Laser hair removal is a popular method of permanent hair removal. In the past, laser’s effectiveness was limited to those with pale skin and dark hair. Its abilities extended to other skin and hair types and other areas of the body as it evolved. Despite its evolution, it needs to catch hairs in its growth phase for it to be effective. That’s why multiple treatments are required; not all of your hairs are in grow mode in a single session.
Laser hair removal can take as little as four to six sessions but potentially take eight to twelve sessions to catch and deplete hair in its growth stage in any given area completely. Usually, sessions are spaced out in one-month to six-week appointments making many peoples’ commitments last close to a year.
HOW PERMANENT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that involves a machine that delivers a concentrated beam of light into hair pigment. The light generates heat that destroys the hair follicle from within without significantly harming the surrounding tissue. This process may result in permanent hair removal if the follicles are completely destroyed. This isn’t guaranteed, and multiple sessions are needed for even the initial, “complete” hair removal. Even after your core treatments are finished, maintenance treatments might still be required.
HOW PAINFUL IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal is only as painful as a client’s tolerance. Many compare laser to the sensation of tiny rubber bands snapping on the skin. The potential pain doesn’t seem to deter people from getting the treatment because it is a wildly popular method and generally, many that get it stand by their choice.
Pain levels can fluctuate depending on where the hair removal treatment is being given, like on the underarms or bikini line. Your pain tolerance and skin structure also play a role. Some treatment centers may provide a local anesthetic, strong numbing creams, or cooling devices attached to their devices.
CAN YOU WAX BETWEEN LASER TREATMENTS?
When one first starts laser hair removal, they will see recurring growth from the hairs that were not in the growth phase upon treatment. But since the hair removal treatment targets the hair roots’ pigments to damage the follicle, it needs those roots! If you turn to semi-permanent hair removal options like waxing, sugaring, threading, or tweezing between permanent hair removal treatments, you’re wasting precious root resources. Shaving is the best option over waxing after laser hair removal sessions.
HOW QUICKLY DOES HAIR GROW BACK?
For laser to be effective, it needs to destroy the follicle. When the follicle is merely damaged, hair growth will return. Also, laser can’t target hair in its resting or shedding phase, and it eventually regrows within a few months.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK ON DARK SKIN?
The first laser hair removal treatments introduced decades ago were not created with melanin and darker skin tones in mind. With that being said, laser treatments used to be safer for people with fair skin and dark hair follicles. However, there have been many advancements in laser hair removal for dark skin over recent years and this treatment has since become a popular hair removal method for individuals of all skin tones.
