8 Things You Have to Know If You Want Laser Hair Removal

8 Things You Have to Know If You Want Laser Hair Removal

If you’re sick of ingrown hairs, visible stubble, nicking your skin with razors, the pain or embarrassment of waxing, or simply exhausted from having to shave or wax all the time, you’ve probably thought about laser hair removal. The procedure is said to permanently remove hair in treated areas, promising a smooth, fur-free future.

But are these claims really true? Not necessarily. And there are several other important things you should know too about what the procedure involves, how to do it right, and to evaluate whether laser hair removal really is worth it for you. So to help you weigh the pros and cons, we’ve compiled the expert info you need to know before going under the laser.





It’s Not Really Permanent

Laser hair removal involves passing a laser beam through the skin to individual hair follicles and damaging them with the intense heat, which is meant to prevent the follicles from producing future hair growth.

But “[laser] hair removal is not permanent, despite what the laser centers say,” explains fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and OBGYN Charles Bollmann. Laser will slow hair re-growth, but since hair grows in phases, it takes several treatments to achieve an extended period of no hair growth.

The amount of hair that laser hair removal can effectively remove depends on the area of the body—whether skin is thick or thin. Thin-skinned areas, such as underarms and the bikini area, are ideal for laser hair removal, while thick-skinned areas, like the back and chin, are a little less responsive to treatment.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises that if hair does re-grow following laser hair removal, it may be lighter in color and finer than the previous hair, making it less noticeable and less bothersome.

One thing you can do to help ensure good results is to avoid waxing, electrolysis or plucking for six weeks prior to treatment. These things temporarily remove your hair’s roots, which you’ll need in place for the laser to target them.





Hair & Skin Color Matter

Hair and skin color absolutely matter when it comes to removing hair because the lasers target pigment. The AAD advises that laser works best for people with light skin and dark hair because dark hair color easily stands out against light skin, and thus the laser can more effectively target it.

So, to get optimal results, the AAD recommends you avoid tanning and sunless tanners, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily for up to six weeks prior to the first laser treatment. Go in for your procedure as pasty as you can!

Also note that those with lighter colored hair may see results when the laser is used in conjunction with topical medications, but realize that the end-result may not be as striking as it is on your brunette friends.





Many (& Ongoing) Treatments

Laser hair removal is not a one-shot procedure—multiple treatments are required to achieve optimal results. Then, as hair begins to re-grow over time, you’ll need to get additional touch up procedures.

You’ll initially need between four and six treatments, each spaced four to eight weeks apart. You can expect a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair growth in the targeted area with each treatment, the AAD explains.

It takes about two to three weeks after treatment for hairs to begin to fall out—it’s not immediate. After you get your initial results, you will need to follow up every six to twelve months to maintain your fuzz-free body.

Again, understand that each patient is different and your dermatologist can best advise you on a realistic treatment plan and keep your expectations in check.





The Pain

Yes, it hurts. But luckily, the pain is minor, Dr. Bollman explains,

and most patients tolerate it well.

"Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort similar to the sensation of being snapped with a rubber band,” explains dermatologist Dr. Debra Price. “The degree of discomfort often correlates with the thickness and density of the hair in the area being treated. Therefore, discomfort lessens with each successive treatment,” she adds.

Because the laser works by targeting the pigment with your hair, if you have darker skin (i.e., more pigment in your skin), your skin will absorb more of the energy from the laser, which can add to discomfort for some.

And of course, if you’re doing a small area (like your upper lip), the procedure (and pain) will only last a few minutes. But for larger areas, like your legs, it can take several hours.

“To minimize discomfort,” Dr. Price says, “a physician can apply topical anesthetic prior to treatment, but only over limited areas of the body simultaneously."





Be Picky with Where You Go

Just like other cosmetic procedures, before you sign yourself up to go under the laser you should first make sure the procedure is being performed by a qualified physician or esthetician supervised by a physician.

Despite laser hair removal being offered at day-spas, walk-in centers and even in the middle of malls, it’s imperative to remember that the procedure does have side effects (more on those later), so make sure that you are under the care of a trusted physician should a problem arise.





Regarding Ingrown Hairs & Irritation…

Shaving and waxing repeatedly can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. If you find that you commonly suffer from these unsightly side effects, laser may be a good hair removal solution for you.

Certified holistic health coach Nicole Jardim says, “Nothing worked for me until I decided to get laser hair removal on my bikini line,” explains Jardim. “It worked wonders, not only to get rid of the hair and the ingrowns but also to get rid of the hyperpigmentation. Within six months to a year the dark spots were completely gone.”

Ah, to have hair-free lady parts free of red bumps…maybe not just a pipedream.





Know the Side Effects

As great as laser hair removal may seem, as with any dermatologic procedure, there are side effects. Most commonly, patients will experience discomfort, itching, swelling and a slight redness in the area for a couple days after the procedure. You may also experience acne and skin discoloration (like darkening or lightening, particularly if you have tan or dark skin).

In more severe case, patients may experience blistering, bacterial infections or outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus. (Let’s be clear here, laser hair removal will not give you herpes, but it can trigger an outbreak if you already have the virus in your system.)

Following the procedure, you should avoid direct sun exposure and be sure to religiously use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 to avoid further side effects, in addition to skin damage.





Cost

The price of laser hair removal varies depending on the size and number of areas being treated. According to Dr. Price, "Larger areas such as the legs are generally more expensive to treat than smaller areas such as the bikini area, underarms and above the lips. Treatment costs generally range from $200 to $400 per treatment for smaller areas, and up to $500 to $1000 for larger areas."

Expensive, but perhaps a small price to pay to keep our fur in check.





References: The American Academy of Dermatology (2013) Laser Hair Removal. aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/cosmetic-treatments/laser-hair-removal#.UfP23459WfQ

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