Laser hair reduction is a virtually painless treatment that removes unwanted hair for good. It eliminates the need for razors, waxing, and electrolysis.
The laser’s light energy heats the pigment (melanin) and destroys the hair follicle, which delays future hair growth. It generally takes 6 to 8 treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart for the desired result.
Painless
Laser Hair Reduction is a painless and permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair. It can be done at home using an epilator or waxing strips, but it’s more effective and safer to do in a clinic under the supervision of a professional. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have sworn by this method to keep their bodies hairless.
The procedure involves exposing the unwanted hair to pulses of light energy that destroy the hair follicle and inhibit its growth. The treatment is a lot less painful than shaving and it’s a much faster process. You can expect to see a significant reduction in the amount of hair growth after just a few treatments.
However, it’s important to note that laser hair removal is not 100% permanent. Because hair grows in cycles it’s necessary to repeat the procedure regularly to prevent unwanted regrowth. Your skin care specialist will discuss the best schedule for you to follow based on your skin type and hair color.
Permanent
Laser hair reduction is a safe, non-invasive method of permanent hair removal. It destroys the hair follicles that produce unwanted hair, and after several treatments, you will have little to no hair growth in the treatment area. This will reduce the need for regular waxing or shaving and can eliminate the embarrassment of ingrown hairs.
Although many laser manufacturers claim that their machine has clearance for “permanent hair removal,” this is a misrepresentation of the FDA’s safety clearance process. It takes years for electrologists to permanently remove hair and only a few sessions with the proper laser AND a qualified laser technician can achieve permanent results.
Lasers emit light in specific wavelengths to target hair follicles, blood vessels or pigment (pigment) changes in the skin. Vbeam pulsed dye lasers treat vascular lesions like spider veins, rosacea and port wine stains; and long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are effective for treating wrinkles, scars, sun damage and discoloration. A consultation with a laser expert will determine the best course of treatment for your needs.
Safe
Unwanted hair can be a real nuisance and laser treatments offer an easy, safe way to reduce it. The light energy from the laser is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, and that’s what destroys it. It can also help slow down hair growth, making it a great option for long term hair reduction.
Prior to treatment, it’s important not to pluck, wax or use epilady-type pluckers for six weeks as the follicles need to be in their active growth phase in order to be destroyed by the laser. It’s also a good idea to avoid tanning beds and self-tanners, as the sun’s UV rays can interfere with the process.
Some hair follicles are not affected by the laser and will produce dark terminal hair in the future, known as vellus hair or peach fuzz. While vellus hair does not grow back thicker, darker or faster after laser treatment, it may become finer over time. Modern fourth generation lasers such as Altus CoolGlide have improved safety and efficacy, and are significantly less likely to cause prolonged irritation, pigment changes or blistering.
Affordable
Unwanted hair growth can be a source of embarrassment and frustration, but with laser hair reduction, you can achieve silky smooth skin without the hassle of shaving, waxing or plucking. The cost of this procedure varies, but is generally more affordable than salon treatments.
This method uses pulses of laser light to destroy the hair follicles and inhibit future growth. While it is not 100% hair removal, it reduces the rate of hair growth making it an effective option for long term results.
The alexandrite laser is a popular option for dark skin tones because it is more precise than ruby lasers, meaning less chance of discoloration or burning. It also features a cooling system that can use gas, gel or cold air to improve the efficiency of the process and make it more comfortable for the client. The ipl hair removal device is another option that uses pulses of light to disable hair follicles and stop the cycle of hair growth.
