All About Laser Hair Removal
3 min readWhen it comes to the removal of body hair, there are a number of methods that each come with their own list of pros and cons. One way to get rid of unwanted body hair is to opt for laser hair removal. But just what is laser hair removal? In this article, we will discuss what you need to know before undergoing the process.
So just what is laser hair removal? Simply put, it is the process of removing hair where a beam of light, which is highly concentrated, hits the hair follicles and destroys the hair. It is the most commonly-sought after cosmetic procedure in the country. Lasers are excellent tools for removing hair due to their effectiveness and precision, getting rid of fine and coarse hair without damaging the surrounding skin. They are useful in regards to the removal of hair from all over the body, such as the legs, arms, face, underarms, and bikini area (although these are certainly not the only areas that can be subject to laser hair removal).
What are the benefits of laser hair removal? One benefit is how quick the procedure is. Each pulse takes only a fraction of one second, and many hairs can be subject to the laser at the same time. In one second, the laser is able to treat an area of the body the size of a quarter. Are you considering laser hair removal for your upper lip? This small of an area can be completed in less than a minute. What about a larger area, such as each leg? These spots can take up to an hour, depending on how large of an area you opt to subject to the procedure. Of course, keep in mind that you may have to return for follow-up sessions. Most hair is removed completely in 3 – 6 sessions. And that leads us to another benefit of the procedure – it’s permanent! Once your hair is gone, it stays gone. So goodbye to razors, shaving cream, and painful waxing treatments!
How do you prepare for your laser hair removal? First, it is always recommended to research the doctor or technician who will be performing the procedure. But once you have this in the bag, make sure to limit plucking, electrolysis, and waxing approximately six weeks before you come in for hair removal. Also, you should be mindful of your exposure to the sun six weeks before and six weeks after your procedure.
What can you expect during a session of laser hair removal? Just prior to the procedure, the hair to be treated will be trimmed. Next, the laser will be adjusted for optimal effectiveness. You may or may not be given protective eye gear, depending on where you go, but the outer layers of skin will be protected via a cool gel. After this, the technician will test an area of your skin using a pulse from the laser to see if you are sensitive to it. After the procedure, you will be scheduled for your next session until the hair no longer is present.
