What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair on your body. It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
- Face.
- Underarms.
- Bikini area, or any areas that grow pubic hair.
- Back.
- Legs.
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How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow.
A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments.
Who can have laser hair removal?
Anyone with extra body hair can have laser hair removal. It’s usually a cosmetic procedure. It may improve your appearance or self-image. Many people also prefer not having to shave regularly.
Sometimes laser hair removal treats excess hair growth caused by:
- Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair.
- Hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies.
These conditions might be the result of:
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair and light skin. The contrast between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. It might not work as well for people with dark skin or hair that’s blonde, gray, white or red.
Who shouldn’t have laser hair removal?
Talk to your healthcare provider before having laser hair removal. You may need to avoid the procedure if you:
FAQs
People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
How risky is laser hair removal What are the side effects? ›
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
What are the precautions after laser hair removal? ›
Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days. Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days. This is to allow the treated skin to recover and to prevent any infection. Avoid shaving the treated area for 72 hours after treatment.
How bad does laser hair removal hurt? ›
Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.
Is laser hair removal FDA approved? ›
Electrolysis: Still the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal. In the hair removal industry, there is a story that has been developing over the past few years. Back in 1998, a lot of attention was being given to laser hair removal.
Who should not do laser hair removal? ›
Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
- Are pregnant.
- Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
- Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
- Have keloid scars (raised scars).
- Have or have had skin cancer.
Laser therapy can result in misdirected or excessively intense burns, bleeding from the choriocapillaris, damage to macular and other ocular structures, and breaks in Bruch's membrane.
What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›
The Do's and Don'ts of Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
- Avoid sun exposure. ...
- Shave Before Your Session. ...
- Stay hydrated and moisturized. ...
- Discuss medications and health conditions. ...
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis. ...
- Skip self-tanning products. ...
- Don't apply perfumes, lotions, or deodorants. ...
- Stay away from harsh skin treatments.
It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside. At Skin Perfection; London's Top Laser Hair Removal Clinic; we recommend you to avoid hot showers.
Should I laser my pubic hair? ›
' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Where is the most painful place to get laser hair removal?
- Bikini area and pubic region. Often cited as the most sensitive area, the bikini area and pubic region have a high concentration of nerve endings. ...
- Back. Another area with heightened sensitivity is the back.
Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
Is it worth getting laser hair removal? ›
Laser hair removal isn't considered permanent, but it still has lasting effects. It reduces the number of unwanted hairs in the targeted area and when the hair does grow back, there's less of it and it's finer and lighter. It requires less upkeep than other options.
Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.
What is the laser hair removal scandal? ›
A woman who claims she suffered multiple burns during laser leg hair removal has settled her High Court action. The settlement was announced in the High Court as the case was due to resume and the woman was expected to be cross-examined.
Can laser remove grey hair? ›
Grey and white hair as well as blonde and red hair both lack pigment therefore it is difficult for lasers to detect and treat. When a laser has no pigment to target it is harder to zap away the hair, thus making laser hair removal an ineffective treatment for grey hair.
Are there any risks with a laser is laser harmful to humans? ›
The human body is vulnerable to the output of certain lasers, and under certain circ*mstances, exposure can result in damage to the eye and skin. Research relating to injury thresholds of the eye and skin has been carried out in order to understand the biological hazards of laser radiation.
Is the radiation from laser hair removal safe? ›
Non-ionising radiation is safe. This means, for most, laser hair removal is safe.
Can laser hair removal cause infertility? ›
The laser will not be able to penetrate any further to your organs/ or ovaries. So you can be assured, that laser hair removal will not have an impact on your ability to conceive. If this was the case, no Clinic would be insured to offer laser hair removal for patients on their private areas.
