible to achieve the same results at home? Yes, provided that you dedicate enough time and follow all safety protocols. But be wary – overusing an at-home device increases the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation as these less powerful machines tend to be less than those used by dermatologists.
At-home devices tend to fall under the “cosmetic” rather than medical device category, meaning they’re not subject to FDA regulation and oversight. Because of these risks, a dermatologist is the ideal option for anyone wanting long-term, permanent hair reduction.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Laser hair removal is extremely safe when performed by an experienced, trained technician, unlike shaving, waxing or tweezing which pose risks of cuts, nicks and skin irritation.
Laser treatment does not involve chemicals or products which could trigger allergic reactions; however, laser therapy may still be uncomfortable for some individuals.
Before undertaking laser treatment, it is advisable to discuss your skin complexion and hair colour with a dermatologist. People with darker complexions may experience temporary hyperpigmentation after laser treatment in the area being treated.
Conclusion
Before and after laser hair removal sessions, it is advisable to refrain from plucking, waxing and electrolysis for at least six weeks – this will help preserve the effectiveness of laser treatment by not disrupting hair follicles. Laser heat destroys these follicles preventing future hair growth in that area.