A focused light beam (laser) is used in the medical treatment of laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair.

The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the laser light emitted during laser hair removal. The light energy is transformed into heat, which harms the skin's hair-producing follicles, which are tube-shaped sacs. Future hair development is inhibited or delayed by this injury.

Even while laser hair removal efficiently stops hair growth for extended periods of time, it typically doesn't remove hair permanently. Several laser treatments are required for initial hair removal, and follow-up treatments may be necessary. Although it can be used successfully on anyone, laser hair removal is most effective on persons with light skin and black hair.

Benefits

• Treatments Don’t Take Long: Treatments for laser hair removal go far faster than you may anticipate. Treatment on the bikini line or underarms takes around 20 minutes but only takes an hour or so on the arms and legs. When getting laser hair removal, don't plan on spending the entire day at the spa; you'll be in and out quickly.

• You’ll Save Money in the Long Run: You won't need as many razors, shaving cream, waxing appointments, etc., when you have laser hair removal treatments. While waxing has become more expensive, laser hair removal has become less expensive. Laser hair removal will save you money, take less time, and produce results that will last longer overall.

• Eliminate Ingrown Hairs: With laser hair removal, ingrown hairs can be avoided. The easiest way to avoid getting annoying ingrown hair and needing to have it removed is to use this method. Laser hair removal is a fantastic choice for sensitive skin patients who experience discomfort after shaving or waxing.

• It Saves Time: Consider all the times you've spent an additional ten or fifteen minutes shaving in the shower to discover you missed certain areas and need to return and fix them. Thanks to laser hair removal, you no longer need to spend time shaving or making appointments to get the hair waxed. Additionally, you are no longer concerned about errors and missing places. Without the trouble of shaving or waxing, you will enjoy clean-shaven skin.
• You Don’t Need to Grow Hair Between Treatments: You can shave between sessions, unlike waxing. With laser hair removal, you can shave as much as you like in between treatments, so you don't have to wait for your hair to grow.

How does it work?

All hair removal procedures use various light-based technologies, yet they are all similar. Bright bursts of light are directed at the undesired hair during a therapy session. The melanin in the hair follicles is the light's only target after it passes through the skin. The pigment essentially kills the hair by absorbing the light energy. Different handpiece sizes can be used to treat different hairs at once.

Multiple sessions are required to target the hair follicles throughout their growth period. Most patients need at least 4 to 6 sessions to see permanent, long-lasting improvements. Over time, touch-ups might be required. Patients should start to observe improvements after the first treatment; their skin will smooth out, and their hair will regrow finer and weaker. With each consecutive treatment, the effects will become more pronounced and spectacular until all follicles have been destroyed, thus halting further hair growth.

At home or in the clinic, which is better?

A laser hair removal device for the home generally provides moderate results. It might still be more efficient than other hair removal products, but it will never remove hair with the same level of accuracy as a machine of a medical grade. One should carefully choose at home laser removal device by considering variables, including the type of hair, hair color, and the area to be treated.

Which technology is the best for my skin type?

• Alexandrite

This type of laser uses an alexandrite crystal as the laser medium, emitting red, near-infrared light.  It is effective for lighter skin tones, best suited to those at the lower end of the Fitzpatrick scale (I to II), and operates with a wavelength of 755nm.

Alexandrite lasers are unsuitable for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale III-VI). They can cause changes to your skin's pigment and be more painful due to the rapid repetition rate of the laser.

• Diode

This type of laser is set to a wavelength of between 800 and 810nm. Diode laser hair removal differs from other systems in that diodes or semiconductors are used to form the light source. They have a longer wavelength and can treat large areas of the skin. Diode laser is better for darker skin (Fitzpatrick scale IV-VI). However, they are known to be linked to urticaria (hives). Side effects can include burns and skin discoloration.

There is limited research on which to form conclusions about long-term efficacy and safety as the newest laser hair removal systems are currently available.

Nd: YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) laser has a wavelength of 1064nm, which can reach deeper layers of the skin tissue, disrupting future hair growth. It’s safe for darker skin as its wavelength is longer than other lasers used for laser hair removal. For this reason, it can penetrate deeper into the skin, bypassing the melanin in the skin (which there is more of in darker skin) and targeting the melanin in the hair. Therefore, it is considered to have the ability to treat all skin tones. It's also very effective in clearing ingrown hairs because the laser kills the blood supply to the hair follicle, and ultimately, there is no regrowth of hair. Therefore, the issue of ingrown hairs is eliminated.

Preparation and aftercare

What to do before your appointment?

• Don’t shave the part where the treatment needs to be done.
• Your Laser Expert will shave it down before beginning the treatment.
• No makeup/lotion/deodorant on the day of your appointment (on the treatment area).
• Stay out of direct sunlight for at least three days before your appointment.
• Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least two weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
• Avoid drinking more than two alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment.
• Avoid waxing/threading/tweezing in the area for at least four weeks. Shaving is ok!

Post Care

• Redness & Bumps are normal: Immediately after your treatment, redness & bumps at the treatment area are common; these may last up to 2 hours or longer. It is normal for the treated area to feel sunburned for a few hours. You should use a cold compress if the sensitivity continues. If there is any crusting, apply an antibiotic cream. Darker-pigmented skin may have more discomfort than lighter skin & may persist longer.
• Cleanse the area treated gently: The treated area may be washed gently with mild soap. The skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.

• No makeup & lotion/moisturizer/deodorant for the first 24 hours: Keep the treated area clean & dry. If further redness or irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, & deodorant (for underarms) until the irritation has subsided.
• Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment: Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. That is normal & they will fall out quickly.
• Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding: Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth. It is not new hair growth, but dead hair pushes its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair come out by washing with a washcloth or a Shobha® Exfoliating Cloth (sold at LH) & shaving.

• Avoid the sun: Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for two months. Use sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher) throughout the treatment period & for 1-2 months following.
• Do not pick/scratch/wax/thread/tweeze the area: Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Please do not use any other hair removal methods or products, other than shaving, on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments, as it will prevent you from achieving the best results.
• Hair growth varies: On average, most will experience a level of hairless happiness after 6-9 sessions which will result in not even checking for stubble (yes, it’s life-changing!).

Pros Of Laser Hair Removal

Quick Treatments: Laser hair removal sessions can be performed in less than 15 minutes, depending on what area of your body you are receiving treatment. There is also no downtime required allowing you to continue your daily activities and tasks post-treatment.

No More Enduring Hair Regrowth: Most methods, such as waxing and tweezing, require a certain amount of hair regrowth to effectively remove the hair. With laser hair removal, you will not have to wait around for hair regrowth to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin at all times.

Less Painful Than Other Hair Removal Methods: It is no secret that waxing can be incredibly painful. Although laser hair removal is not 100% painless, it is described by most patients as being more tolerable than waxing. A technician will also offer applications of numbing solutions to the treated area to reduce any feelings of pain or discomfort.

Cons Of Laser Hair Removal

It is A Long Process: Although a session may take as little as five minutes, seeing long-term results requires multiple sessions over the course of a few months. It is recommended that an individual receives 4-8 treatments depending on their hair type and skin type. These sessions must be spaced out 3-4 weeks apart to ensure accurate results.

Expensive: Laser hair removal treatment upfront costs are by no means a cheaper alternative to waxing or shaving methods. Laser hair removal is a beauty investment, and the upfront costs will be way more expensive than just buying a pack of razors from your local drugstore. However, you will be saving significant amounts of money in the long run from no longer needing to pay for waxing services or purchasing packages of razors over and over again.

Watch Out For Untrained Technicians: If an untrained technician performs the treatment, you may be left with scars and burns from improper use of the laser. Before beginning treatments, research the technician and ensure they are qualified and have proper certifications.

Specialist to visit

This must be performed only by a certified dermatologist at a sterile clinic.

Pricing

The price depends on factors like hair density and texture, skin type, type of laser, causes of hair growth, clinic reputation, the experience of the dermatologist, and your location.

Faqs

1. Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

For most people, laser hair removal does not hurt. However, it all depends on your threshold for pain. Most say it feels like snapping a rubber band against the skin. But if you’re overly sensitive to pain, you may experience minor discomfort.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce discomfort. Prepare properly and follow a strict aftercare program. This will reduce pain and provide the most effective results.

2. Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

The answer is yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it as a safe method for hair removal in 1997. However, laser hair removal is only safe when a certified technician performs the procedure.

During your consultation, ensure your technician has the proper certifications as your state requires.

3. How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal involves the use of laser pulses. These pulses emit light into the skin, destroying the hair's root and follicle. When the root and follicle are destroyed, hair can no longer grow.

The hair must be targeted during an active growth phase for this process to work. However, individual hairs usually grow at different rates. Therefore, it takes several treatment sessions to capture every hair in the growth phase and produce optimal results.

4. How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

The cost of laser hair removal varies depending on the area of the body you want to treat and how many sessions you need. The larger the area, the more time it will require. The amount of time will determine the exact price of treatment.

5. How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Some people see permanent results, while others may need a touch-up treatment every six to twelve months. Results vary depending on your hair type and skin type. Proper preparation and aftercare can also affect how long the effects last.

1. How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Laser Hair Removal?

There is no specific age minimum, but it is important to wait until you’ve gone through puberty to begin laser treatments. Females should not begin treatment unless they’ve already started their menstrual cycle. Generally, fourteen is the earliest age that people should begin laser hair removal.

2. How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid plucking, waxing, and tanning for six weeks before your first treatment. Avoid taking medications such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and pain relievers in the days before treatment. Take a shower and shave before your treatment, but don’t apply any lotions, moisturizers, or sunscreens to the skin.

3.  Can You Get Laser Hair Removal if You’re Pregnant?

It is best to play it safe and avoid laser hair removal while pregnant. There is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe, but there have not been long-term studies to analyze the effect of the laser on an unborn child.

To protect your unborn baby, wait until after you’ve given birth to begin laser hair removal treatment.

4. Can You Get Laser Hair Removal on Any Part of the Body?

Laser removal can be performed on any area of the body except the eyelids. The most popular treatment areas are the legs, back, arms, chest, upper lip, underarms, and bikini area.

You can also get laser hair removal on your ears, nose, scalp, forehead, eyebrows, and other face parts.

5. Can Anybody Get Laser Hair Removal?

Anyone can get laser hair removal, regardless of skin color or hair type. However, people with light skin and dark hair tend to see faster and better results than those with light or darker skin tone. Any man or woman can have the treatments, though pregnant women should wait until after giving birth to begin their sessions.

6.  Are There Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?

The side effects are minimal. This is one of the primary benefits of laser hair removal.

Some people experience temporary redness, itching, and skin swelling right after treatment. These side effects usually go away within a few hours, and most can be soothed by applying aloe vera to the treated area.

Some people may see scars, burns, or blisters in rare cases. But these side effects usually occur only in people who do not follow the proper aftercare plan.

7. How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Do You Need to Get?

In most cases, you’ll need between six and twelve treatments. These treatments are spaced out four to eight weeks apart. The waiting period is necessary to target every hair follicle in an active growth cycle stage.

1.  Can You Get Laser Hair Removal if You’re Pregnant?

It is best to play it safe and avoid laser hair removal while pregnant. There is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe, but there have not been long-term studies to analyze the effect of the laser on an unborn child.

To protect your unborn baby, wait until after you’ve given birth to begin laser hair removal treatment.

2. Can You Get Laser Hair Removal on Any Part of the Body?

Laser removal can be performed on any area of the body except the eyelids. The most popular treatment areas are the legs, back, arms, chest, upper lip, underarms, and bikini area.

You can also get laser hair removal on your ears, nose, scalp, forehead, eyebrows, and other face parts.

3. Can Anybody Get Laser Hair Removal?

Anyone can get laser hair removal, regardless of skin color or hair type. However, people with light skin and dark hair tend to see faster and better results than those with light or darker skin tones. Any man or woman can have the treatments, though pregnant women should wait until after giving birth to begin their sessions.

4.  Are There Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?

The side effects are minimal. This is one of the primary benefits of laser hair removal.

Some people experience temporary redness, itching, and skin swelling after treatment. These side effects usually go away within a few hours, and most can be soothed by applying aloe vera to the treated area.

Some people may see scars, burns, or blisters in rare cases. But these side effects usually occur only in people who do not follow the proper aftercare plan.

1. How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Do You Need to Get?

In most cases, you’ll need between six and twelve treatments. These treatments are spaced out four to eight weeks apart. The waiting period is necessary to target every hair follicle in an active growth cycle stage.