Laser hair removal is a very successful method of long-term hair reduction. It is a safe method used by thousands of people to remove and slow unwanted hair growth. It is important to understand the benefits and downsides of using laser hair removal.
What Are The Advantages Of Laser Hair Removal?
Minimal Side Effects
There are only a few minor side effects of laser hair removal, and those which do occur tend not to last more than a few days.
Cost Effective
Once you begin your journey with laser hair removal, you will no longer need to spend your money on regular expensive wax treatments, depilatory creams, razors or other methods of hair removal. It may be more cost up front, but over your life, you will save a huge amount by no longer having to spend on these procedures. You will also save yourself a great deal of time that would otherwise be spent shaving or waxing.
No Ingrown Hairs
Unlike waxing, threading and epilating, you will not have to put up with painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. Neither will you have to tolerate razor burns or irritation. Laser hair removal can even improve ingrown hairs.
No Waiting For Hair Growth
You don’t need surface hair for a laser hair removal treatment. In fact, you are encouraged to shave soon before your session to prevent you scorching any of the surface hair. This means that while you are waiting for the laser hair removal to work, you can remain fuzz-free, unlike with waxing and other hair removal methods where you must have long enough surface hair before a session.
Precise
Laser hair removal specifically targets hairs right down at the follicle. This is a particular benefit over intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal as the use of the laser makes it more suited to treating people with dark skin tones. The precision also means you should get results sooner.
Fast
Treatment times are fast, although speed will depend on the size of the area being treated, and you are likely to see results within the first few weeks. You can also think of the time you will save by not having to shave or have regular waxing.
Effective
Most patients can achieve permanent hair loss within 3 and 7 sessions, so laser hair removal is very successful.
Upfront Expense
Laser hair removal comes at a price. Clinics can charge very high prices, especially when compared to other forms of hair removal such as waxing, however, in the long run, you will save money. However, you can also find much cheaper alternatives, for example by buying an at-home laser hair removal device. These cost a fraction of the price of the salon treatment, yet have the same technology, so they get the same results.
It Takes Time
You won’t see overnight results. The hairs will gradually fall out as they die in the weeks after the treatment session and it may take a few sessions before you notice results. At least in the mean-time though, you can continue to shave until it takes effect!
Potential For Short-Term Changes In Pigment
Exposure to the light may result in the treated skin changing color temporarily. However, this will usually resolve quickly.
No Tanning Before Or After Treatment
Before you have a laser hair removal treatment, it is important to make sure you have not got a tan. This means both a natural tan from sunlight and fake tan from a bottle.
Not Suitable For Everyone/Where
For example, you should not treat your eyebrows, genitals or men’s facial hair with laser hair removal. You may also find it is not effective on fine, peach fuzz hair. Those with dark hair against fair skin will notice the best results, and fairer hair will probably require you to have more sessions, but you can still get great results with the right equipment.
Why Laser Hair Removal Is the Best Method
Laser hair removal is the best method for permanent hair removal. Ready to learn why?
Here are just some of the benefits of laser hair removal treatment:
1. It’s Quick
If it’s a quick solution you’re searching for, laser hair removal is the fastest way to get rid of unwanted hair.
You will have to have multiple treatment sessions, but most sessions only take a few minutes. The smaller the treatment area, the less time you’ll spend under the laser.
2. It’s Less Painful Than Other Hair Removal Methods
Laser hair removal is a lot less painful than most people think. Many people equate it to the feeling of snapping a rubber band against the skin.
Depending on your threshold for pain, you may find it slightly uncomfortable, but the sessions are so fast that most people find it easy to endure.
3. It Can Remove Hair From Any Part of the Body
With the exception of the eyelashes, laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body.
It’s especially ideal for the back and bikini area, which can be hard to reach with razors and extremely painful to wax.
4. It Prevents Ingrown Hairs
Shaving, waxing, and other methods of hair removal can cause ingrown hairs. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, laser hair removal is an excellent option.
By destroying the hair at the root, you’ll never have to worry about those pesky hairs growing back in or curling back into the body and becoming ingrown.
5. It Saves You From Having to Endure Regrowth
Some methods, such as waxing and plucking, require that you endure a bit of regrowth in between sessions. With laser hair removal, you can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin at all times.
6. It’s a Long-Term Solution
Most people see permanent, lasting results with laser hair removal. In some cases, you may need a touch-up a few months or years down the line, but it remains one of the best long-term solutions available.
At minimum, you will see a permanent reduction in hair growth that becomes easier to maintain over time.
Because it’s a long-term solution, it’s also cost effective. Over the course of your lifetime, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, as there won’t be a need for monthly waxes or razor blade refills.
Keep in mind that while laser hair removal works on all different skin tones, it is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. People with darker skin tones may experience temporary hyperpigmentation of the skin in the treated area.