Removing hair permanently using new laser hair removal techniques is becoming increasing popular. Laser hair removal systems have been developed for both men and women who no longer want to carry out daily, weekly or monthly shaving or waxing and are looking to remove hair permanently.There is no doubt that the skin of people who have undergone laser hair removal is smoother than those who shave.
This guide on the new laser hair removal techniques has been put together to help you decide whether to have laser hair removal or not, the options open to you and finally, an indication of cost. Thousands have had hair removed from faces, armpits, arms, legs, backs, chest and pubic area using laser. In a recent survey by Cosmopolitan Magazine, nearly 100% said that they felt better in themselves after the laser treatment, with the same number saying that they had more free time as well. For the busy man and woman, it is now the best alternative to shaving and waxing!
How Does New Laser Hair Removal Work?
Removal of hair by laser is a process whereby a pulsating beam of highly concentrated light is directed at the hair follicles in the area to be treated. The light is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hairs and the laser heats and destroys the follicles. This area will have to be shaved so that the laser attacks the hair follicles beneath the skin. A cooling anaesthetic gel is also applied to minimise discomfort.
As a safety measure, goggles will have to worn by both you and the technician to protect the eyes. Finally, the laser will be set according to your skin colour and the thickness and colour of the hair. Depending on the size of area to be treated and the amount of hair involved, a session of laser hair removal can last anything between 15 minutes to an hour.
However, not everyone is suitable for this laser treatment and each person is assessed. Please refer to the best candidate for laser hair removal. As the laser is absorbed by dark objects, those with dark skins were not suitable as the laser would be absorbed by the dark skin around the hairs rather than the hairs themselves. However, new laser hair removal equipment have been developed to overcome this and those with dark skin can now benefit from this laser treatment as well. For more information, go to new laser hair removal for dark skin.
Number Of Sessions
Although the laser will burn the hair follicle, it will take more than one session to stop hair growth permanently. This is because hairs grow in three phases and the laser can only affect the currently growing hair follicles. Normally, on average, you will need about seven treatments for the laser to remove hairs permanently.
It is best to wait three to eight weeks between each session. This depends on the body area and the hair cycle length for that area. The face will need more frequent laser hair removal treatments, about four weeks apart whereas the legs will require fewer treatments.
Once treated, the hairs start falling out and this process can take up to three weeks. Whatever you do, do not try to pull out the hairs. They must be allowed to fall out naturally.
Side Effects Of This New Laser Hair Removal
Some common side effects will include itching, swelling and redness. Typically, they don’t last for more than 3 days. You can use a cold compress or soothing aloe gel to reduce the discomfort.
There is also a slight pain during the laser hair removal process but this, as mentioned before, can be avoided by using numbing creams which will be available at most clinics and salons.
Other Uses
Suffering from ingrown hairs or shaving bumps? Hair removal lasers can treat this. The new laser hair removal systems are also very effective against pilonidal cysts because they get rid of the ingrown hairs that produce the negative reactions in your body.
Regulation
The use of hair removal lasers go back to 1997 and they have been granted approval for “permanent hair reduction” by the FDA. This approval combined with the advent of the new laser hair removal systems makes permanent hair removal very popular amongst men and women.
