Do you have areas of unwanted facial or body hair? Does the mere thought of waxing pain make you cringe? Are you sick and tired of constantly having to shave? If your answer yes to any of these questions, then laser hair removal may be a good solution to your hair overgrowth.
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the FDA approved it for “permanent hair reduction.” Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Keep reading to find out how much it’s going to hurt - your body AND your wallet, what are the chances the hair would grow back, where to have it done, and whether this procedure is for you.
How does laser hair removal work?
Lasers stop growth of hair from its roots by selectively targeting and heating dark target matter - melanin - in the area that causes hair growth - the follicle - while not damaging the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin: it gives skin and hair its color. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color).
Is it for everyone?
People who have very light colored skin and those with very dark colored skin are generally not qualified for this type of treatment. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark hair in people with dark skin, and even light hair in people with dark skin.
What areas can be treated?
Lasers are great for treating large areas of skin, such as the back, shoulders, arms and chest. While it may take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours.
If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet is electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these spots.
Is it effective?
Effectiveness of the treatment depends on the many factors, including the skill and experinece of professional doing the procedure, the equipment being used, and your complexion. Some lasers can destroy even the smallest follicle but they typically cost more. If you have darker skin, it is more difficult for the laser to detect the difference between your hair and your skin.
Nobody knows for sure what the regrowth rates are, and don’t trust a clinic that guarantees hair complete hair removal. Some people notice regrowth after several months or years, while others find they never have to shave again. The average experience is 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth if you do a full course of treatment.
Is it truly permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent, but not the first time you have it done. Most people will have to go back three-six times before it becomes permanent. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of treatments.
Is it safe?
This procedure has been around for so long is that it has undergone a great deal of progress from where it first started out. As a result, you no longer have to be concerned about its safety. However if your complexion is dark, it may cause some scarring. That is why it is recommended having the doctor do a “test patch” in an area that can’t be seen and then determining if your skin reacts well.
What is the price?
It depends. Laser hair removal isn’t cheap at about $200-$600 per session depending on where you live and the areas being treated. Again, it takes about 3-6 sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently. Touch-ups are always an option at about $100-$150 a session.
Based on information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for laser hair removal on a national basis is approximately $430. Of course, this figure will vary depending on the location of the clinic (region, city, etc.) and the size of the area you are having treated.
What’s the pain factor?
The pulsed light in laser hair removal feels like a rubber band popping against your skin, although some machines perform differently. Not every zap will hurt and you may find that some areas may hurt more than others. You may want to consider taking a couple of ibuprofen tablets an hour before your session, or numbing your skin with desensitizing spray that contains Lidocaine about 20 minutes before your session.
Pick the right professional
Do your homework before selecting and signing up for services. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but the best places don’t have to resort to discounts. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician.
