Laser hair removal is one of the most popular ways to remove hair from unwanted areas, especially for women. If you are considering having this procedure done, it's a good idea to understand exactly how laser hair removal helps people overcome their unwanted hair.
How does the procedure stop hair growth?
Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body. It uses a highly concentrated beam of light that is aimed at the unwanted hair. The skin then absorbs this light. The intensity of the light damages the hair follicle just enough to slow down the future growth of the hair in that area.
Laser hair removal works primarily by destroying the hair's root, which might eventually heal. The length of time the hair is kept from regrowing varies greatly from person to person; it could stunt the growth for several months or a few years. Laser hair removal usually requires about five to seven treatments, but the length of time without any hair growing on the treated area is worth it. Touch-up treatments are recommended about once a year thereafter.
Is the procedure painful?
Pain, like results of laser hair removal, can vary from person to person. For some people, it can feel like a slight pinch on the skin while others experience what feels like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin. Pain-numbing creams can be used to lower the pain of the procedure.
Does the procedure work on everyone?
Laser hair removal is most successful on women with dark hair and light skin. Darker objects absorb more light and with more intensity than lighter objects, so the dark hair absorbs the light beam all the way to the hair follicle without injuring the surrounding lighter skin. Laser hair removal does not work very well on women with blond hair and not at all on white hair.
Black women are the worst candidates for laser hair removal. Not only is their hair dark, but so is their skin. Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin, will probably be the result. A new laser called the Nd:YAG is the only laser that is safe for black skin. However, lower settings have to be used for dark skin, and precautions like cooling the skin with an ice pack beforehand are still necessary. Women with darker skin should seriously consider another procedure such as electrolysis.
How has the procedure changed in recent years?
Great advancements have been made in laser hair removal. The LightSheer DUET hair removal laser system stands out the most. This system uses a bit of suction along with the laser. The suction briefly stretches and thins the skin, making it easier to zero in on the hair follicles. This also makes the process less painful, and there is usually no need for numbing creams. It's also a much faster laser hair removal system than its predecessors.
