Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair to remove it, making it most effective on dark locks with lighter skin as the difference helps laser energy penetrate more readily.
However, sometimes treatments don’t deliver what is promised and this could be for any number of reasons.
1. You Are Not a Good Candidate
Men and women looking for ways to forgo shaving, waxing or plucking have various options available to them, including laser hair removal. Not everyone may qualify for the procedure due to having too much or not enough hair. There may also be other factors that impede its effectiveness such as allergies.
Laser machines work by targeting melanin pigment in both skin and hair, so if your skin tone and hair color are too similar, the laser machine might not be able to distinguish between the two; this can result in discoloration and damage of your skin which is undesirable. In addition, people with too much peach fuzz type hair may not see satisfactory results from laser treatments.
Another factor to keep in mind when selecting laser treatment options is how long has passed since one tanned or burned their skin, because too dark of skin could result in burns from laser machines targeting hair pigment instead of skin pigmentation.
Tattoos or scars on the area being treated can interfere with how effectively laser hair removal machines function, leading to less-than-successful results. Furthermore, having an adequate pain threshold may make laser hair removal less uncomfortable or even painful for some individuals.
Finalizing your background check on the person performing your laser treatment is key in protecting yourself against inexperienced practitioners who could cause irreparable harm by selecting inappropriate settings on their laser device. This will ensure you get quality treatment.
2. You Are Not a Good Patient
Laser hair removal can be an ideal way for people with unwanted body hair who wish to get rid of it permanently. The laser works by targeting the pigment (color) in your hair follicle, disabling its ability to grow new hair. This treatment method is much safer and more effective than shaving or depilatories; however, certain factors could prevent its proper workings.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential to determine if you qualify as an ideal candidate. Laser treatments work by targeting melanin in hair follicles – dark hair is required in order to qualify. White or blonde hair won’t respond as effectively with laser, while people with extremely light skin could experience blistering as a side effect of treatment.
Also, before your session it is advisable to wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or greater and avoid sun exposure as exposure to its rays may cause the laser to misread skin for hair and damage it irreparably. Shave the area which will be treated at least 24 hours prior to your treatment session using a clean razor with no bacteria present and use this timeframe to shave where appropriate – to minimize risk.
Consider also your lifestyle. Tweezing or waxing the area prior to and between laser treatments could disturb pigmented hair follicles and diminish their effectiveness; patience should also be shown as results may take time as your hair grows out and sheds off.
Make sure the person performing your laser hair removal is both licensed and qualified to do the job. Look for someone with extensive experience who has registered to meet certain standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage. They should also explain how the different laser systems work with different skin colors and hair colors – not all laser systems will suit all patients; an ideal practitioner will have multiple systems from which you can choose what best meets your unique needs.
3. You Are Not Taking Care of Your Skin
Laser hair removal uses powerful light energy to target and destroy the hair follicles responsible for growing your hair. Light energy absorbed by melanin turns into heat that kills off hair follicles quickly – often within an hour of treatment! You may experience side effects, such as redness or swelling; these should subside shortly after therapy is completed.
If you want laser hair removal to work for you, there are a few things you’ll need to do prior and after treatments. First of all, avoid sun exposure as laser energy will absorb through your skin and may cause an adverse reaction. Furthermore, don’t tweeze, wax, pluck or pull hairs as this could damage skin while stopping laser from targeting hair follicles effectively.
Before beginning laser hair removal, it is important to prepare the area being treated by using soap and water and applying a numbing cream which can reduce pain during the procedure. Be mindful in selecting an appropriate one based on your skin type – using another may worsen any potential discomfort caused by laser treatment.
After your session it is also important to refrain from applying topical beauty products that could potentially irritate the skin as they can further inflame it during its healing process. Instead opt for something like cortisone cream or aloe vera gel which will soothe and calm down any discomfort to ensure a more successful result.
Use a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen on any area that has been treated, to shield it from sun irritants that could prolong healing times and delay its process. Sunlight can aggravate damaged skin and slow healing time.
Ensure you use an appropriate sunscreen on any area of skin treated by a practitioner, or consult your physician, before selecting a sunscreen type to use on it. Using the wrong type can impede results and delay healing time.
4. You Are Not Taking Care of Your Hair
Laser hair removal offers an alternative to shaving, waxing and plucking that permanently disables hair follicles – yet can’t completely stop future growth – meaning most individuals will require multiple sessions spaced out over several months for maximum results.
To achieve optimal results from laser hair removal, your skin must be in optimal condition. This includes being free from sun exposure, tanning products and makeup application before the procedure; additionally, having a clean shaved area beforehand makes it easier for the laser to identify hair pigmentation and find its target area.
Laser treatment works by applying heat directly to the pigment in your hair follicles, killing or disabling them. To make sure this happens effectively, avoid all tanning (even sunless tans) for about one month prior to scheduling an appointment and wear broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when going outdoors.
On the day of your treatment, it is wise to avoid wearing makeup or cream products as these can impede with the laser’s ability to penetrate skin and destroy hair follicles. Use only soap and water when cleaning the area that will be treated.
No matter if your hair has gone through tanning treatments or not, for it to be successfully destroyed by laser, its anagen phase must be present in its growth cycle. Otherwise, its heat won’t penetrate as deep into its cortex to effectively kill or disable it.
If your unwanted hairs continue to return after laser treatment, this could be a telltale sign of hormonal imbalance. Before trying again with laser hair removal, consult with a physician as hormonal fluctuations could undo all its beneficial properties.
