The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

Shaving and waxing can be painful and time consuming processes, while laser hair removal offers an alternative solution that reduces irritation of ingrown hairs while being swift.

Laser therapy works best on clients with light skin tones and dark hair. Melanin pigment in hair follicles inhibits their production, leading to less hair production overall.

1. Reduces Ingrown Hairs

Hair growth often results in unsightly ingrown hairs that look unattractive and cause redness, pain, and swelling. Shaving, plucking, waxing can all contribute to them; so can shaving against the grain or with an outdated razor. Luckily, laser hair removal has the power to drastically reduce ingrown hairs – even eliminate them altogether!

Laser light pulses can be used to target and destroy pigment within hair follicles, ultimately stopping their ability to produce new hair growth. This treatment may be performed on any area of the body; darker and coarser hairs may require multiple sessions for successful removal. To maximize results, avoid sun exposure prior to starting therapy sessions.

Before initiating any laser treatments, it’s vitally important to shave the area and not pluck or wax hairs during treatment sessions; otherwise, too short of hair will not be targeted by laser energy, while longer and thicker locks could potentially cause burns or other complications.

After laser hair removal is complete, you won’t ever have to worry about ingrown hairs again – plus it may help reduce skin discoloration and other associated problems with unwanted hair growth such as folliculitis.

If you’re seeking to reduce ingrown hairs with laser hair removal, it’s essential to find a reputable practitioner who can administer the process safely and efficiently. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable if picked at, leading to other health concerns like psoriasis and pilonidal cysts; choosing an experienced medical esthetic professional as your provider of laser hair removal will ensure you achieve results while remaining safe and healthy throughout.

2. Reduces Irritation

Laser hair removal can be an extremely safe procedure when performed properly. Unlike other hair removal methods that may lead to side effects like ingrown hairs and folliculitis (hair follicle inflammation), laser treatments do not cut into the skin like waxing and shaving can. They also eliminate allergic reactions associated with waxing or shaving – two risks associated with shaving alone.

However, it should be noted that certain individuals may experience more serious side effects. These could include skin changes such as pigmentation or texture changes as well as blistering and scarring; such risks tend to arise with at-home laser kits and treatments performed by untrained technicians.

After your treatment, the area may become slightly red and tender – some patients describe this sensation as similar to rubber band snapping or sunburn stings. There may also be an unpleasant sulfurous odor from smoke puffs produced by laser as it vaporizes hair follicles. To minimise side effects and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, avoid sun exposure; never use tanning beds or sun lamps until instructed by your physician.

Once your laser hair removal sessions are completed, their effects typically last months or years. Even when new growth does appear afterward, it tends to be thinner and lighter-colored compared with its former self.

To maintain your hairless glow, maintenance laser sessions may need to be repeated several times each year. Hormonal fluctuations may alter the rate of hair growth; but once you have a regimen in place it becomes much simpler and can go for months or years without worrying about unwanted hair – which is great news if shaving or waxing your body every day becomes tiresome!

3. Reduces Skin Discoloration

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in your hair follicles with concentrated light beams to heat them until they no longer produce hair. Unfortunately, it also targets pigment in your skin, potentially leading to side effects.

These side effects vary according to each person and laser treatments may cause temporary changes in skin color – the treatment area could appear slightly darker or lighter after laser treatments depending on your complexion. While this should not cause concern, it is essential that any work be performed by a certified and skilled dermatologist who understands laser procedures before any work takes place as any non-certified physician could cause burns and scarring that are both permanent and painful.

Laser treatments can have side effects that are potentially dangerous: their heat can clog your pores and lead to pimples as dead skin and bacteria are trapped inside. Therefore, it’s essential not to put on makeup, deodorant or any other chemicals after receiving treatments.

Laser treatments may also be less effective on people with lighter-colored or reddish-brown hair as their lack of melanin prevents it from absorbing laser energy effectively, meaning more sessions may be necessary to reach desired results. But don’t discount treatment just yet – be sure to see an experienced provider who understands your skin tone so they can assess you properly and ensure the appropriate treatments before beginning an intensive series of sessions.

4. Reduces Scarring

laser hair removal differs from other techniques in that it doesn’t damage the surface of the skin, instead targeting its source to eliminate folliculitis and decrease skin discoloration. Furthermore, it provides one of the most permanent solutions to unwanted hair growth while saving time by avoiding regular shaving and waxing sessions.

Laser hair removal involves pressing a handheld device against the area needing treatment and activating its laser machine. Treatment time typically ranges from several minutes to several hours; patients typically experience mild discomfort that typically subsides within several hours after each session. Applying topical anesthetic may help minimize this discomfort as well.

After laser hair removal, your skin may be more vulnerable to sunlight for several days afterward. Applying moisturizer will prevent dryness and scaly patches; alternatively you could try cold packs or bath soaks to ease itching or irritation until symptoms have subsided.

Laser hair removal can be performed safely when conducted by an experienced practitioner, however when performed by someone untrained it could result in burns and scarring due to using incorrect laser settings for specific skin colors and areas being treated.

Selecting the optimal laser type and treatment area for you and your skin type is essential to achieving successful outcomes. A dermatologist can suggest an appropriate laser type and help prevent side effects like hypo- or hyperpigmentation, pigment changes in the skin or scarring after treatment has taken place. Furthermore, it’s essential that you follow their instructions and avoid direct sunlight immediately following your session.

5. Reduces Hair Growth

Laser hair removal offers an effective alternative to shaving, plucking and waxing; it actually stops hair growth. But be aware that results may take several treatments before permanent ones can be seen; other ways such as electrolysis may also work to decrease hair growth.

Though laser treatment isn’t completely pain-free, it is far less painful than waxing and significantly less invasive. The sensation of laser pulses snapping onto skin may be uncomfortable for some individuals; however, most find the experience tolerable; some technicians even provide numbing solutions to further alleviate any discomfort their clients might feel during treatment.

After your initial laser session, you should experience a decrease in hair growth within weeks; however, multiple sessions are typically necessary for lasting effects to appear. Furthermore, it’s essential that no plucking or waxing be performed between treatments as this could trigger hair follicles to regrow and potentially undo all the benefits achieved through laser technology.

When considering laser hair removal, it is advisable to meet with a medical professional in order to discuss your goals and expectations for treatment. When considering laser treatments it is essential that skin complexion, hair color and hormone levels be taken into consideration as these will all have an effect on outcomes. While laser treatment is generally safe it may cause redness or irritation of skin which should be monitored closely afterward.

Pregnancy hormones may impede results from laser hair removal treatments, and to avoid exposure to sunlight before and after laser hair removal treatments as this could make them less effective.

Share This Article