What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has seen a huge increase in popularity in
recent years, mainly because it is a relatively safe way to
remove unwanted body hair. Until recently, it was best for those
with light skin and dark hair. But with the advent of the new
YAG laser line and the reinvention of the IPL, even those with
darker skin and hair can get excellent results with laser hair
removal.
Laser hair removal has become such a popular alternative to
shaving, waxing and creams because unwanted hair is permanently
removed or reduced with treatment. Plus it is a relatively
painless procedure and the costs have decreased dramatically as
the technology continues to improve.
If you are considering laser hair removal as an option, then you
should definitely do some research, especially if you are a
darker skinned individual, because the options vary by
individual organization. Although the treatment does not
normally take much time, it depends on the amount of hair you
want removed, where you want it removed from, and the skin type.
So it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of
hours.
Laser hair removal works by the use of a low energy laser that
disables hair follicles. Typically, the laser is absorbed by the
darker material, the hair, in fair skinned individuals. This
disables the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair removal
or reduced hair growth. Recently, the procedure has been adapted
for darker skinned individuals also.
If you opt for laser hair removal, you will most likely need
multiple sessions because hair grows in cycles. This means that
some of the hair that you want removed may not be in the growth
phase during the time of your first treatment. Thus, it will
need to be removed later once it is in the growth phase.
Though laser hair removal is relatively painless, you may
experience a bit of discomfort from the procedure. Usually, the
only discomfort is similar to mild sunburn, and you would treat
it as such - using cool compresses and moisturizers. If there
are any blisters, you should apply a topical antibiotic until
they disappear. Also, your skin should be protected from the sun
using sunblock for about 6 weeks after your laser hair removal
treatment.