Laser Hair Removal – Things You Always Wanted to Know

Laser hair removal is one of the most advanced hair removal method that helps you get rid of unwanted hair permanently. Owing to the growing popularity of the treatment, many young men and women are curious about the treatment and want to know more about it. This article aims at answering your practical queries pertaining to laser hair removal. This information will help you form a better opinion as to whether you should opt for laser hair removal treatment or not.

Who is the best candidate for laser hair removal?

Listed below are the criteria that will help you determine whether you are the right candidate for hair laser hair removal:

• Colour of the skin is an important determinant. Laser treatment works best on people with light skin. Results are not as effective for people with dark skin
• Dark, coarse hairs are easiest to treat. If the colour of your hair is black or dark brown, you make the best laser hair removal candidate. People with thin or light colour hair, especially if it is paired with light-coloured skin may not get the best results. Blond, grey and red hairs are more difficult to treat
• If you have a tan, you must wait until the tan fades before starting the treatment
• If you suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne and dermatitis you are not the ideal candidate for laser hair removal

How to prepare for laser hair removal if you have light coloured hair?

Though people with light coloured hair don’t make the best candidate, laser hair removal can be performed on them. However, certain things should be kept in mind:

• Laser hair removal may not be as effective if you have light coloured hair and a dark skin. Light hair has very little pigment and doesn’t absorb much of the laser energy

• If you have light coloured hair on a light skin, avoid the treatment. Ideally, your hair must be darker than the surrounding skin to get effective results
• Stay away from the sun and avoid tanning products completely prior to the treatment. This is because the contrast between your hair and skin should be as great as possible
• Go for lasers with large spot sizes and a short pulse width to compensate for the lack of pigment if you have light coloured skin
• Be prepared to go for multiple treatments. People with light coloured skin may require 5 to 8 sessions (normally 4 sessions are required) because of the reduced effectiveness of laser

Is laser hair removal painful?

Laser hair removal is not painful, at the most it may cause some discomfort to patients. People have described the laser sensation similar to the feeling of tiny pinpricks or rubber band snaps. Laser hair removal is less painful for patients with lighter skin tones and finer hair. A topical anaesthetic may be applied for those who are unable to tolerate the tingling or stinging sensation or when treating sensitive area such as bikini line. Most patients however, don’t require an anaesthetic cream.

After effects of laser hair removal on skin

Laser hair removal may cause some side effects which in most cases are temporary. For instance, patients may experience redness and some swelling around the opening of the follicle for up to 3 days. During the treatment some patients experience itching, tingling or feeling of numbness. Following a laser treatment, some people have also reported some pigment changes. This usually resolves within a few weeks or months. You can place ice over the affected area, to treat the effects of laser on skin. To get the best results and to minimize side effects always get the laser hair removal procedure done at a reputed clinic and by an experienced professional.