Laser hair removal uses light energy to destroy hair follicles, so it may be uncomfortable. Some have described this process as being similar to having rubber bands snap against their skin.
Prior to treatment, it’s important to refrain from waxing, tweezing and plucking hair in the area being treated. You should also cease using skincare products that could increase photosensitivity such as retinoids and alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
People with darker skin
Laser hair removal requires that there is a contrast between the color of hair follicles and pigment in the skin, with darker skin making this contrast less distinct and making the procedure riskier. When laser light hits dark hair on darker skin, it can heat up melanin deposits which lead to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation changes; so choosing a provider experienced treating people of various skin tones is critical for success.
Christian Karavolas of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal in New York City emphasizes the importance of selecting a specialist with safe devices to be used on dark skin to achieve effective laser hair removal treatments. Christian suggests the Nd:YAG laser as one such solution that bypasses the surface skin layer to target melanin deep within dermis layers where hair follicles reside.
At each treatment session, your technician will apply a handheld device and use laser light to target individual hair follicles with the laser, which may feel similar to an elastic band snapping against your skin. After treatment has concluded, treated areas may appear red and swollen; hydrocortisone cream or ice packs may provide temporary relief; also it’s wise to avoid long term sun exposure as this can prevent tanning or pigment changes in skin color changes.
Once your hair follicles have been destroyed, they cannot regrow; thus you should see a decrease in hair growth following several treatments. Some follicles may still survive and continue to produce new growth; it may require regular sessions such as every four or eight weeks depending on your skin type and rate of hair growth.
Before your first laser hair removal session, it is essential that the practitioner is both qualified and experienced. Check their registration with relevant registries so you know they meet set standards in training, skill, insurance coverage and references from clients they have worked on previously – generally, aim for one who has been providing laser hair removal at least several years.
People with darker hair
Laser hair removal is an effective solution to unwanted facial and body hair. Additionally, it can reduce razor bumps, dark spots or discoloration caused by repeated shaving or waxing sessions. While the procedure doesn’t completely eliminate hair growth, most unwanted hair will diminish over time; when it reemerges it tends to be thinner and less noticeable than before.
Laser hair removal can also lighten skin tone gradually over time. This is particularly helpful for people with darker skin tones who may experience discoloration or redness on the surface due to repeated epilation of hair follicles by laser light; doing this prevents more hairs from growing back while simultaneously lightening existing ones and lightening their color.
Note, however, that this treatment does not work as effectively with lighter hair colors due to laser’s affinity for melanin in hair follicles absorbing light energy more readily than white, gray or blonde locks do – making it more challenging for the laser to detect and treat these hairs effectively.
At first, a dermatologist or other experienced professional will apply topical pain-relief gel before applying the laser treatment device to the treatment area. After placing it onto the skin, they use handheld device to activate and destroy hair follicles – this may take from 15 minutes up to an hour, depending on size of treatment area and system used.
Following your appointment, it will be advised that you refrain from exercise for 24 hours and refrain from plucking, waxing or using sunless tanners on the treatment area. Furthermore, sunscreen should be worn and avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible; additionally multiple sessions (four to six) of treatment will likely be necessary as new hair growth should begin to lessen over this timeframe.
Laser hair removal should not be seen as a permanent solution; to achieve desired results, multiple visits to your practitioner may be needed over a period of months or years, depending on your hair and skin type as well as treatment effectiveness.
People with dark skin and light hair
Laser hair removal works best when there’s a striking contrast between the colors of skin and hair. This allows the laser to target and destroy individual follicles without harming surrounding tissues; however, some people have darker skin with lighter hair, which makes this form of treatment more challenging.
Importantly, it’s essential that if you have dark skin and light hair, multiple laser treatment sessions may be required in order to reach optimal results. Hair grows in cycles, and laser can only target active growth phase follicles at that point in time.
Before and after treatments, it’s crucial to avoid direct sunlight for several weeks prior to and post. Sun exposure makes your skin more susceptible to the heat generated by laser treatments, potentially resulting in burns, hyper-pigmentation or scarring.
Before and after laser treatment, it is advisable to avoid waxing, tweezing or plucking hair in the areas being treated as this can prevent laser from targeting and destroying hair follicles which will negatively impact on their efficacy and results of your treatments.
As part of the laser hair removal process, you’ll lie down while your practitioner places a handheld device against your skin and triggers the laser. The device features an internal sensor to ensure that too close proximity between you and the laser occurs – often leading to sensations similar to an elastic band snapping against your skin during treatment. Treatment usually lasts from 15 minutes up to an hour depending on its size.
After your laser session is completed, your skin may appear red and swollen; to maintain optimal hydration afterward it’s important to apply fragrance-free lotion regularly and wear sunglasses when going outside to protect your eyes from UVA/UVB rays. Also ensure the practitioner who performs your hair removal treatment meets established training, skill and insurance requirements – they should be listed on a register which indicates their expertise.
People with light skin and dark hair
Lasers can target dark pigments like hair or melanin with great accuracy and heat up these targets much more rapidly and intensely than they would light objects or water, enabling it to efficiently destroy hair follicles without harming nearby tissues.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment option suitable for people of various skin colors, from those with very light complexions to people with extremely dark locks. The laser works by targeting pigment in hair follicles to destroy them and stop new growth from appearing; follow-up sessions may be necessary depending on each person’s individual hair growth cycle.
People with light or fine hair may require multiple laser sessions for effective hair loss treatments. Furthermore, it is wise to avoid sunless tanning or sun exposure prior to and post procedure as these activities could prevent the laser from distinguishing between skin tone and hair color, and make its work less effective.
Before your laser treatment begins, it is wise to refrain from plucking or waxing as this could interfere with its ability to target hair follicles effectively. Furthermore, blood-thinning drugs should also be avoided as this could reduce its efficacy.
When considering laser hair removal, it’s essential to consult an experienced physician about your concerns and aesthetic goals. Dr. Michele Green has extensive experience in unwanted hair removal procedures, so she can help determine if this procedure is the best choice for you.
Laser treatment for unwanted hair removal can also reduce associated skin issues like folliculitis and discoloration, making the results of your laser hair removal treatment far less time-consuming than shaving and waxing. Get more insight into what laser hair removal can do for you by scheduling a consultation session today with one of our team!
