A Guide To Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is a common problem in many men and women. That’s why you can see beauty salons where many of them flock in every week to get rid of them. Shaving, waxing, tweezing and threading is all temporary that involve pain specially waxing. Modern technology has made it possible for the people to remove their unwanted hair vanish in one go. This treatment is known a laser treatment.
Laser is an intense beam of light, which enters the skin deep down to the follicle and the intense heat of the laser damages the follicle which inhibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal is not permanent but it has long term effects and for long lasting results there is more than one treatment sessions as well.
Laser treatment better works on the light skin with coarse hair not fine. Laser hair removal can be mildly uncomfortable because every follicle is surrounded by nerve ending, that’s why when the follicles are damaged they can be a bit painful. To overcome this, doctors apply anaesthetic cream for 30 to 40 minutes before the procedure that provides adequate relief from the discomfort that occurs during the procedure.
Now, the laser hair treatment is not just restricted to women, due to encroachment in technology it is possible to achieve the same smoother skin in men but in some cases men don’t want all the hairs to be removed the demand the thinning of the coarse hair in some areas of their body. Until now only this treatment can accomplish the thinning of here as desired not the complete removal. An average man needs four or five sessions for this procedure and a touch up after every one year.
Although laser hair removal is cost effective as it is now common, it slows the growth of hair but does not carries a permanent solution. It takes many sessions to provide a long period of hair free period and every year whether its men or women they need some touch ups.
Fortunately, the complications associated with the hair removal are rare but still it has some. Like the colour of your skin fades by laser treatment on every year basis, infections can occur is the skin is injured, skins having cold sores can even develop infections after the treatment. Scarring may occur if the skin is sensitive.
Choosing the Best Home Laser Hair Removal System
Over the years laser hair removal has proven to be a viable option in the removal of unwanted body hair. In the last couple of years the capability to access home laser hair removal systems has drastically increased. Although this may be great news to those who desire to have their hair removed permanently, it may be a little difficult to know which system works best for you.
There are several major considerations when determining which laser systems is for you. One of the first things you should always consider when purchasing any product that will come in direct contact with your body in some way is safety. Keep in mind the fact that you are using a laser on your skin.
Being that home laser hair removal systems are relatively new to the market, there is still a great deal to be learned about them. When it comes to safety there are a few that have undergone studies of at least one year and there is one (at the time of writing this article) that has FDA approval.
Understand that the systems that have met certain standards through studies and agency approval are not harmless; they simply have met the minimal guidelines to be considered safe when used correctly.
Another thing to consider is your skin type. Different skin types are more resistant to laser treatments, while others are more sensitive to those same treatments. You want to take the time to do the research on your skin type. I would suggest visiting a dermatologist to learn what your skin type is and to ask for any recommendations. There are Home Laser Systems out there for almost all skin types; you simply need to find the one that best fits you.
There are some systems that have the capability to detect your skin type and adjust the intensity of the laser and its frequency to adjust to your skin type. Obviously, laser systems with this type of technology are more expensive than others.
Your hair colour is also a consideration. Since laser systems are designed to target the contrast between the colour of your hair and your skin, those with fair coloured hair like blonds and red heads, will find that the systems that will best work for them are limited to the more expensive brands.
One alternative that works well with fair coloured hair is a thermal system that uses heat instead of a laser to remove hair. These systems have been proven to work well with lighter hair. The one downside is that the hair removal is not permanent.
Finally, you must consider your budget. The cost of laser removal systems can range anywhere from a little less than $100 to nearly $500. Of course, the machines with the greater technological advances will be more expensive.
10 Things You Must Know About Good Laser Hair Removal Service
Laser hair removal is supposed to be a safe process, yet dubious claims and inappropriate equipment still lead to scams and injuries. Consumers themselves must know the ins and outs of laser hair removal to prevent them from getting cheated. The following points will aid you in making a proper decision to get yourself ready at the clinic.
1) The sensitivity of your skin. A skin can be too delicate to be damaged instead of getting treated. A technology called Cool Glide can treat all known skin types. Consult a professional to examine and discuss over your skin and infection issues prior to treatment.
2) The degree of discomfort. Do not believe in a “no-pain” process. All treatment is bound to make you uncomfortable. However, it’s not anywhere near the whip-lash pain of waxing.
3) The possibility of re-growth. Laser hair removal cannot possibly stop hair growth, though it can reduce growth rate permanently after hair cells are killed. If a practitioner claims to eradicate hair growth completely, you should ask for testimonials and get their proof upfront; it’s in their benefit to tell you their achievement.
4) The cost. Depending on the area size treated, it could amount from US$25 to US$250. You may compare the price ranges of several services to get a good gauge. Ask for outstanding reasons that could factor into the overall cost, particular the overheads for their equipment.
5) Aging equipment. Ask for the type of laser used, whether it is effective, how long the practitioners have used the equipment and if there are newer models. You have a right to know.
6) Multiple treatment plans. It’s quite likely to return for several treatments within 2 weeks, and then another separate session if necessary within a year to eliminate re-growth, but asking you to come back regularly without the fullest and sincere explanation on your case is simply an indication of ineffectiveness. Beware of such tactics that forces you to pay a lump sum in full. You deserve a good laser treatment as it is.
7) Safety measures. Laser, if abused, can cause damaging effects. Check what precautions are taken, like applying a layer of protective cream over the skin or wearing eye goggles.
8) The practitioner. Who is actually doing the treatment; the experienced doctor or some ‘assistant’? Check that the practitioner is trained, qualified and certified to carry out treatments.
9) Ask for a test treatment. This is a simple request which practitioners have no difficulties to fulfil. Cost will still be incurred, but your initial experience with laser hair removal gets you in the know of how a typical treatment works and in tune with the clinical environment.
10) Get written information. Get a written agreement on all obligations, commitment and breakdown of cost from the practitioner to ensure that he stays true to the standard of service provided.
A Quick Guide to Male Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a growing trend that’s not just for women or bodybuilders. Men of all ages and occupations are discovering the benefits of removing unwanted hair via lasers. Some men keep it simple with just neck hair and maybe eyebrows. Other men opt for removing hair from larger areas such as backs and chests. Regardless of how much hair you want to remove, you’ll need to gather some information. Let’s help you get started by covering some basics.
Skin and hair colour are important. People with dark hair and light coloured skin are the best candidates. This is because the laser can more easily distinguish between the skin and hair making it more effective. That is not to say that it only works in these cases. Different skin types require a different type of laser so you need to ask plenty of questions if you’re not one of those described above.
Is laser removing unwanted hair painful? Yes…but you can handle it. Everyone responds to pain differently but it’s no more painful that the snap of a rubber band. Topical anaesthetics are often used to minimize any pain. If the pain is unbearable then most likely the laser operator has the settings wrong and is burning your skin!
Is laser hair removal permanent? The word permanent is open to interpretation. The FDA uses six years as the definition of permanent for laser hair removal. In reality, follow-up sessions every few years will be necessary to keep the hair from growing back. Laser hair removal is not forever but it’s the best method out there and lasts significantly longer than waxing or shaving.
How much does it cost? About the same as that cruise you were going to take in the fall. You can expect to pay between $1000 and $3000 depending on your hair/skin type and where you want it removed. More specific pricing is hard to estimate due to the variety of factors involved. While laser hair removal seems expensive, you need to measure it against the cost of several years’ worth of shaving and waxing, including your time and effort.
Finally, you must do your homework. There are many clinics out there and competition is good for the consumer. It’s worthwhile to talk to as many people as necessary to insure you are comfortable with your choice.
Does Home Laser Hair Removal Work
There are many ways of removing your unwanted hair, but it is often a messy, uncomfortable and time-consuming process. Many of us have tried methods such as waxing and shaving, but these only work temporarily. In most cases our hair will just grow back quickly and thicker than it was originally.
Using wax can help to keep your unwanted hair away for around two months maximum, but the whole process is extremely painful. It means that you need to apply some hot wax to the area, and then rip the cloth that you have applied on top of the wax away as quickly as possible. This is why the process is painful, similar, and more exaggerated, to pulling off a band-aid.
There are many creams that claim to help remove the hair that you don’t want by simply dissolving it within a few minutes. However, these creams usually smell awful and can even damage your skin if you leave them there for too long. You will also need to test out these creams with a small amount to test out for any allergies before you can use them properly.
Laser Hair Removal At Home
There are many options at professional hair removal clinics, including laser hair removal. However, many people will choose to use options like this in the privacy of their own home. There are actually many different do-it-yourself laser hair removal kits now available specifically for this purpose. They can often prove extremely cost effective, but are they right for you?
If you want to do laser hair removal at home this will be done with a small version of a portable laser. This works by pushing pulses of laser energy into your hair follicles, and this is what stops them growing hair in the future. The convenient size of the home laser hair removal kits means you can only aim at individual hair follicles, making this a lengthy procedure.
The effectiveness of home laser hair removal will depend on how you use your laser pulse. In fact, some users of these systems have caused injury to themselves by applying the laser repeatedly to the same area of the skin. There is a high chance of scarring from using the laser in this way, which is why some people have started to question the effectiveness of home laser kits.
There are many claims that home laser kits make. For example, one claims that it can provide 100% home laser removal for all colours of hair. However, this claim does not hold up when you look at it more carefully. Quite simply, lasers are meant to target the dark pigments of the hair – meaning that the darker your hair the more laser energy it can absorb. Those with light hair will not be so successful when using home laser hair removal kits.
There are many exaggerated claims when it comes to home laser hair removal kits. This also applies to other methods, such as lotion or wax. The best way to gain successful results is to look carefully at each product you are thinking about buying.
How Long Is Laser Hair Removal?
If you are one of those individuals who are seriously contemplating on ways and means on how to eliminate unwanted hair on your face or body, you should then consider laser hair removal treatments since this method is known to give you more permanent results.
To date, most laser specialists and clinics recommend laser hair removal treatments given that it is considered to be the best non-invasive, aesthetic way to permanently eliminate and reduce the appearance of unsightly hair that can be found on both your face and body.
Now, if this is your first time to undergo this type of procedure, you can expect that the laser process will start with a 48-hour patch test that will be conducted by your laser technician before you begin your treatment. This is done in order to check if the test area is prone to any allergic reaction. If in case it shows that your skin is highly sensitive, you will normally need to wait two weeks before you can begin with the treatment – otherwise, if the test area does not exhibit any allergic reaction, you may begin your first session immediately.
Now, if you already have an appointment with your laser hair reduction specialist, they will normally ask you to shave the area that you want treated – although you may also request your specialist to do this for you if you are not comfortable doing this. Most often than not, this type of service is free of charge.
The next step in the process would be to give you a protective eye gear that will be placed over your eyes. A cooling gel will then be applied to the area that will be treated which acts as a barrier from the heated light while at the same time protecting your skin.
Now, when you start to catch a glimpse of bright light, try to relax and prepare yourself especially when you begin to experience a bit of tingling sensation on your skin. This will only take a few minutes so use this time to think of the wonderful results that you will be getting after your treatment. Take note too, that aside from that tingling sensation, you might also feel some heat on your skin – but in totality, this is a relatively painless procedure.
Now, in order for you to achieve maximum results, an average of 6 – 12 treatments is recommended when using the laser. When it comes to unwanted hairs found on your facial zone and underarms, these would normally take 5 – 15 minutes and generally takes about 4 – 6 treatments. As for bikini line, this takes about 10 minutes with a 3 – 4 sessions on an average. On the other hand, unwanted hairs found on the legs and the back would normally take about 45 minutes.
Keep in mind that your laser specialist is the best person to assess as to how many sessions you’ll most likely need. Remember too, that treatments vary for each individual and would generally depend on your skin colour, skin type as well as your hair growth. This is why it is best to consult with specialist before you begin with your laser hair removal treatments.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Many people might like the idea of getting laser hair removal but be scared of the pain that they think comes with it. They might think that it hurts a lot because of the fact that a laser is used. Or they might think that it is the same type of laser that is used for removing tattoos, which can be very painful. The fact is that it really isn’t all that painful for most areas.
A lot of people say that the pain is less than having hair waxed, which in itself isn’t all that painful after the initial shock. Similarly the pain from laser removal fades quickly after the hair is removed. It doesn’t even have the lingering sting that waxing can leave you for a few minutes afterward. The most painful area is generally the face, because there are more nerve endings under the surface of the skin there than in most other places. A lot of hair removal places will usually administer a topical anaesthetic if you think you might need one, or if the area if particularly sensitive.
The most important thing to do first is to find a reputable clinic. Because in a lot of places you don’t need to have any qualifications to perform this kind of procedure, there are a lot of clinics that tend to spring up from time to time that could be unsafe. Many countries also have very little legislation in place for this kind of thing compared to for example a doctor. So going to a clinic that is affiliated with a chain of clinics, or that someone else has recommended to you is a good idea.
Some places will instead of using an anaesthetic use an ice pack to numb the area before they start. This is usually just as effective as an anaesthetic, although sometimes a little more uncomfortable. In the majority of cases little other pain relief is needed. In fact a lot of people are surprised by how little it actually does hurt after they have had it done.
The time it will take for the laser removal to be done depends obviously on how large the area is that is being done. It can also vary depending on how thick the hair is that is being removed. Typically however the actual laser isn’t used for much longer then it would take to wax an approximate area the same size. And of course laser removal is a lot more effective than waxing.
After the laser has been used the skin beneath will be sensitive for a few days and shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight. It will usually be around a week before the skin is feeling completely normal again, and you can resume normal activities. There are also usually products that are either included in the service, or can be bought at the clinic that will help the skin to return to normal again.
The last thing to remember is that if you have had an area adjacent to an area with hair. For example if you have had a bikini line done but not the upper legs, then you should be wary of friction and rubbing between the two areas. This usually doesn’t happen of course, but after the laser removal the skin is very sensitive for a few days.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal means removing nice hair and it seems to be very important thing for both males and females. There are various ways to remove the unwanted hair but all the ways have the identical pain even if you did not feel the pain at the time of removing however the effects will appear later. It is possible to remove your hair by 1000s of hair removal techniques as it depends upon your skin type and the results that you are seeking. No one can forget the pain that he feels after taking out the hair and sometimes removing the locks causes skin roughness or skin irritation.
Let’s first tackle some of its advantages. It’s a treatment which can give you permanent results. That’s since it targets each and every follicle, doing damage to them completely. A very good metal probe is inserted directly into each follicle. Then a governed electric current is delivered, harmful that structure which is responsible for hair growth. Because of the way it works, you don’t need to worry about re-growths ever again.
The question is nevertheless found how soothing creams help after electrolysis? The pain found is really harmful that’s the reason the answer of this question has to be in details and it need to explain exactly how soothing creams help after hair removal.
At first, you must know that soothing products were first invented as a result of our need to find something to eliminate all this pain and causes harm to. Second if someone told you that the pain will be zero percent after utilizing soothing cream then he is cheating you as the performance of these kind of creams decreases the pain nearly to 50 % but there is still a little soreness.
Now, let’s discuss some cons of this treatment. It could consume lots of time because each and every single follicle has to be destroyed. Especially, if you want to have a large area of your system to undergo the procedure, be ready to have sessions which can span several months. In some cases, it can even prolong to more than a year.
It’s furthermore not recommendable to be carried out on large body parts for every session, contributing further to the being time consuming. The process can be extremely slow although one can rest assured that all the waiting is worth it ultimately. A certain level of discomfort can be felt while undergoing that. Sessions need to be kept short for the comfort of the person getting the treatment. In contrast, laser can be done on large areas for every session.
ABC Of Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
One of the most regular and frequent drawbacks would be the re-growth of new hair in the treated regions. The treatment does not promise bearers with a permanent cure. Nevertheless, the fresh hair would be a lot lighter and finer.
Here is a list of top nine laser hair removal side effects.
1. Active infections
Laser hair removal side effects can be passive or active. One active effect will be the risk of serious infections. When done on wounds and injuries, the treatment will en route towards fatal infections. Sufficient amounts of post-treatment care have to be followed for reduced risk and infections.
2. Bearable Pain
People who undergo laser treatments will be subject to minor pain. The cure will cause temporary redness on delicate skin areas. Conversely, minor pain and swelling is bearable and benign for a large number of people.
3. Cause of Crusting
According to modern research, crusting is another negative effect of laser hair removal. The standard remedy works with long pulsed ruby lasers. Crusting is not a long term scenario. But is has to be treated with care and concern, as unattended crusts will result in sores and scars.
4. Down with eye injuries
A rare side effect of laser hair removal would be an eye injury. This stresses on the need for safety glasses. This is especially necessary and vital when areas on the face are being treated. Eye injury is regarded as one of the most “staid and solemn” problems of laser hair removal.
5. Fading of skin colour
Laser therapy will affect the skin with permanent pigmentation issues. The change will cause temporary fading and darkening of skin. Nevertheless, the discoloration will become transparent with time. However, patients with sensitive and dark skin must watch out for permanent discoloration.
6. Gruesome blisters
The final outlook of laser therapy will vary from one person to another. A rare effect of the treatment will be the formation of blisters. Burns and blisters will be caused as a result of unskilled laser application. Another reason behind blisters will be the consecutive application of laser treatments. The skin has to be cooled and treated before the use of laser.
7. Heavy scars
One permanent side effect of laser hair removal would be the formation of scars. Scarring will occur due to inexperience operation of the laser. Scars can also be caused as a result of many other side effects. Proper care and maintenance must be done to avoid permanent scarring.
8. Impermanence of hair
Impermanence is a common side effect of laser hair removal. It occurs when the hair follicles are damaged. The damage will force the hair to grow at a slower speed. It also stresses on the need for frequent laser treatments. Patients in need of permanent solutions must follow the therapy, once in every six weeks.
9. Juvenile hyper pigmentation
Hyper pigmentation would occur in kids. The therapy will cause skin to become darker. This is because laser would trigger the generation of melanin. Hyper pigmentation is also a form of permanent skin discoloration. It cannot be avoided, as it depends on the child’s age and skin condition.
Can Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy Go together?
Can laser hair removal and pregnancy go together? Pregnancy is one of the delicate and difficult times for every mother to carry such offspring for almost a year. Along with the tough times of carrying the baby a mother can also be bothered with the unwanted hair growth in some areas of her body which she may does not like the most. Indeed, it could be irritating to see if you have a large tummy with so many visible unwanted hairs, it definitely makes you feel less attractive which can eventually affect your self esteem.
You know deep within yourself that such hairs are cause by various hormonal changes going in your body during pregnancy but you will not allow such hairs to bother you for such a long time. To overcome such problem you may resort to some traditional methods of hair removal like shaving, waxing and plucking, however, such methods may only add to the discomfort of your pregnancy.
With this reality, you may perhaps resort to some methods which can permanently remove your unwanted hairs. So you may opt to undergo a laser hair removal which may seem like a better alternative to some traditional home removal methods. However, such treatment emits high concentrated light or laser beams to prevent the hairs from growing which make you feel afraid of the consequences of such treatment. Indeed, such procedure can make you uncomfortable as you face the issue on laser hair removal and pregnancy.
According to some medical studies the high energy beams that have been emitted through this treatment will not be able to deeply penetrate your body for its exposure is only on the surface of the skin. With this reality, it is apparent then that an offspring inside your womb will not be harmed by such laser procedure. Indeed, there is no proof that it can cause the risk of early miscarriage as well. However, you also need to consider the fact that laser procedure may cause some pain and discomfort on the treated areas which need some medications. It is better to be cautious about the pain reliever drugs that you will be taken due to some harmful side effects both for you and your baby as well. Indeed, you need proper insights and advise from your trusted doctor to finally be enlightened if it will be fine to undergo a laser hair removal procedure.
Living with excess hair can be very difficult especially during pregnancy. Even though there are no known problems nor side effects have been recorded yet which discourage laser hair removal during pregnancy it is always safe to wait for the right time after giving birth. Be assured that the right moment will come when you can finally get rid of all your unwanted hairs forever. You need to be freed then from any issue on laser hair removal and pregnancy.
Best Laser Hair Removal Advice
Laser hair removal for unwanted body hair is gaining more popularity every day. Men and women alike are finding it hard to keep up their appearance with busy schedules and families. Who has time to worry if they shaved their legs, or their bikini area; until you climb in bed with your mate for some close one on one time?
It’s no fun, and it makes you less capable of enjoying physical closeness when you are preoccupied worrying about your hairy personal body parts. Laser hair removal bikini area is a great way to unleash your wild side, and not have to worry about the care and be free and intimate without worry. However, before you have any laser hair removal bikini line, or anywhere else for that matter, it is a good idea to have the facts……
Factors Affecting Laser Hair Removal
It would be surprising if you haven’t considered trying laser hair removal by now. Almost everyone has some form of unwanted body hair. Many hail it as a magical hair removal method. The doctor merely waves his magic laser wand over the unwanted hair and it is gone forever. This is wishful thinking.
There is a great deal of science involved in laser hair removal, and many factors can affect the quality of the treatment.
a. Beam Strength
It is obvious that the strength of the laser beam affects the quality of the laser hair removal session. Just as it is more effective to extinguish a flame with the water pressure of a fire hose than with a garden hose, the “light pressure” of a laser can make the difference between excellent results and no results at all. The doctor must control the beam strength carefully, such as through the time of exposure.
b. Wavelength
Many different laser wavelengths have been tried for laser hair removal. The wavelength is a measure of the distance between adjacent waves of the laser light. Lasers are characterized by the material used to create the laser light, such as alexandrite, argon, and ruby. Each material generates laser light of a specific wavelength, and some wavelengths of laser light are more effective against hair than others.
c. Beam Width
The laser beam width is the diameter of the circle that the laser beam makes on the skin. The ideal beam width is estimated to be four times as wide as the distance that the beam must travel into the skin. For example, if the hair roots were 0.05 inches beneath the skin, the ideal beam with would be about 0.20 inches wide.
d. Pulse width
Most laser hair removal is performed by the doctor holding the laser over a specific area and turning the laser on for a specific time period. This time period is known as the pulse width. If the pulse width is too short, the hair might not be destroyed. If it is too long, the surrounding skin may be damaged. The doctor may vary the pulse width until he finds one that works for each specific patient.
Cooling The Skin During Treatment
One of the newer developments is the cooling of the skin during laser hair removal treatment. Skin cooling allows the doctor to use a “hotter” laser for longer periods of time without damaging the skin. Several methods of skin cooling are performed before, during, or even after the treatment.
a. Skin and Hair Colour
The microwave oven targets the moisture in food, vibrating it up until it heats up and cooks the food. Similarly, laser hair removal targets colour. Better results are obtained when there is great contrast between the skin colour and the hair colour. Specifically, black hair in very pale skin is the ideal laser hair removal scenario.
On the other hand, blonde or white hair in that same very pale skin would be more difficult to remove, because there is little hair colour for the laser to target. The darker the patient’s skin is, the more of the laser gets absorbed into the skin, and the fewer lasers light reaches the unwanted hair.
b. A Science And An Art
Many scientific variables control the effectiveness of laser hair removal. However, the doctor must use professional judgment to vary these things so that each patient receives the best possible hair removal treatment.