How Much Do You Know About Laser Hair Removal?

There is a lot of information out there on laser hair removal and some of it can be extremely misleading if not completely incorrect.  Most people have a general idea what laser hair removal entails, however they also have several misconceptions.  How much do you know?

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

The biggest mistake most people make is assuming that one or two treatments will be enough.  There is no doubt multiple treatments will be required, although the exact number will be based upon how thick the hair is and how many hair follicles are actively growing during the treatment.  Laser hair treatment is effective only on hairs which are actively growing.  All hair in the dormancy stage of their growth cycle is largely unaffected.  As a result, multiple treatments are required to target every follicle during its active growth cycle.  Additionally, to target every hair as quickly as possible, most treatments will be scheduled 4 weeks apart.

How Painful is Laser Hair Treatment?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about the level of pain someone will experience.  The first variable is the type of laser being used.  There are a number of different options on the market and some have proven to be much less painful.  Keep in mind, lasers have come a long way over the past several decades and regardless of how painful it is, there should never be any scarring or blistering for this type of treatment.  Professional technicians and doctors can utilize a variety of techniques to minimize any pain.  In most cases, laser hair removal is associated with creating a mild discomfort.

Are All Laser Clinics the Same?

This is definitely not true.  Clinics which offer laser hair removal will vary greatly from one to another.  This makes it incredibly important to always thoroughly evaluate each clinic or med spa before deciding which one is right for you.  Even if you are looking to save money, choosing the cheapest option won’t always be the best solution.  Better techniques and more advanced equipment can reduce the number of treatments you will need – both of which will save you money.

How Can Laser Hair Treatment Damage You Skin?

In short – it can’t.  Laser hair removal relies on different colored lasers to treat specific hair pigments.  To be effective, the laser beam is focused only on the hair follicle and base of the hair.  This ensures the rest of your skin remains completely unharmed.  To date, there is no documented evidence that approved laser hair removal techniques can create any form of long-term damage.

Like all cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal is seen a tremendous amount of technological innovation over the past decade.  This makes it difficult for most people to stay current on treatment details.  The best solution is to always talk to an experienced professional before deciding whether or not this is the right type of hair treatment for you.  Even if laser hair treatment isn’t the right option, you will be given a variety of other options during your consultation which will be able to provide you with the results you desire.