Laser Hair Removal: Is It The Right Option for You?

 Laser Hair Removal: Is It The Right Option for You?

If you’re not happy with the traditional method of removing unwanted hair from your face or body, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering! Laser hair removal continues to gain popularity and is currently one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the US. If you are considering a breakup with your razor, let’s get into why this might be the service for you.

Laser Hair removal directs highly-concentrated beams of light into hair follicles. The follicles are destroyed when light and heat from the laser are absorbed by their pigment, leaving them unable to continue to grow the hair.

Who Is, Or Is Not, A Good Candidate:

When considering if laser hair removal is right for you, take a look at your hair. Is it light or dark? Areas with predominantly lighter hair (think: light brown, light red, blonde, gray, and white hair) are not the best candidates for laser hair removal, as the laser won’t be able to effectively target the pigment and adequately reduce growth. Individuals with darker hair in the treatment areas have more success. 

Does a hormonal imbalance drive your hair growth? The laser treatment cannot influence internal hormone irregularities within the body. For example, with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), hair growth is persistent and resilient. Laser hair removal treatments can reduce the amount of hair growth and thin the hair but are unlikely to stop it. 

You must be willing to let hair grow in between sessions (shaving is ok). Other means of hair removal, such as tweezing, threading, and waxing, remove the hair from the root, which means the follicle has nothing to grow for the time being. Successful laser hair removal needs actively growing hair to damage. 

Laser hair removal takes approximately 6-10 sessions, so patience is necessary. Each session is spaced 4-6 weeks apart (sometimes more) depending on the treatment area and hair regrowth. This allows enough time between each treatment for more hair to move from dormant or shedding into the active growing stage, where the laser can effectively target and destroy the hair follicle.

Consider your skin tone when looking into laser hair removal. The melanin that gives our hair follicles color is also responsible for the pigment in our skin. Because the pigment in the skin is shallower than the pigment in the hair, the laser may be drawn to the skin rather than the hair pigment, leading to hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or even burns if the appropriate laser equipment and settings are not utilized. 

Other considerations or contraindications include areas with active infections, recent sunburns, pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent use of faux tanning products, and areas with tattoos. Since the laser is drawn to pigment, people with tattoos can experience burns, blisters, fading, or even distortion of their body art.

Equipment Matters: 

Two of the most widely used laser technologies are the Alexandrite and nd:YAG lasers. Both laser hair removal systems offer effective solutions for reducing unwanted hair. The choice between nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser hair removal should be based on your skin type, hair color, and texture, making a consultation with a qualified practitioner important. 

The Alexandrite laser uses alexandrite crystal as its laser source. The wavelength is short, allowing for excellent absorbency on the broadest range of hair types. It is rapidly and intensely absorbed by melanin and the follicles of finer hairs. It causes precise damage, can cover a larger area, and has a higher repetition rate, making it an efficient option for removing hair. The Alexandrite laser is not suitable for individuals with dark-toned or tanned skin as the laser can damage the skin’s melanin.

The nd:YAG laser is a popular option for hair removal as it can be utilized on all skin types, including tan and darker-toned skin. It uses a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet crystal as its laser source. It produces a longer wavelength. This allows it to reach deeper into the skin, effectively bypassing the superficial melanin and targeting the hair's blood supply, making it the safest option for dark skin tones. 

What to Expect: 

You'll want to press pause on certain skincare products with active ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide in your intended treatment area for 5-7 days prior to your appointment. Active ingredients can increase your skin’s photosensitivity and can lead to adverse reactions. 

Laser Hair Removal can cause some discomfort. It is generally tolerable, but some areas may be more sensitive. Most people describe the sensation during treatment as a rubber band snap or a slight stinging feeling. 

After your session, you may notice follicular edema, redness, and small bumps in the treatment area for a few hours to days. You may feel like you have a minor sunburn. This is typically a normal response. 

Laser sessions are relatively quick, depending on the treatment area. Smaller areas, like the upper lip, may take only a few minutes, while larger areas, such as the legs or back, can take up to an hour.

Post-Laser Hair Removal:

After your treatment session, avoid direct sun and heat. Continue to protect treated areas from sun exposure and apply sunscreen to the affected areas to avoid damage. Avoid hot baths, saunas, or hot showers for a few days after the treatment. Use gentle skincare products on the treated area. Avoid harsh exfoliants, scrubs, and products with active ingredients for 5-7 days post-treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothing, and use Aloe Vera, a hydrocortisone cream, or ice after your treatment session to reduce irritation. Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized after your sessions can reduce any dryness or itching that may occur. Do not pluck or wax the hair between sessions, as this disrupts the hair growth cycle.

You’ll start to notice a reduction in hair growth after a few sessions. The hair will become finer and less dense. Permanent hair removal is achieved in most cases, although over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area! Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth, and occasional touch-up sessions may be needed.

With the right laser, hair removal is a safe and effective method for achieving long-term hair reduction. By following the recommended pre and post-care instructions, understanding what to expect during your treatment, and being patient with the treatment’s duration, you can effectively part ways with your razor and achieve the smooth, hair-free skin you desire. 

Feel Giddie about the skin you’re in,

Emily Giddings, RN