Laser hair removal offers an effective alternative to shaving and waxing, saving both time and money while producing longer-term results.
Before opting for laser hair removal, there are some key points to keep in mind. Here are the Top 5 cons of laser hair removal.
1. It is expensive
Laser hair removal can be an excellent solution for those who wish to rid themselves of unwanted hair, although it can be quite pricey due to investments in equipment and overhead costs. When looked at in terms of long-term benefits however, laser treatment becomes a worthwhile expense.
Costs associated with laser hair removal vary based on the type of machine used and area being treated, for instance: diode lasers work best on light to medium complexions while alexandrite lasers tend to perform better on darker skin tones. Furthermore, annual maintenance fees of laser machines may add further costs.
Most medical spas and dermatologists rely on professional grade laser machines to perform hair removal procedures, which can cost as much as $100,000 each to purchase and rent, business rates, insurance premiums and staff salaries are additional expenses incurred when providing treatments; thus, making laser services so costly.
Laser hair removal costs can also depend on its effectiveness requiring several treatments over time to reach full effectiveness. Since laser targets pigmentation in hair follicles, it may not work effectively for blonde or red locks; and some individuals may respond less favorably than expected to this procedure due to genetic predisposition or other circumstances.
Due to being considered cosmetic rather than reconstructive or medically necessary procedures, most insurance plans do not cover laser hair removal treatments. However, individuals can utilize flexible spending or health savings accounts in order to cover some or all of the expenses related to laser hair removal treatments.
2. It is painful
Laser hair removal may not be the most comfortable experience; in some cases it may even be painful. But overall it’s much less painful than shaving, waxing or plucking and over time will become even less so.
Reasons it hurts depend on the color of hair follicle and skin tone. Each follicle contains nerve endings at its base that are pinched when light energy hits them, creating the pain sensation you experience when receiving laser treatments. Areas with thick and dark-coloured hair will tend to respond more negatively due to more heat being absorbed by their locks which makes them more sensitive.
Note that while laser treatments can be painful, they are safe if done by a trained and certified practitioner. Doing the procedure at home yourself poses high risks which could include burns or scarring to your skin if done incorrectly.
Numbing cream may help alleviate some of the pain during your laser sessions by numbing the area beforehand. Unfortunately, however, this will add 30 minutes onto your appointment time as you must allow enough time for it to work before beginning treatment.
An effective way to minimize discomfort during laser hair removal is drinking plenty of water. Doing this will flush out substances in your system that increase pain sensitivity, such as caffeine. Furthermore, tanning before laser sessions should also be avoided in order to decrease risks such as burning and blistering.
3. It is not for everyone
Laser hair removal can provide great results when it comes to eliminating unwanted hair on your face, legs or bikini area; however it’s not appropriate for everyone as its success depends on pigmentation in the follicle, meaning only dark skinned individuals benefit. As white or grey hair doesn’t absorb as much melanin for absorption by laser light sources; therefore these patients must use other hair removal methods like electrolysis for long term reduction of unwanted tresses.
Laser treatments do not perform optimally when applied to skin that has been exposed to sunlight or tanning beds, due to laser light rays causing permanent changes or burns to skin during laser hair removal treatments – the same is true if using home removal kits; that is why it is highly advised that you seek professional laser hair removal treatments from an accredited provider only.
Laser hair removal may not be for everyone, but it remains a viable choice for many individuals. Laser treatments can eliminate the time and expense involved with shaving and waxing as well as help reduce ingrown hairs – further contributing to more attractive and less hairy bodies as their hair grows back in finer and lighter.
No matter the method you use to remove unwanted hair, it’s crucial to maintain good care when treating areas like rashes or ingrown hairs. Also avoid chemical-based products on treated areas.
4. It is not permanent
Laser hair removal may seem like the perfect permanent solution, but that is simply not true. While it can significantly decrease hair growth, most individuals will require periodic maintenance sessions in order to achieve and sustain desired results.
Laser hair removal only targets hair follicles and not actual strands of hair, meaning any new growth after treatment will likely be finer and lighter and less noticeable than before – yet still an effective solution for those wanting to reduce the appearance of body hair.
Laser treatments offer numerous advantages over shaving or waxing as a form of hair removal, including reduced risk of ingrown hairs that can be painful and cause red bumps on your skin. Laser hair removal treatments remove hair at its source to stop curling back into your complexion where they could cause further damage and ingrowns to form, leading to lasting benefits to your complexion and eliminating further problems for you and your complexion.
Laser hair removal can also help lighten hyperpigmentation by lightening skin tone temporarily; however, this effect will gradually fade over time. Furthermore, light hair or skin colors may not respond as effectively because laser treatments only target dark hairs – it is therefore essential that you visit a qualified practitioner when seeking treatments.
Laser hair removal takes more time than most alternatives to complete its necessary sessions, which may frustrate those looking for fast solutions to unwanted hair removal. But regular appointments could save both time and hassle in comparison with alternative solutions like electrolysis.
5. It is not safe
Laser hair removal has quickly become an attractive alternative to shaving, waxing and plucking unwanted facial and body hair. But its success comes at the risk of side effects ranging from redness and swelling to blistering, skin discoloration, scarring – though these should only occur if performed by qualified professionals.
Use of laser hair removal can cause irreparable harm to your skin if done incorrectly, particularly if you have dark skin tones. Lasers work by searching for contrast between your skin tone and hair color in order to target hair follicles more precisely.
Some patients also report ingrown hairs from treatment, which refers to hair that grows back into your skin causing red and painful bumps. You can avoid ingrown hairs by refraining from shaving, waxing or plucking for at least six weeks prior to any procedure.
Use of topical anesthetic can ease some of the discomfort associated with laser hair removal, while cooling devices may also be utilized. While laser treatment is considered less painful than waxing, many still find it uncomfortable; most individuals describe its sensation as similar to flicking a rubber band across your skin repeatedly.
Some individuals fear that laser hair removal increases their risk of cancer or organs, but these concerns are unwarranted as this treatment only removes hair from the surface of their skin and should only be performed by certified and licensed professionals. It’s wise to do your research prior to scheduling any laser treatment so as to ensure a safe experience that won’t leave behind burns, scars and permanent skin damage.
