Laser Hair Removal: A Waxing Alternative

Laser Hair Removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair with less pain than waxing – and for some people, no pain at all. Some people describe the feeling as a flick on the skin similar to a rubber band. It can also feel warm, especially after prolonged use, so always let your consultant know if the machine is getting too hot for you. Laser hair removal is a much longer-lasting solution to hair reduction. Many cases result in the hair being completely gone, with just touch-ups needed.

The way it works is the system emits a gentle beam of light that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. The hair absorbs it, the energy from the laser is transformed into heat and the hair follicle is disabled. With some laser hair removal equipment, an absolute requirement is that the hair must be darker than the surrounding skin.

Fair skin with dark hair responds best. People with dark, coarse hair are the easiest to treat because dark hair contains melanin, a dark pigment which attracts the laser light so more laser energy is absorbed.  This will result in fewer sessions being needed.

Light colored hair is more difficult to treat, and blonde and red hair are very difficult to treat, often requiring multiple laser hair removal sessions with varied results. Anyone on a diet high in beta-carotene will need to change their eating habits if they want best results from laser hair removal. Beta-carotene, found in vitamin A, carrots, squash and other vegetables produce a yellow or orange color in the skin which absorbs the laser energy and interferes with it reaching the hair follicle.

As beta-carotene can remain in the body for months, an adjustment in diet may be needed well in advance of laser hair removal treatment for optimum results. Before commencing laser hair removal it is important that the hair hasn’t recently been pulled out with tweezers or waxing, and no methods like this should be used in between sessions. Shaving is the best way to eradicate the hairs that will pop up in-between treatments. It is also advised not to start treatments if you have any type of tan or spray tan as this can affect the results due to the color of your skin.

Before and after photos are great ways to see how the results of laser hair removal are working for you. You will also notice that your hairs will come back somewhat finer after treatments have begun and in some cases can fall out on their own. Laser hair removal can often be a more costly beauty expense, but most find it is well worth the investment, as the results have a more long-lasting effect. You will find you won’t need as many treatments over time in comparison to your usual monthly wax.

Tips to remember when considering laser hair treatment:

-Stay out of the sun, and no fake tanning either, for  up to six weeks before your treatment, as this can cause skin lightening and shaded spots. If you have a tan either from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal. Sun exposure will decrease the effectiveness of your treatment.

-Avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis. If you’re planning to undergo laser hair removal, you should avoid other hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing, and electrolysis which disturb the hair follicle and interfere with laser hair removal. Shaving is the best alternative as it preserves the hair shaft and follicle. Some studies suggest that shaving before laser hair removal may even improve results.

-Laser hair removal is not recommended if you are pregnant, so wait until after birth to commence your sessions.

Talk to a professional consultant with any concerns you may have regarding laser hair removal. It is crucial to always be sure that you are dealing with someone who is certified.