Laser hair removal is indeed a popular cosmetic procedure that does provide long-lasting hair removal. The laser damages the hair follicle, temporarily halting new hair growth. It does not provide permanent hair removal, but indeed, users can hope for results lasting months to years.
Laser hair removal happens to be a non-invasive procedure in which a clinician makes use of a handheld device that emits a single wavelength of intense light to damage hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the melanin pigment in one’s hair, which then transfers the light energy to one’s surrounding hair follicle. This in fact damages or even destroys the area that produces the hair.
Lasers only are actively growing hair. Hair grows in cycles and follicles go through resting phases, and thus it will take multiple laser treatments to successfully treat an entire area.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal significantly reduces the amount of hair growth. After a series of laser treatments, most people do not see any hair on the treated areas for months or even years. If and when the hair re-grows, there tends to be less of it.
On the female face, it is not permanent due to, of course, the effects of hormones, but it can indeed be repeated when hair grows back.
To effectively reduce hair growth, several people will indeed need four to six laser hair removal treatments.
Hair that does happen to grow back will be less, thinner, or lighter in color. Few people can have no hair growth for some time after a laser hair removal treatment.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal treatments are rather sold as a package of several sessions. They are usually sold in packages, as each session will get results in say about 15% to 30% of treated hairs.
Results will rather vary from person to person. Several people find that after all of their treatments, they will not see regrowth for several months or perhaps years.
Does hair or even skin color make a difference?
A person’s hair and also skin color make a difference in laser hair removal. People with light skin and also darker hair tend to have the best results. On the other hand, those with darker hair and darker skin or those with light-colored hair may not be candidates for certain types of laser hair removal.
There are newer lasers on the market that are reported to be effective in people with darker skin and also darker hair and among those with light-colored hair.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal is usually well tolerated. There can rather be a little minor discomfort, and this should not produce significant pain.
People who indeed have had laser hair removal do report that treatments can rather sting or even feel like a rubber band snapping against one’s skin. After treatment, the skin can no doubt feel swollen and also appear red, such as a mild sunburn.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
When laser hair removal is, of course, performed by a trained professional, it is indeed considered a safe procedure. Side effects do tend to be mild, but in rare cases can be severe. Mild side effects that are felt about one to three days after treatment include:
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Discomfort.
Other rare side effects are:
- Blistering.
- Scarring.
- Infection.
- Cold sore outbreak.
- Hypopigmentation (lightened areas of skin).
- Hyper-pigmentation.
Conclusion
As is evident, laser hair removal is considered a procedure that uses a small, handheld device that emits a single wavelength of coherent light that tends to damage hair follicles. Laser hair removal is no doubt effective.
