Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal method, whereby a laser beam is targeted at hair follicles to destroy them completely and prevent re-growth. The heat energy from the laser damages the cells at the root of the hair. Sometimes cooling gels or anaesthetic creams may be applied to the area of treatment, as laser hair removal can cause itchiness that is very severe for around 15-45 minutes.
Laser hair removal treatment works best on new hairs that are just starting to grow, which is the reasoning behind undertaking several laser hair removal sessions. It depends on the person, but most people need at least three sessions of laser hair removal in the same area to permanently stop the hairs from re-growing. Laser hair removal is very effective, but costly, and much more costly than other hair remover methods such as shaving.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
These are only estimates to inform you, please remember that everyone is different, and the thickness of your hair will also affect the time taken with laser hair removal.
- Back and Legs Laser Hair Removal – 1.5 – 3 hours
- Shoulders Laser Hair Removal – 10 – 20 minutes
- Underarm Laser Hair Removal – 2 – 5 minutes
- Bikini Line Laser Hair Removal – 10 – 12 minutes
- Upper Lip Laser Hair Removal – under 1 minute
- Chin Laser Hair Removal – 5 minutes
As mentioned above, 2 or 3 laser treatments will be necessary, in addition, hair that has been waxed consistently or removed with tweezers may need as many as 8 or 10 laser treatments before the hair stops growing back.
If laser hair removal is permanent why are repeated sessions needed?
Hair goes through cycles. Laser treatment works best on hair that is in the growth stage – while one laser hair removal treatment will work effectively to destroy the hairs immediately, repeated sessions are needed to stem the re-growth.
Pros of Laser Hair Removal
- Laser treatment results in the closest thing available to permanent hair removal
- Laser Hair removal can be used on the face, or any part of the body, without danger.
- Damaged hairs are shed gradually in two weeks after the treatment.
Cons of Laser Hair Removal
- Laser treatment is not quite permanent – it removes hair, and significantly reduces growth, and any re-growth that occurs will be finer and courser. Unfortunately though, hair will almost always grow back in some areas for most people.
- Lasers are targeted at pigmented tissue, which means that they often don’t work as thoroughly as they should on white, grey or platinum coloured hair.
- Most people need at least three treatments to attain the full effects of laser hair removal.
- After laser treatment, the skin may look red and swollen, however this should subside within 24 hours.
- The skin may be left with dark marks or pale patches, which fade over time, often taking up to 6 months to disappear.
Is Laser Hair Removal Treatment Painful?
Waxing is known to be a very effective form of hair removal. Unfortunately, it is also known to be rather painful. The pain from laser treatment varies from person to person depending on their own sensitivity and threshold to pain. Some have described the sensation as a slight sting on the skin. Others say it feels like a sharp pinch. However, laser treatment is generally painless compared to waxing.
