Laser hair removal works best for people with light complexions and dark hair as the contrast makes it easier for the laser beam to absorb pigment in follicles and destroy them. Unfortunately, it does not work on tanned or bleached skin.
At each treatment session, your physician will use a handheld device to press against your skin and activate a laser. They may use a cooling gel to protect and ease discomfort during this step.
Areas of the Body
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective body treatment that can help you achieve smooth, beautiful skin. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure uses pulses of light emitted by a handpiece to penetrate hair follicles; once exposed to light absorbed by pigment within each follicles stops further hair growth from occurring. Thanks to revolutionary advances in cosmetic dermatology almost anyone can be treated for laser hair removal.
How many laser treatments you require for permanent hair reduction will depend on your skin color and type, the area being treated, and other factors. To make sure this procedure is right for you, schedule an initial consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
Before your laser hair removal treatment begins, a practitioner will apply a cool gel or spray to the area that needs treating. For your comfort, they will also apply topical anesthetic before beginning treatment. In preparation for this visit, tanning beds and sun exposure should be avoided, as tanning renders laser hair removal less effective; additionally you must shave before beginning laser treatments as laser doesn’t work on hair longer than one grain of rice.
Face
Laser treatment may help your dark-skinned, thick-haired face look its best. Lasers use light energy to draw darkness out of hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. This results in smooth skin without hair growth – however, please remember that laser treatment will never guarantee permanent removal as some finer and lighter-colored regrowth may still appear over time.
Therefore, prior to laser hair removal sessions it is wise to refrain from tanning or self-tanner use, certain medications that increase skin sensitivity (retinoids and alpha hydroxyl acids for example), makeup products and any skincare items which could impede results and so forth.
Prior to your laser hair removal treatment, shave the area that will be treated. This allows the laser to effectively target the base of each follicle without plucking or waxing interfering with its effectiveness. Also avoid plucking, waxing and using darkening creams on this area as these could interfere with results and should also be avoided as these could impede results. For any concerns regarding any side effects related to laser hair removal be sure to consult a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist prior to initiating.
Underarms
Laser hair removal offers more permanent solutions for underarm hair than waxing and shaving alone, helping reduce ingrown hairs that can lead to painful bumps under your arms and skin irritation. Additionally, it helps prevent ingrowns which cause further skin irritation as they emerge through pores under your arms.
Laser light can target melanin in your dark pigment of hair follicles and convert it to heat that disables and damages them so they cannot produce further hair growth. A professional may provide an anesthetic beforehand in order to minimize discomfort for underarm treatments.
Make sure the person performing laser hair removal is experienced and registered, which means meeting certain standards in terms of training, skill, insurance coverage and pricing. Avoid medspas or practitioners offering heavily discounted laser hair removal packages which could expose you to burns, scarring or more serious medical concerns.
Prior to your first underarm laser hair removal appointment, it’s wise to refrain from shaving or waxing for six weeks – as laser therapy relies on color to identify and destroy hair follicles – giving it time to take effect.
Bikini Line
Bikini lines are sensitive areas on your body that need regular upkeep and attention to prevent razor bumps or ingrown hairs from occurring, so make sure that before shaving (with an electric razor with high quality blade), exfoliation takes place, you don’t go against the grain, moisturize afterwards, and exfoliate again afterwards. Waxing may also help, though we suggest professional Brazilian or bikini wax services instead for optimal results.
Veet offers an excellent at-home device to assist with bikini line grooming: their 10K+ perfect rating from shoppers and its light-based technology help eliminate unwanted stubble, including hard-to-groom bikini areas. Dermatologists even recommend it!
Be mindful that laser hair reduction treatments are not permanent solutions and require six sessions for best results. In order to match your natural hair growth cycles and to avoid sun exposure exacerbate brown spots or darkening of skin tone. In addition, use sunscreen after each session.
Chest
Laser hair removal treatments for men’s chests can be particularly successful at targeting thick, dark body hair. The process works by targeting the pigment of each individual follicle in order to destroy and stop further production of new strands of hair from being produced by it. For optimal results, consult a trusted clinic that has great online reviews as this will be essential in getting optimal results from laser treatment.
Laser hair removal offers an alternative that’s both painless and safe, unlike shaving or waxing which may lead to skin irritation and razor burn. Treatment typically lasts less than 30 minutes per session and will leave your chest completely free from hair.
Laser hair removal also offers other benefits, including reduced appearance of enlarged pores on your chest, reduced body odor caused by sweating and the ability to wear a T-shirt without an undershirt or tank top.
Start your laser hair removal appointment off right. Shave the area prior to treatment; this will enable the certified laser technician to target individual follicles more accurately and prevent ingrown hairs from appearing between sessions. To keep ingrowns at bay, it is also wise to avoid shaving or waxing between treatments.
Back
Unwanted hair growth on your back can limit movement and leave you feeling self-conscious. Regular laser sessions will gradually rid your back of unwanted hair growth, making your experience smoother and more comfortable overall.
Your dermatologist will select the appropriate laser type and settings for you based on your skin, hair color and age to achieve the results that meet your goals. Darker skin tones tend to respond best while lighter-haired individuals may experience noticeable improvement in hair growth after treatment.
Your treatment schedule for laser hair removal depends on your unique hair growth pattern and growth cycle, but your practitioner will work with you to devise a personalized plan with frequency of laser hair removal sessions.
Selecting a trained and experienced technician is of utmost importance, and one way of verifying this is by checking whether they’re registered on an official list proving they meet established standards in training, skill, and insurance coverage.
Prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment, it’s advisable to shave or trim the area that will be treated. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid tanning beds or sun exposure before and after treatment in order to maximize effectiveness of treatment and avoid discoloration of treated areas.
Legs
Laser hair removal differs from tweezing, shaving, and waxing in that it targets hair-producing follicles beneath your skin surface and destroys them to block new strands from growing back – as such “you should see less overall growth over time while any new growth will be finer and lighter in color,” states Moses.
Professional laser treatments usually involve a doctor or trained practitioner pressing a hand-held instrument against your skin to deliver laser beams, often creating what feels like warm pinpricks, though cooling devices or gel may be used to protect skin and reduce discomfort.
At-home laser hair-removal devices such as this one from Silk’n utilize Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to disable hair follicles. These machines are usually safe for home use, and up to two treatments per week may be directed. Since pigment is used as a target for these machines, darker skin tones may experience less effective results from them than lighter tones; tanning should also be avoided prior and post treatment as UV rays could compromise how effectively the device functions.
Dependent upon the area you are treating, four to six treatments at four- to six-week intervals may be required before seeing optimal results. Once finished, occasional touch up treatments may also be needed in order to maintain its silky smooth finish.
