How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?Â
Laser hair removal has become increasingly popular and effective in reducing unwanted hair growth. It uses selective photothermolysis, which uses heat from lasers to damage hair follicles. The laser targets melanin, the pigment or “color” in your skin and dark-colored hairs, because it absorbs the most heat generated by the laser energy.Â
Over time, with repeated treatments, this heat destroys the follicle and stops future hair from growing there.Â
Laser Hair Removal Treatment AreasÂ
Laser hair removal areas are not limited to legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and the bikini line. In fact, laser hair removal treatments work on any area of your body that has unwanted hair.Â
However, laser hair removal is not a good option around the eyelid or surrounding area since it can cause severe eye injury. Additionally, laser hair removal may not be an option if you have a tattoo in the area that needs treatment, as it targets the ink and may cause pain, burning, or skin damage.Â
What Stage of Hair Growth Is Best for Laser Hair Removal?
Knowing the best time to get laser hair removal increases your treatment’s chances of success.Â
For best results, one should undergo treatment when the follicles are in their active or anagen phase of growth. You will know your body hair is in this stage when it is above the skin and ready to be removed. But since hair follicles are not at this stage at once, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve desired results.Â
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?Â
Even though there may be long-term effects, laser hair removal is not guaranteed to permanently eliminate unwanted body and facial hair. Even with multiple treatments, the reduction in regrowth may only last a few months or years without maintenance. But any regrowth tends to be significantly finer and lighter in color, and touch-up laser hair removal may be recommended.Â
What Happens If I Stop the Treatment?Â
Depending on your skin tone, the color of your hair, and the laser machine used, results can take anywhere between 6-10 sessions. While in some cases, you may see a noticeable difference after just 2 or 3 treatments, it is best to complete the entire course of treatment for optimal results.Â
If you stop before the full session, then there will likely be no permanent reduction in hair growth, as some of the follicles could still be actively growing.Â
Is Laser Hair Removal Effective on Grey and Red Hair?Â
Laser hair removal has been used for many years to remove unwanted dark hair, targeting dark pigment in the hair’s follicle. But when it comes to laser grey hair removal or laser hair removal red hair, laser treatments can be slightly less effective as lighter colored hairs do not absorb light as well as darker shades.Â
Will Laser Hair Removal Stop Ingrown Hairs?Â
Laser hair removal is an excellent way to help stop ingrown hairs. This is because a laser sends light into the skin, and this light destroys the follicles, which are the places where hair strands grow from. This means that no more hair strands can grow, which stops them from getting stuck under the skin, causing soreness.Â
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal on Your Period?
Laser hair removal on your period is safe, and while you may feel a little uncomfortable, it will not affect the treatment. If you are using a menstrual cap or a tampon, your dermatologist can still go ahead with the session.Â
Benefits of Laser Hair RemovalÂ
There are many benefits to using laser hair removal over other forms of body hair removal, such as waxing or shaving. Here are some key advantages of using laser hair removal:Â
PrecisionÂ
Laser treatments can target specific areas with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for greater control when treating delicate areas like facial skin or bikini lines. This also means fewer treatments are needed to achieve desired results compared to other methods, such as waxing or electrolysis.Â
SpeedÂ
Depending on the extent of the treatment area, most laser treatments can be completed in less than 30 minutes with minimal discomfort or downtime. This makes laser hair removal an attractive option for those who have busy schedules and do not have time for multiple appointments throughout the week.Â
PredictabilityÂ
Because lasers target specific areas with pinpoint accuracy, they can provide more consistent results than other forms of body hair removal, such as waxing or shaving. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments over time before having any noticeable effect on reducing body hair’s growth rate.Â
Risks Involved in Laser Hair RemovalÂ
Laser hair removal has risks and side effects like any other medical procedure. Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is crucial to understand these potential risks to decide whether the procedure is right for you.Â
Skin IrritationÂ
Laser hair removal on sensitive skin can cause redness or swell in the treated area, which usually goes away within a few hours after the treatment. However, in some cases, skin irritation can last up to several days and may require extra care and attention.Â
Pigment Changes
During a laser treatment, some people may experience temporary pigment changes such as hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin) on the treated areas. These changes are usually not permanent and should resolve within a few weeks after treatment, but they can be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones.Â
Factors Affecting Laser Hair Removal CostsÂ
Depending on various factors, the cost of laser hair removal can vary significantly. Let us look at what goes into determining the cost of laser hair removal and why it varies.Â
#1: The Size of the Area Being TreatedÂ
In general, larger areas require more time and, thus, cost more than smaller areas. For example, for a small area, such as a bikini line, laser hair removal may cost between $250-$350 per session, whereas for a large area, your back or legs may range from $600-$900 per session.Â
#2: How Many Treatments You NeedÂ
The number and type of treatments you need can also play a major role in how much you pay for laser hair removal.Â
Different people have varying amounts of body hair and respond differently to treatments. While some may need only 3-4 treatments over several months, others may need 6-8 over a longer period to achieve their desired results.Â
#3: The Person Performing the ProcedureÂ
Generally speaking, if you go to a spa or aesthetician specializing in laser hair removal, you may get away with paying less than if you went to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. However, it is vital to check certifications to perform the procedure for your safety.Â
#4: Where You Are Getting Laser Hair Removal ServicesÂ
As of 2020, the average cost for laser hair removal was $389 per session, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Still, depending on what city/state/country you live in, this number could be either higher or lower than the national average.Â
It is best to schedule a consultation to have an idea of how much your laser hair removal will cost.Â
Conclusion
Although laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair removal, it is an excellent option for people seeking long-term relief without relying on time-consuming and short-term methods, such as waxing and shaving.Â
While it comes with some risks (like redness and irritation), working closely with an experienced and qualified professional who follows strict safety protocols during treatments can minimize these risks.Â
Additionally, though the laser hair removal process can be costly upfront, its long-term value makes it a worthwhile investment for those who want lasting results without having to worry about regular maintenance appointments in the future.