Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to shaving. Shaving can be frustrating and difficult for many reasons. There is always stubble left behind no matter how closely you feel like your shaving, and it has to be done everyday or every few days depending on how fast the hair grows. The same can be said for waxing even though it normally keeps hair at bay for slightly longer than shaving. Razors also have to be replaced regularly and the risk of razor burn and bumps is a problem for many as well. Then waxing has its own set of challenges including lack of knowledge about the different brands and which ones are better than others. The hot wax can also be dangerous especially if there are kids wandering around and waxing strips have been known to cause severe allergic reactions among some users.
Hair removal doesn’t just rely on the tools being used either, when shaving and waxing don’t go exactly as planned it can take a toll on a person’s self esteem and body image. This is a big reason why many have resorted to laser hair removal. Laser hair removal allows an easier method of removal without the hassle of making sure you do it exactly right, and that you are doing often enough.
No matter what method you use, hair removal is one of those necessary evils that is difficult and usually expensive. With that said, laser hair removal provides removal that lasts longer and is more affordable in the long run. Out of all of the hair removal options, laser hair removal has significantly more benefits and is the best option for many people.
What Is It Like To Get Laser Hair Removal?
If you have considered hair removal treatment one question that you’ve most likely thought of is wondering what the experience is like to get laser hair removal. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and has different pain tolerances, so unbearable pain to one person may feel like a pinch to another person. Your experience will also depend on the location of the hair you are having zapped. Sensitive areas are of course usually much more painful than others. So areas such as the face and bikini line will most likely be more painful than the chest or back.
For the most part, patients described the experience as quick and sharp. The pain is usually minor and only lasts as long as the zap does before it fades. Following the procedure, you may experience some redness and swelling and that should go away after a few days. Depending on the area that is getting treatment will depend on how long the actual treatment takes but it can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Laser hair removal often needs to be done with various treatments in order to get all of the hair follicles gone. Only a portion of the hair follicles are targeted each treatment. The area in which is being zapped also plays a role with how many treatments are needed. Usually, darker and thicker hair (bikini line, legs, underarms) responds better and requires less treatments whereas lighter and thinner (facial hair, chest hair) hair needs more treatments.
The number of treatments needed depend on the individual. Your doctor should be able to give you an estimated amount of treatments needed during your first appointment. Typically patients need a total of 6-8 treatments spaced out 3-6 weeks. Touch-ups are sometimes needed as well and the number of these will again depend on the individual.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Typically, it takes patients 2-3 weeks to see results from their first treatment. After each treatment the patient will notice less and less hair growing back until none grows back at all after their last treatment. Following the continuous treatments, patients may need touch-ups months or years later to maintain hairlessness in those areas.
Laser hair removal is not a permanent solution for hairless complexions. Laser removal works by heating and damaging the hair follicles to prevent further hair growth. It can slow the growth and stunt the growth over long periods of time but hair will eventually grow back causing the patient to revisit for additional treatments. The hair that does grow back will be thinner and lighter and fewer treatments will be needed to eliminate the hair. Some patients can go as long as 1-4 without needing additional treatment. So long story short, it is not a permanent solution but it is long term.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
When laser hair removal first became popular it was believed that people with lighter skin and darker hair had the best results with this method and often required much less treatments and usually no touch-ups compared to patients with darker skin and lighter hair. The lasers used for these treatments are designed to target the pigment within the hair and it’s easier when the pigment in the skin is competing. However, as technology has advanced in recent years the color of the skin and hair do not make as much of a difference and are not as crucial anymore.
Ideal candidates for this treatment are men and women who are tired of constantly maintaining their hair removal and seeking an alternative to shaving, waxing, and plucking. The patients must not have any wounds, rashes, infections, or be pregnant at the time of their treatments either.
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