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The eternal search for youth and beauty has yielded a plethora of techniques for the removal of unwanted hair. Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular – in fact, Forbes.com recently reported that laser hair removal was the third most popular cosmetic procedure amongst men. Although the technology has been available for some years, information on the procedure is sometimes difficult to find at best and confusing at worst. However, as its popularity grows, more information on this form of hair removal is becoming available.
Laser hair removal uses laser technology to inhibit the growth cycle of the hair by delivering short bursts of high intensity light directly into the follicle. The laser is only attracted to the melanin (hair colour) so only the hair itself is damaged. The surrounding skin tissue remains unharmed by the procedure, as long as the procedure is carried out properly. Herein lies the first dilemma. Laser hair removal is a clinical procedure and should be carried out by a fully qualified, professional practitioner. In the UK, the laser industry is only partially regulated so a full consultation is essential before any treatment begins, as not everyone is suitable for laser treatment.
Laser hair removal is ideal for use in all areas of the body including the face, bikini line and under arms. But if you are thinking about having excess hair removed from between the eyebrows, for example, emphasis has to be placed again on the professionalism and experience of the practitioner, as lasers can cause permanent and debilitating damage to the eye. Be absolutely certain that the practitioner has the relevant experience to carry out the procedure safely.
Laser hair removal is considered to be the longest-lasting and often permanent method of hair removal. The process is usually performed over a series of sessions (at least five to eight treatments) spaced six weeks apart. This scheduling coincides with the growth cycle of the hair, as laser energy only affects actively-growing hair. The number of treatments required will vary depending on the part of the body being treated and frequency is adjusted as the treatment progresses. For approximately two to three weeks after laser hair removal the hair will look as if it is continuing to grow. This is actually the treated hair falling out as the laser has effectively damaged the root to prevent it growing further. This stage is often referred to as ‘shedding' and after a couple of weeks the body areas should be hair free. Once the hair begins to appear again, the next treatment is due. After a series of several treatments, the hair follicle will no longer be operative and the hair removal process will be permanent.
A potential stumbling block for people wanting to opt for laser hair removal is the cost. It is an expensive treatment, with sessions costing up to several hundreds of pounds depending on the area of the body being treated. However, it is essentially a permanent solution and when weighed against the cost of a lifetime of waxing, plucking or using hair removal creams, the cost will probably be no more than non-permanent solutions. Many clinics offer packages that will spread the cost of laser hair removal and even prices that will combine treatments for several areas of the body. Laser hair removal is becoming more available and its popularity looks set to increase in the future.
Laser hair removal is the latest trend for people wishing to rid themselves of unwanted body or facial hair. Using a laser to remove unwanted hair is touted as a procedure based on state-of-the-art technology, which is a fact. You've also heard the claims that the laser hair removal procedure is the ultimate in permanent hair removal. You've seen the advertisements claiming that laser treatments are fast, painless, and safe.
It all sounds very enticing, but is it all too good to be true?
To answer this question, let's take a hard look at this high-tech hair removal procedure and see if these claims prove reliable.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser hair removal procedure focuses on the delivery of light into the skin, measured at a specified wavelength, from a hand-held instrument. The light concentrates on darker material in the skin. This targeted material is the pigment found in hair. The intense light damages the hair follicle, which slows or eliminates future hair growth. This process occurs without affecting the surrounding skin tissue.
A great advantage of laser hair removal treatments is the speed in which the procedure can be administered. Small areas, like the upper lip, can be treated in a matter of seconds. Larger areas, such as the back or legs, can be treated in as little as an hour. By contrast, electrolysis can take up to 125 hours of treatment for the back area alone.
Are laser treatments for everyone?
Individuals who response best to the laser hair removal treatments tend to possess lighter skin tones and a darker hair color. The greater the contrast, the easier it is for the laser light to focus on the darker material, or the pigment in the hair.
The latest technological advancements in laser hair removal have made the procedure more effective for those with darker skin. The concern for the risk of tissue damage, from the laser targeting the darker skin rather than the hair follicle, has been significantly reduced.
In most cases, people with darker skin can take advantage of the laser procedures. However, these individuals should not expect results as dramatic as those experienced by candidates with the most favorable characteristics, fair skin and dark hair.
Is the procedure really safe?
In almost all cases, laser hair removal devices used in these procedures have been evaluated and deemed safe by the FDA for hair removal purposes. Of course, an important caveat also applies here - the procedure must be performed by a licensed medical specialist or doctor. When looking for a hair removal clinic, it is recommended that you use a licensed medical doctor to perform these treatments.
Are laser hair removal treatments truly pain-free?
The laser treatment involves a light delivered through a hand held instrument that is attached to a laser console. As the high intensity light is being administered, some patients report a stinging sensation. Thanks to new technology, this stinging effect can be reduced. Many new lasers now incorporate a cooling system that automatically reduces, or removes, heat from the skin's surface during the laser exposure.
Most people describe the sensation as a slight tingling of the skin, and tolerate the laser procedure very well. That's not to say that some areas of the body aren't more sensitive than others. In these cases, a topical anesthesia can be administered prior to the procedure. General anesthesia or pain medication is usually not required.
Are results from the laser hair removal procedure really permanent?
At the present time, the medical consensus regarding laser hair removal is that the procedure results in a range of outcomes, dependent on the individual's physical characteristics (i.e. skin tone, hair color, etc.). Generally, after a series of laser hair removal treatments, one can expect a very dramatic reduction in hair growth. If and when hair does re-grow, it will come back lighter in color or finer in texture.
Overall, laser is still the most effective technique for permanent hair removal that exists today.