Hair removal is an essential part of modern people’s hygiene and beauty regimes, the goal being smooth and hairless skin on the legs, arms, chin, chest, and other areas.
Until recently, shaving and waxing were the most common hair removal techniques, but people are now turning to laser hair removal due to its efficacy, convenience, and long-lasting results.
This article tells you all you need to know about laser hair removal: the procedure, its benefits, aftercare tips, and expected results.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a laser beam to heat and damage the hair follicle. The laser inhibits hair growth to achieve permanently smooth and hairless skin.
Two to six treatment sessions are required for full results. The number of treatments depends on the treated area and the individual’s response.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
During the treatment, the medical provider uses a laser device to send a beam of light to the hair follicle. Melanin, a pigment in the hair, absorbs the light emitted by the laser. This light turns into heat and burns the hair follicle, putting it into a state of dormancy. The damage caused to the hair follicle delays or permanently stops hair growth.
Note: Read our article to learn how laser hair removal for men works.
Laser Hair Removal Benefits
Laser hair removal is a convenient, cost-effective solution with many proven benefits. This quick, minimally painful procedure will save you both time and money spent removing your hair in other ways.
Precision
Laser hair removal uses precise targeting ideal for smaller body areas or eliminating just a few specific hairs (e.g., between the eyebrows). It can selectively remove a few dark, coarse hairs without damaging the surrounding area.
Adaptability
Lasers successfully remove hair in sensitive or hard-to-reach body areas, including your back or bikini zone. The versatile laser technology can target hair-producing follicles in multiple body areas (e.g., legs, chin, upper lip, nose, ears, stomach, chest, arms), excluding the eyelashes.
Speed
Sessions performed on small body parts take up to 15 minutes. The upper lip area can be treated in less than a minute, while larger body parts may take up to an hour (e.g., the entire legs).
Predictability
Three to seven sessions will provide permanent hair loss for most patients. This predictable pattern can help you make timely appointments to maintain the results.
Long-Term Results
You can expect lasting results once the hair follicles have been fully destroyed. The outcome depends on multiple factors, such as hair thickness and density, hair growth cycle, and individual response.
Minimal Maintenance
Unlike shaving, plucking, or waxing, this hair removal procedure requires minimal maintenance with annual touch-ups.
Ingrown Hair Elimination
Laser treatments can eliminate ingrown hairs and reduce skin inflammation, bumps, or itching.
Less Pain
This treatment is minimally painful compared to other hair removal methods, such as waxing, tweezing, or threading. Most patients describe the sensation as warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The mild discomfort lessens with repeated sessions and fewer hair follicles.
Fewer Breakouts
The procedure is particularly effective for acne-prone skin because it reduces future breakouts by preventing repeated clogging of pores. However, the treatment cannot be performed on inflamed body parts with active acne.
Note: Find out what are the best skin care products for oily, acne prone skin.
Minimal Regrowth
Unlike other hair removal methods, there is little to no hair regrowth between sessions. That means you can enjoy hairless, smooth skin for more extended periods.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas
A laser treatment can be used on any body part apart from the eye area. Commonly treated areas include:
- Legs
- Bikini line
- Belly line
- Armpits
- Eyebrows
- Upper lip
- Sideburns
- Chin
- Chest
- Back
- Shoulders
- Hands and fingers
Apart from the eyebrow area, you shouldn’t get laser hair removal around the eyes because the laser can cause eye injury.
Dermatologists avoid performing the procedure on tattooed areas because the laser beam cannot distinguish between the pigment of the hair follicle and the pigment in the ink. Because of this, laser treatments on tattoos may cause severe skin damage.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
It is considered safe and effective for adults over eighteen because hair follicles reach their maturity after puberty.
Laser hair removal is used on all skin types, but it is most effective on fair skin with dark hair. Since lighter hair has less melanin than dark hair, laser hair removal technology works best for people with this skin/hair color combination.
If you have dark skin and dark hair, the low contrast may cause the laser treatment to affect the melanin in the skin and damage the treated area. The good news is that laser hair removal technology is rapidly evolving to provide more effective results for darker skin tones as well.
Note: Read our article and find out if laser hair removal for blonde hair works.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
Follow these tips to prepare for a laser hair removal session properly:
- Stop using blood-thinning medications, as advised by your medical provider.
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to avoid any skin irritation.
- Avoid tanning and sun exposure a few weeks before the procedure.
- Refrain from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Don’t wax, pluck, or use other hair removal techniques (except shaving) for several weeks before the procedure.
- Shave the treatment area a day or two before the procedure.
Note: Read our article on how to prepare for laser hair removal for more useful tips.
What Can You Expect During Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
Before the procedure, your medical provider will discuss your goals, expectations, medical history, and previous hair removal experiences to determine the best laser hair removal plan for you.
During the procedure, the medical provider applies a numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize pain and discomfort.
A hand-held laser device directs light to the hair follicles in the target area. During the treatment, you’ll be wearing goggles to protect you from the emitted light beams.
Laser Hair Removal Results
After the laser hair removal procedure, your hairs will shed gradually for several days. Some hairs will grow back after a few weeks, and you will need follow-up treatments.
The number of required treatments varies from person to person depending on their type of hair, skin, and the medical provider’s expertise.
Most patients find that hair growth in the treated area is significantly reduced or eliminated after two to six laser hair removal treatments and a few years of maintenance treatments.
Hair regrowth happens sporadically, with lighter and thinner hairs.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal usually isn’t permanent, but it can last for years.
For long-term results, complete an initial series of four to eight treatments spaced one to three months apart and have maintenance treatments once or twice a year for a few years.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure when performed in a reputed med spa by an experienced, board-certified medical provider.
Nevertheless, the procedure may cause mild side effects in the treated area. These include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discomfort
These side effects usually disappear after several hours.
Very rare and more severe side effects include:
- Skin discoloration
- Blistering
- Bruising
- Crusting
- Scarring
- Excessive hair growth
- Bacterial infections
The risks of side effects are reduced with proper pre- and after-treatment care.
Note: Learn about the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Proper laser hair removal aftercare minimizes the chances of side effects and enhances the effectiveness of the laser hair removal procedure.
Medical providers recommend the following:
- Apply ice to the treated area to minimize the chances of swelling.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and other tanning solutions.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF 30+ whenever you go outside.
- Avoid the gym for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid saunas and hot baths 24 hours after the procedure.
- For facial laser hair removal, avoid chemical peels for two weeks after the procedure.
Should You Visit a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical help if side effects worsen or last for longer than usual. Talk to your doctor if you notice prolonged or unexpected skin changes, allergic reactions, excessive swelling, or severe side effects.
Laser Hair Removal Cost
The cost of one laser hair removal treatment depends on the size of the treated area and your medical provider’s expertise and location.
At Vibrant Skin Bar the prices range from $150 to $350 depending on the size of the treatment area.
Even though laser hair removal is initially pricier compared to other hair removal options, many consider it a more cost-effective solution due to low maintenance and fewer follow-ups.
Conclusion
Traditional hair removal techniques like shaving and waxing are tedious and time-consuming. For this reason, many people embrace the laser hair removal option as they find that the more durable and effective results justify the higher cost of the procedure.
If you want to find out more about laser compared to more traditional hair removal techniques, read our articles on laser vs. waxing and electrolysis vs. laser hair removal.
