Reaching smooth skin without the effort and expense of shaving and waxing are among the reasons many seek laser hair removal treatments; however, these cannot be considered permanent solutions.
Laser light penetrates skin to target melanin pigmentation on hair follicles, which damages or destroys hair pigments and melanin. While the process can be painful, using high-quality numbing cream can lessen discomfort during treatment.
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal technicians use pulses of light energy to target and destroy the root of hair growth. It is highly safe and effective – even on sensitive areas like face or underarm – with no pain associated with treatment sessions; most individuals need six-9 treatments for full hair removal.
Arriving for your appointment with clean skin is essential. Moisturizers, lotions and oils may obstruct the laser from reaching hair follicles effectively; additionally, plucking or waxing could further decrease effectiveness.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of laser hair removal or becoming a laser technician, or becoming certified as such, our 40 Hour Apprentice-in-Training Hybrid Certification course could be right up your alley. This hybrid course features self-paced online video lectures as well as in-person instruction at our school training facility, complete with course materials and model forms provided as well as an exam to qualify for licensure as a Laser Hair Removal Technician.
How Long Does It Take?
Laser Hair Removal is an effortless, non-painful way to treat ingrown hairs, reduce stubble and redness, manage hygiene quickly and conveniently and produce luxurious skin without the effort, expense or risk of shaving or waxing. The result? Smoother, luxurious skin without all of the effort or potential danger from shaving or waxing!
Laser beams penetrate through the skin to reach hair follicles beneath. Pigment in these follicles absorbs light, destroying it without disturbing adjacent tissues. Therefore, this treatment is considered safe and virtually painless by most patients.
Cooling devices may be applied directly onto the skin or at the tip of a laser instrument to mitigate heat. Sessions for smaller areas like upper lips may take only several minutes; larger areas, like legs or backs could take much longer.
Once multiple laser hair removal sessions are completed, hair follicles are destroyed and no longer produce hair growth. However, it should be remembered that dormant follicles may reawaken at a later date and begin growing hair once again – making maintenance treatments necessary post initial series of six to nine sessions.
When selecting a provider to perform laser hair removal on you, it’s essential that they have experience treating people with your specific skin type and hair color. Furthermore, sun exposure must be minimized prior to initiating treatment while plucking or waxing should wait until after your first session has completed. These steps will ensure that your laser targets all follicles effectively without harming surrounding tissues or hair follicles.
What Are the Side Effects?
As a cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal is generally safe for most individuals. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and risks, such as skin irritation and swelling after treatment; in most cases this should only be temporary and can usually be reduced with ice applications. Other common side effects may include redness and dark spots around hair follicles due to laser light emitting light that targets pigment in skin which then transforms to heat that damages hair follicles thus slowing future hair growth.
Professional technicians should perform laser hair removal treatments, to reduce risks of complications. A qualified technician will utilize settings tailored specifically for your skin type and hair color – these settings ensure safe yet effective hair removal results.
On the day of your laser hair removal session, a high-quality numbing cream will be applied to the area where laser treatment will take place – this is particularly helpful if your skin is particularly sensitive and the discomfort experienced during treatment is reduced with this step.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended that you avoid direct sun exposure by using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or greater to preserve its results. Furthermore, tanning beds or any other forms of heat treatments should also be avoided for best results.
One of the many advantages of laser hair removal is that its results can last an extended period. However, hair may reappear if its follicles become damaged due to external factors like hormonal shifts or medical conditions – so touch-up treatments may be required in order to maintain desired results.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate?
Laser hair removal offers an alternative to shaving, waxing, or using depilatories in order to rid yourself of unwanted hair. While laser treatments may work for some individuals, it is important to understand some details prior to signing up.
Laser hair removal requires some melanin in both your hair and skin for it to work, since laser beams search out any pigment and will only target hair follicles when they hit them. As such, light skin tones (Fitzpatrick type I or II) are the ideal candidates for laser hair removal.
Understand that this treatment will only last temporarily; make a plan for maintaining results over time with touch-up treatments as necessary.
Before and after any laser treatments are administered, it’s wise to refrain from tanning for two weeks prior and post treatment as sunrays can discolor your skin and affect how well you respond to treatment.
Laser treatments should not be performed on pregnant or breastfeeding mothers as this could interfere with your natural hormonal balance and control for hair follicle growth, potentially having an adverse impact on how a laser treatment might turn out. You should discuss any medications or supplements you are currently taking with your physician to ensure they will not interact negatively with a laser treatment – this is especially important if they affect blood pressure, blood sugar levels or immune function – then this way you’ll know if you need further evaluation or should get a patch test performed before making decisions or decisions on undergoing laser treatment.
How Much Will It Cost?
Laser hair removal has quickly become a sought-after service offered at many spas and strip malls. Although some claim it’s no more complex than body waxing, professional experience and skill is required for effective laser hair removal treatments. Research any provider before signing any treatment agreement.
During treatment, your doctor will press a laser instrument against your skin with cooling devices on its tip or gel applied directly onto it for protection. The laser then sends out beams of light through your skin to hair follicles that may cause some discomfort – similar to pinpricking while simultaneously feeling cool; smaller areas could take minutes while larger ones might require over an hour to treat.
Laser hair removal results may last, but for optimal results it’s wise to schedule regular treatments. The laser targets hair follicles while they’re in anagen, or active growth stage. Since hair grows and sheds in cycles, some may reappear after you complete all sessions; depending on your skin type you may require touch up sessions annually in order to keep that area hairfree.
Preparing for laser hair removal requires avoiding sun exposure and refraining from plucking or waxing the targeted area, to allow the laser to accurately target hair follicles without creating unnecessary discomfort. Your skin must also be as free from lotions or creams as possible so as to facilitate an easy procedure and minimise risks of complications during treatment. For optimal results, be sure to discuss any relevant health history details with the practitioner beforehand.
