Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair, permanently reducing it’s growth. This leaves the skin smoother and more attractive.
Lasers emit light that penetrates the skin and is absorbed by pigment – also known as melanin – in your hair. This light then damages the follicles responsible for hair growth.
Unlike popular belief, laser hair removal does not feel painful. It’s similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
It’s painful
Some people have a very high pain tolerance and find the procedure relatively comfortable, however, others do not. Some areas of the body are more sensitive, such as the bikini area, but even this is not usually excruciating. One way our clients help minimise pain is by drinking plenty of water, as this helps to flush out substances that may increase the sensation of the laser. Caffeine should also be avoided prior to treatment as it can make the skin more sensitive.
The laser machine is very powerful and will damage the pigment of the hair follicle, and this will cause some discomfort, especially when removing stubborn dark hair. Many clients have described the feeling as a rubber band snapping against the skin and this is something that most people can tolerate for the few minutes it takes to complete the treatment. If necessary, our technicians can pause during treatment and apply aloe or another soothing product to help with any redness that may occur.
It’s not safe
Laser hair removal is completely safe as it only targets the hair follicle and does not damage the surrounding skin. However, it is important to avoid sun exposure as the skin and hair absorb the laser light differently, and tanned skin can cause discolouration. It is also necessary to shave before the procedure, as long hair will get in the way of the laser’s effectiveness by absorbing the heat.
Although some people might feel some pain during the procedure, it is no more painful than waxing or threading. The sensation is described as a warm pinprick or rubber bands snapping against the skin, and it is usually quickly over. It is important to only trust your body to an experienced and skilled technician who is registered with a recognised healthcare organisation, as unlicensed practitioners may cause serious harm or even burn the skin. It is also recommended to have your treatment done in a clinic or spa with a dermatologist on staff.
It’s expensive
Laser hair removal is expensive compared to other methods of hair removal. This is due to the high obtaining expense of the machines and maintenance costs. In addition, skilled laser surgeons charge a premium for their services.
A laser hair removal session involves targeting a specific area of your body with the power of a laser. This light energy is directed at the melanin in your hair and skin, causing it to heat up. This causes the destruction of the hair follicle, which prevents it from growing.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is important to follow the right steps to ensure you receive safe and effective results. First, you should avoid bleaching or tanning before your appointment. It is also important to shave the area before the treatment.
Additionally, you should choose a certified laser technician to avoid serious complications. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a permanent scar on your skin or blindness from improper laser use.
It’s not permanent
Laser hair removal works by sending a laser light into the skin to damage the hair follicle. But this doesn’t always work. Hair grows in stages, and a laser only damages follicles that are in the anagen (growing) phase. Hairs that are in the catagen or telogen (rest) phases can’t be affected.
The best way to determine if laser hair removal will work for you is to schedule a consultation. During this, you’ll be asked about your medical history, hair color and thickness, and the area of your body you want treated.
Most clients find that after consistent treatments, laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair growth to the point where they need only a yearly touch up session to maintain their results. Some people can even go years without seeing any hair regrowth. However, if regrowth does occur it tends to be finer and lighter in both density and color than it was before laser treatment.what is not true of laser hair removal