Laser hair removal offers an effective and permanent solution for unwanted body hair. It works to eliminate razor bumps, dark patches and hyperpigmentation while simultaneously improving razor smooth skin.
Laser tattoo removal can be safe for darker skin types if performed by an experienced specialist, though like any treatment it can cause temporary side effects like hyperpigmentation.
1. It Reduces the Growth of New Hair
Laser hair removal works by heating laser light to destroy hair follicles so they no longer produce new hair, thus stopping melanin production and slowing or stopping its production altogether. Not all hair follicles may be destroyed during laser sessions; those still in resting phase (Catagen) could continue producing hair until entering into growth phase again (Anagen).
Since laser treatment cannot eradicate transitional phase follicles between growing and resting stages, several treatment sessions will likely be required before significant results are seen.
Most people report seeing up to 90% reduction of hair in three to five treatments; the exact percentage can depend on each individual’s individual hair growth cycle.
Though most clients experience lasting results from laser hair removal treatments, it is important to remember that hair may occasionally regrow after laser treatments are completed and that you may need repeat sessions over several years to achieve complete and lasting effects.
Laser hair removal treatments may cause redness or bumps around the affected follicle after its energy damages it; this is a normal response and typically lasts 7-30 days before hair bulbs start falling out – it is essential not to tweeze or pluck at this stage, since doing so could result in ingrown hairs forming.
If you experience hair regrowth following laser therapy, there are various steps that may help minimize it. Apply a hydrocortisone cream topically to help relieve any inflammation associated with growing back your hair; avoid waxing, bleaching and plucking as these methods impair laser’s targeting capability; apply high SPF sunscreen daily – protecting skin from sun damage while preventing further pigmentation issues;
2. It Reduces the Growth of Old Hair
Hair follicles in the area being treated enter into an extended state of dormancy, and should they return, their growth will be much finer and lighter in color; and less numerous. You may still need to shave from time to time; but these finer, lighter-colored strands will be far easier for you to manage than their counterparts that typically emerge when shaving or waxing.
As an added benefit, your skin will feel much softer than after shaving or waxing – no longer will embarrassing stubble or ingrown hairs be an issue!
To maximize the results of laser hair removal, it’s crucial to find a qualified medical provider. Before scheduling a session, be sure to research their experience as well as their laser type; discuss goals and expectations prior to setting an appointment.
As part of your prepping for treatment, it’s wise to wear sunscreen when venturing outside and avoid sun exposure altogether. In the days prior to undergoing any form of dermatological procedure, use of products designed to darken skin should also be limited or avoided completely; also try not tweezing or plucking treated areas as this could disrupt hair follicles and ultimately the outcome.
After having laser hair removal treatment, it’s recommended that exfoliation be performed using products containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid to minimize post-treatment hyperpigmentation and maximize results. This will also help minimize skin reddening due to treatment.
Waxeing, tweezing or plucking the area where you had laser treatment will disrupt the hair follicles and interfere with targeting by the laser. Furthermore, it’s recommended to wait three to four weeks after each session without shaving or trimming to allow time for optimal targeting by laser technology. If any unwanted growth arises between appointments, shaving or trimming might help.
3. It Reduces the Growth of Melanin
Laser hair removal involves using a hand-held wand that emits light waves of different lengths and colors that target melanin pigmentation in hair follicles, turning into heat when they come into contact with this melanin-rich area. When this heat hits melanin it converts to heat damage the pigmented chromospheres that inhibit or stop further hair growth as well as thin vellus hairs commonly referred to as “peach fuzz.”
While laser treatments generally work effectively on darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III-VI), photoinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may occur if administered incorrectly or performed on patients with sensitive skin. Furthermore, other treatments that can have direct impact on pigmentation levels, like chemical peels or facial scrubs can contribute to its development.
Most cases of post-laser hair removal hyperpigmentation (PIH) will likely fade within a month or two post-treatment. To expedite this process, clients may require extra help; an exfoliant can gently slough off dead skin cells and reduce dark spot appearance, while considering using a lightening cream that does not contain hydroquinone; in more serious cases they should speak with their dermatologist about high-strength lighteners or Cosmelan peels as possible solutions.
Laser treatments may stimulate skin to produce more melanin. This is more likely when patients are already tanned prior to receiving laser treatments and this causes the hair follicles to absorb additional pigment and change color resulting in skin discoloration.
Although PIH tends to be temporary, it may still be challenging to treat. To address it effectively, make sure your client limits their sun exposure as much as possible and uses broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protection. Also consult their dermatologist about lightening products containing kojic acid or natural ingredients that might help.
With modern laser hair removal technology, the technology used has come a long way over time, opening it up to many more people who previously couldn’t safely receive treatment. Now more people than ever before can experience reduced need to shave or wax. When combined with knowledgeable practitioners, laser hair removal has never been more accessible for people of all skin tones.
4. It Reduces the Growth of Discoloration
Laser hair removal is generally safe for most people, including those with darker skin tones more susceptible to hyper-pigmentation. To ensure safe results it’s essential to find a dermatologist experienced treating skin of color who understands how the laser interacts with it.
Respect their instructions for treatment. This may include refraining from waxing, tweezing and chemical epilation prior and post treatment; protecting yourself with sunscreen when outside is also crucial.
As part of your skin protection regimen, it is wise to apply high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen daily. In addition, laser treatments should never be undertaken soon after sun exposure as this could make you more sensitive to its heat resulting in hyperpigmentation and possible hyper-pigmentation issues.
If you experience hyper-pigmentation after laser hair removal, it should fade on its own over time as the pigment in your skin absorbs some of the laser energy used to remove your hair. However, non-invasive treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, fractional laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels may help speed up this process if necessary.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a skin condition caused by overproduction of melanin due to injury or sun damage, often in response to injury. More common among African Americans, Latinxs and South Americans but can occur anywhere it touches.
PIH can be effectively mitigated by first removing unwanted hair before beginning laser treatments. Furthermore, chemical exfoliation treatments with glycolic acid or physical exfoliants may help remove dead cells from the surface of skin to help speed up healing time and minimize scarring.
If you are considering laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair growth, schedule an appointment at your local skincare clinic. They can recommend an effective laser treatment tailored specifically to your skin tone and type, as well as non-invasive solutions for treating ageing skin concerns, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation without having to go under the knife. Furthermore, they will offer advice about the best ways to maintain results so they look their best over time.
