The number of people having laser hair removal is growing year upon year and is now one of the top 5 most-sought non-surgical treatments. As many of us battle with unwanted hair where we don’t want it, trying out temporary treatments like waxing, sugaring, shaving, creams, and depilation, more and more people are turning to semi-permanent solutions to save themselves from the daily grind of hair removal. But how does professional laser hair removal work? Is it safe? Does it hurt? Can you afford it? Will you never have to shave your legs again?
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal is essentially using a laser to emit light that’s absorbed by the pigment in your body hair. This light energy converts into heat, which damages hair follicles and leading to a permanent hair reduction or delay future growth.
You can get it all over your face and body, from large areas like legs, stomach, and back, to small areas such as your upper lip or bikini line.
The best candidates to treat unwanted hair with the laser are those who have pale skin and dark hair color, because of the contrast. However, there are different lasers out there that are better suited to those of us who don’t fit that description.
There are a few different types of laser hair elimination options out there – such as IPL (which technically isn’t a laser), Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, Diode, and Ruby. Each of them are more suited to different skin types and tones, areas of hair, and sizes of hair removal.
There are home options for laser hair removal too, but these can be less effective and riskier as those using it are often untrained, inexperienced, and likely to zap themselves more harshly than in a clinic.
Does this actually work?
Laser hair removal stops hair from growing back quickly and usually means that treated hair growth is lighter, finer, and a lot less when it comes back. Although people often call t as “permanent hair removal”, this isn’t really the case – it’s more of a reduction of hair.
Chances are, you’ll still need to shave the regrowth in the area you’ve had treated but it’ll be more manageable. This can be an absolute godsend for women who struggle with more hair than they would like, or don’t have time for a full hair removal routine every day.
It’s not a one-stop treatment either. Most people need at least four to six treatments (spaced out by around 6 weeks between treatments) to start seeing their hair reduce, so be prepared to commit to multiple treatments and plan ahead in order to see results. After each session, you’ll likely notice fewer hairs.
You’ll also usually need to head back for maintenance sessions a couple of times a year after you complete your full laser session. Some women do report that their hair stops growing back completely, so you could be one of the lucky ones!
Does laser hair removal hurt?
We’re not going to lie, laser hair removal can be uncomfortable. In my experience, it’s nowhere near waxing in terms of pain, but you will feel a little discomfort. It’s more like your skin being snapped with a rubber band with some mild after-effects like redness and irritation. This does depend on the type of laser that’s been used, the area that’s been treated, and your own sensitivity, however.
Some laser hair removal clinics will apply numbing cream ahead of treatment to help you with any discomfort but again this depends.
Is the laser treatment expensive?
The answer to this is kind of relative. There are some women who would pay any price to reduce their body hair and be able to ditch the issues that come with other hair removal methods. For them, it’s completely worth it – especially when you set the cost against the cost and time of treatment like waxing or epilation.
Saying that it isn’t cheap. Particularly when you go to a reputable salon or clinic with experience and expertise (which you really should be doing – they’re using lasers on your skin!). Approximate laser hair removal cost ranges from $100 for small areas such as an upper lip and up to 800$ for legs. You’ll need regular, repeat sessions, which comes at a cost.
Step by Step Treatment process
The first step is your free consultation.
During this time, you should ask all the important questions and make sure your laser therapist is experienced and knowledgeable.
Ask them about the laser that they use: Different lasers do different things and there are a few different types out there. Make sure you know which laser will be best for your skin tone and hair type; The laser technician: Make sure they’re certified and trained; How long it will take, what will happen during the laser session, and how many you’ll need in total; The cost of laser hair removal (including maintenance sessions); Whether there are any extra costs after your treatment.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
There is very little preparation involved before laser hair removal sessions.
It’s important that you have laser treatment when your skin is clean and free from oils or creams. This means no fake tanning in the days leading up to your laser session. Also, avoid sun exposure prior to the treatment.
What happens during laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a long process. You should expect to be there for around an hour or more depending on the area and your laser tech. The laser technician will use a laser (the laser machine itself) to zap your hairs and destroy them at their root, stopping future hairs from growing back in that area. Your laser technician
How long does a session last?
The time at the therapy site is measured depending on the size of the area. Treating both legs takes up to an hour. The larger the area, the more time it takes to treat it.
Is there downtime?
After laser treatment, your skin may be red and sensitive. Despite this, laser hair removal sessions do not usually cause any downtime. You can go on as normal with your day after the laser treatment - unless your laser technician advises you to take it easy for a few days and remember to reduce your sun exposure.
When will I see the results after laser hair removal?
You should see some results within the first week after the treatment, but laser hair removal is a long-term process, requiring up to 6 sessions to be effective. Your laser technician will tell you how many laser treatments you should expect to have before hair loss becomes permanent. It's important that you follow all the instructions your laser tech gives you because this can help speed up the results of laser hair removal.
How long do results last?
Results can last for years. Laser might help to remove unwanted hair but you still will need the maintenance laser treatments as your hair regrows. Always consult with your laser technician about how many sessions they recommend you have to achieve the desired results.
The risks of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal isn’t without risks or side effects, as with any kind of aesthetic treatment. You need to choose your laser professional carefully. Ensure that they have the right skills, experience, tools, and insurance to deliver your treatment safely and effectively.
They should be able to answer any questions you have and have the knowledge to deal with issues or prevent them from happening in the first place. You should also receive proper aftercare advice.
Some of the issues that can crop up with laser hair removal are:
- It can actually make you hairier – it’s really rare, but a condition called paradoxical hypertrichosis can be triggered with laser. This actually leads to increased hair growth and no-one really knows why. It’s usually covered in the consent forms when you go for your laser appointment but definitely worth being aware of.
- Redness and irritation – these side effects are usually short-lived but if you’re getting laser on your face it’s probably best not to make any big plans for later on.
- Crusting – it’s not glamorous or sexy but it’s real. Crusting is usually pretty minor but you can get mild scabbing in the area you’ve had lasered. Burns and blisters aren’t normal and will need medical attention.
- Risk of infection – damaging your follicles with a laser can lead to infection risk. The area should be treated as a wound while it heals.
- Changes to skin color – the skin color might get slightly darker or lighter when you have laser. This usually fades with time.
- Scarring – usually, due to practitioner error or incorrect aftercare, there is a small chance of skin scarring. Eek.
Overall, laser hair reduction can be a great choice for many women looking to reduce their daily maintenance. It’s not without risks and should be researched fully to make sure you’re clear on what to expect and that you work with an experienced provider.
FAQ
How much is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal costs anywhere between $120 and $600 per session, and you can expect to need six sessions for results to become permanent.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
It could be permanent. However, you might need touch-ups as dormant hair regrowth comes out. out.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair treatments use laser beams to damage the follicles, halting hair growth.
Does laser hair removal work for everyone?
No, laser hair removal may not be 100% effective and does not work for everyone. Usually, it works better on individuals with light skin tones and darker hair.
How long does laser hair removal last?
The results can last for years, however, you might need touch-ups.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Depending on the laser and your pain tolerance, the treatment can be mildly to moderately painful but less painful than waxing. Usually, a topical anesthetic is applied to help with any discomfort you may experience.
What is bad about laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal isn’t without risks or side effects, as with any kind of aesthetic treatment. You need to choose your laser professional carefully. Ensure that they have the right skills, experience, tools, and insurance to deliver your treatment safely and effectively.
They should be able to answer any questions you have and have the knowledge to deal with issues or prevent them from happening in the first place. You should also receive proper aftercare advice.
Some of the treatment negatives include:
It can actually make you hairier – it’s really rare, a condition called paradoxical hypertrichosis can be triggered with a laser and can occur in 0.01% to 1.9% of patients. Individuals with darker skin tones can be more susceptible to this rare side effect.
What happens to the hair follicle after laser treatments?
The laser blasts the hair follicle with laser beams, halting hair growth.
How many sessions is laser hair removal?
Six laser hair removal sessions are typically needed for laser hair removal to be effective.
What happens to the hair follicle after laser treatments?
The laser hair removal laser damages the hair follicle stopping hair growth.
