How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal is quickly becoming the preferred method of choice for getting rid of unwanted, unsightly facial and body hair. Now, as an alternative to more painful options including electrolysis and waxing, it’s easier than ever before to find a beauty salon with experienced laser hair removal technicians available on staff.

In addition to being the least uncomfortable choice, laser hair removal can also be rather inexpensive in comparison to other professional methods used. This non-invasive method can be used on many areas of the body including the upper lip, chin, legs, arms, back, bikini line, or just about anywhere there is unwanted hair growth.

Imagine never needing to tweeze, wax, or shave again, or have to deal with those irritating razor bumps. Learning how laser hair removal works is the first step toward enjoying silky smooth skin that looks and feels its absolute best.

How Lasers Remove Hair

In essence, highly concentrated, pulsating beams of light are how lasers are able to remove hair without damaging skin. Simple beams of light, or lasers, are scanned over areas containing unwanted hair. The lasers pass through the dermis or skin to the pigment or colored portion within the hairs which absorb the light inhibiting future growth from the follicle.

Laser hair removal tends to work best for those with fairer skin and darker hair.

Unlike electrolysis, several hairs may be targeted at once using laser hair removal allowing the procedure to be much more effective in a shorter period of time. However, because hair grows in different cycles and the follicles most affected by lasers are those in the active phase of growth, multiple sessions will be necessary.

Hair Growth Cycles

Our hair grows in three separate cycles and at different times, meaning that at any given moment, the hair growing on your body may be at various stages of growth.

The three cycles of growth are the anagen phase, also known as the active or growing phase, which may last for several years, the catagen phase, a much shorter period of two to three weeks, and finally, the telogen phase, which is known as a “resting phase”.

Everyone has a unique pattern of growth which makes it difficult to know exactly how many sessions an individual will need before the maximum results are achieved when using laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal at the Salon

Getting rid of unwanted hair at a salon can be a quick and effective option to consider. However, because it is considered to be a medical procedure, choose your salon wisely. You may want to schedule a consultation prior to the actual treatment giving you the opportunity to ask questions and learn important information such as credentials, costs, and possible side effects.

Before the actual laser removal treatment begins, longer hairs are trimmed and a topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin in order to minimize discomfort during the procedure. You and the technician will wear special protective goggles which keep the eyes safely covered.

The equipment will be adjusted according to the color and thickness of the hair as well as its location and your skin color. You may experience a slight stinging sensation during the actual procedure.

Depending on the amount of hair to be removed as well as the treatment area, you can expect treatment times to range anywhere from as little as 15 minutes up to an hour.

After laser hair removal, the treated areas of the skin may feel as if it were sunburned for the next day or so, but cold compresses, soothing aloe gels, and regular use of moisturizers will help to minimize temporary discomfort or irritation that may occur.

Removal treatments may need to be repeated four to six weeks later or until new hair stops growing. The vast majority of people experience permanent hair loss after just a few sessions of laser hair removal.