WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU DECIDE FOR LASER EPILATION
How is laser hair removal done, how many procedures are needed. Who can do laser hair removal? What to do before and after laser hair removal.
INNA CODRU , SEPTEMBER 04, 2018
Shaving, plucking, waxing, sugaring ... they all take time, and for people who prefer smooth, hair-free skin, they may seem like the only options available. However, if you're willing to shell out a little more money, you can opt for an option instead that can provide a much more long-lasting effect: laser hair removal. This high-tech method uses light to actually destroy the follicle, leaving the desired areas of skin completely hairless.
We asked some professionals to give us a summary of all the information you need to know before deciding to have this procedure.
1. Laser hair removal is not as complicated as it seems.
Any service with the word "laser" and derivatives of this word may seem intimidating, but in fact it is very simple. "The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing destruction of the hair root," explains New York dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Lolis. Once the root is destroyed, it will no longer be able to produce hair.
2. Lasers for laser hair removal, there are four types.
According to Rachel Sharoff, a licensed esthetician at the Skintology Skin and Laser Center, gave us a rundown of the most popular types of lasers:
Diode: Diode laser hair removal laser is very effective for light and dark skin.
Alexandrite: The alexandrite laser is the fastest of all laser types and is best suited for treating large areas of the body among patients who have a skin tone close to a slight olive color.
ND:Yag neodymium laser: This is a powerful pulsed laser that can be safely used on all skin types, including tanned skin. However, it is less effective on light or fine hair compared to other types of lasers.
Ruby Laser: One of the earliest hair removal lasers, it has now been successfully superseded by the above lasers. The ruby laser is not suitable for all types of hair, its pulse repetition rate is quite low, as a result of which the procedure using the ruby laser is more painful.
3. Laser hair removal works best on these four areas.
In principle, laser hair removal can work well on any part of the body that you want to remove hair from, but it is especially effective on areas of the bikini area, lips, chin, and underarms.
4. People with thick, coarse and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal.
If you have dark hair and you were very annoyed by how tedious your struggle with these hairs was, then rejoice: “Modern laser welcomes dark skin and dark hair follicle color,” explains Rachel Sharoff
However, it may take a little longer to completely remove thicker hairs. “Some hairs are just very tight, and sometimes new ones can come in due to hormonal changes or the awakening of other hair follicles that become active during this period of treatment,” says Dr. Birnur Eral, director of the healthy home beauty laboratory, which has Extensive experience in laser hair removal.
5. You will need to stop using certain medications.
Just like waxing, laser hair removal is incompatible with certain medications. "Any medications that are photosensitive should be stopped by the patient at least a week before treatment," Shaloff warns. She also notes that most antibiotics can be photosensitive, so if you have an infection, it might be a good idea to push back your appointment with the dermatologist by a few weeks.
“Patients should not use skin care products with strong actives such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids,” says Dr. Eral. These ingredients can increase the production and replacement of skin cells, making the skin more vulnerable to sun damage and irritation throughout the epilation period. If you are not sure if your medication will negatively affect your skin with laser hair removal, check with your doctor beforehand.
6. How many laser hair removal treatments are needed
You will see real results after 6-8 treatments.
We are all different, so the number of sessions that will be needed depends on the person, says Dr. Lolis. “Laser hair removal works when the hair is at an active growth rate,” she explains. Different parts of the body have different growth rates and so may take longer or less depending on where you're treating, but Schaloff says most clients need an average of six to eight treatments for complete hair removal.
7. You will need to attend every scheduled procedure.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is to stop showing up for treatments before the required number of sessions have been completed,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Once hair growth slows down, patients stop going for treatments.” If you really want your treatment to be truly effective, listen to your master beautician - he knows it best.
8. These procedures are practically painless.
“When using pain relief cream, it doesn’t hurt at all,” says Dr. Lolis, who adds that it feels like “a light slap on the skin with an underwear elastic,” while Rachel Sharoff notes that most of her clients describe it as mild, warm tingle.
9. Do not worry if you have critical days.
Unlike getting a bikini wax, you don't have to cancel your next laser hair removal appointment. “It is very important to stay within your treatment window,” explains Rachel Sharoff, “so even if a woman gets her period and needs to continue bikini waxing, we simply ask that she use a tampon on the day of the visit.
10. Before visiting a laser hair removal salon, you need to do one thing: shave.
“We ask that you shave the area you plan to dehair beforehand so that the laser can penetrate directly into the root of the hair, and not scatter through the hair on the skin,” Sharoff advises. Shaving should be normal and does not require any specific techniques for this preparatory work: "You should not wax, tweeze or bleach the hair a month before the session, because the root must remain intact in order for the laser to effectively destroy the base of the follicle."
11. You need to use SUN PROTECTION on the area that has undergone laser hair removal.
After the session, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure and it is recommended to use sunscreen or lotion. (But hey, you make sure you wear sunscreen every day in the summer, right?) Dr. Eral also notes that any hair that grows back between sessions should be shaved, but only with a razor.
12. Each procedure can cost between $50 and $300.
The price you pay for a laser hair removal session can vary from salon to salon, but Dr. Lolis says it can also vary depending on which part of the body the hair is removed from.
Given that it often takes several sessions to completely stop hair growth, this is not a cheap treatment at all. But if you like having bare skin, imagine that you will need to use a razor or periodically visit a waxing salon for the rest of your life, and then calculate how much all this will cost money and time. After such calculations, laser hair removal can be considered as a longer-term and economical investment. Also, some service providers offer discounts for customers who buy multiple sessions, so be sure to ask about any special offers.
13. Laser hair removal, expert reviews of side effects
Although laser hair removal is considered safe, Dr. Lolis points out that there is a risk of hair burning during the procedure, while the FDA adds that it is possible (rarely, but possible) for blistering, discoloration, or redness of the skin, the formation of scar tissue. All of these are potential side effects. It's also possible that your hair may continue to grow, which Dr. Eral says may require yearly treatments to inhibit new hair growth over time.