Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

Warm weather means sunshine, swimsuits, shorts — and so much shaving! Consider laser hair removal if you fear warm weather because it exposes more of your skin, as it can significantly lessen the amount of grooming you need to do.

Dr. Rachel Ward, a dermatologist, responds to 10 inquiries about laser hair removal, answering nearly all of them.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

How Does It Work?

The pigment in the hair itself is the target of laser hair removal devices’ light source. The hair is essentially heated and melted by the quick burst of energy and light, which also harms the hair follicle. By doing this, the follicle will no longer produce new hairs.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The procedure is frequently repeated because it only works during the hair’s growth cycle. It occasionally requires nine sessions and the cost of laser hair removal could cost you a total of $200 to $1,600, but you might see excellent results after just three.

Due to the laser’s focus on the melanin, or dark pigment, in hair follicles, different conditions may require different treatments. It becomes more difficult to distinguish between skin color and follicle pigment the darker your skin is. Even with more treatments, you may still achieve satisfactory results. You will probably see good results after just a few treatments if you have light skin and dark hair.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

Does It Work for Everyone?

All hair types—aside from gray hair—can use it.

Is Radiation Involved?

No. The word “laser” stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, but it’s not like an It only makes use of light and heat for the procedure.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

The best course of action before the procedure is to avoid the sun as much as possible.

Ultraviolet light stimulates melanocytes, which create more melanin (pigment) in the skin. The greater the contrast between skin color and hair color, the more effective the treatment.

You should also avoid shaving for three or four days before the treatment. The technician can see the hair more easily if it has grown out a bit. Definitely avoid waxing or depilatories as they pull the hair out of the follicle, leaving no target for the laser.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

How Long Does It Take?

Depending on the area being treated. Smaller areas, such as the chin or underarms, may only require about 20 minutes; however, a leg or the entire back may require up to an hour and a half.

Does It Hurt?

Given that the hair follicles are connected to nerves, the procedure is, at worst, mildly uncomfortable.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

Are There Areas Where It Doesn’t Work?

Anywhere, including the legs, arms, back, underarms, and bikini line, can be treated with laser hair removal. Only areas that cannot be seen, like the nostrils and the area around the eyes, are off-limits.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

The treatment is effective for most people and is very safe.

A little swelling, redness, or irritation near the hair follicles may be the only side effects you encounter afterward. This may persist for a few days.

Also occasionally seen is hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), but this usually goes away fairly quickly. Although they can happen, burns or blisters are extremely rare.

Laser Hair Removal: is It Really Worth It?

Will the Hair Grow Back?

“You may need a touch-up here and there — especially if you have a lot of body hair — but the overall effects of the procedure are lasting,” she says.

However, hormones can occasionally make things more difficult. You might need to come back for additional touch-ups if you have an endocrine condition that makes your testosterone levels rise (like polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that results in a hormone imbalance). After childbirth or menopause, hair can also regrow.

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