By Kelsie Matthews, L.E.
Wouldn’t it be cool if you never had to shave AGAIN in your life? Lucky for you, it’s possible. This is where laser hair removal comes into play. This is a technology that has been around for years, but has come a very long way since then, making it a great option for permanent hair reduction.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure using a laser device to destroy hair follicles. The device essentially uses a really bright concentrated flash of light that looks for pigment. The flash of light finds the melanin in the hair and heats it up to the point where it destroys the follicle. Once the follicle is destroyed, it is nearly impossible for it to grow back.
How many treatments does it take?
Because our hair has a growth cycle, the follicle can only be destroyed when it’s in its active (anagen) phase. Since we have so many different hairs throughout our skin, there’s never a point where every single hair is in the active phase at the same time. With this being said, it typically takes 6-8 treatments to reach every hair in its active phase in order to destroy it so it doesn’t grow back. These sessions are typically done 6-8 weeks apart, depending on the area being treated.
Does it hurt?
Laser hair removal is definitely not a relaxing treatment, but most people tolerate it perfectly fine without numbing cream. Because the light beam flashes so quickly, the sensation is best compared to a “hot rubber band snap”. Now I know what you’re thinking, that sounds terrible. But most areas can be treated in 30 minutes or less, so it is a very quick procedure. The slight discomfort is well worth a lifetime of never shaving again.
How long do the results last?
After completing the series of 6-8 treatments, the hair reduction should be pretty close to permanent. Occasionally as our bodies and hormones change when we get older, our hair growth cycle can change a little bit. If this does happen, some people may require a touch up treatment after a few years from the original ones.
Can anyone do it?
Since the laser is looking for pigment, the m\ost ideal candidate for laser hair removal is someone who has light skin and dark hair. This does not mean other people cannot do it, but the treatment is not very effective on blonde, gray, or red hair. People with darker skin tones can be candidates as well, but the treatment has to be done at a lower setting than those with light skin, because we don’t want to target the melanin in the skin, just the hair. When there is not a stark contrast between the skin and the hair, it becomes a little bit trickier. This is why it is important to start with a consultation with a medical provider in order to figure out what the best option is for your particular skin/hair.
Say goodbye to shaving, razor bumps, and prickly hair! Get your laser hair removal done today so you can have silky smooth skin!