Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is quickly becoming a popular alternative to shaving or waxing, and is often used by both men and women. There are many choices for the removal of hair, but often shaving and waxing can affect the skin, leaving rashes or tenderness. As of yet, there are no hair removal techniques that guarantee permanent eradication of the hair follicle, but laser hair removal is the most effective and longest lasting.
How Does It Work?
The procedure uses concentrated light lasers which pulse light directly at the target area using either a wand instrument or an articulated arm. The light energy can be controlled to target the specific pigment of the hair, and then converts to heat which is absorbed by the melanin found within hair. The heat damages the hair cells and the follicle, usually destroying the root and affecting the surrounding area, impeding the chances of reoccurring growth.
How Painful Is The Procedure?
There is little discomfort with laser hair removal; at most, you may feel a slight stinging sensation which is no worse than what you’d feel getting the area waxed. Generally, the treated area will feel warm, and because the treatment is fast, the sensation soon leaves. One session can take between 10 minutes and an hour, depending on the area being treated.
How Effective Is The Treatment?
The purpose of this procedure is to diminish or remove unwanted hair. The procedure will require more than one treatment (most people will need 6-12 sessions) which may produce permanent hair removal. The total number of treatments will vary between individuals. On occasion, there are patients who do not respond to treatments. After completing treatment, members may need to return one or two times a year for occasional touch-ups. Touch-ups are offered at a discounted rate for those who completed treatment at Wellness Center Beauty & Health.
The hair shaft will remain in the damaged follicle until the skin renews itself, so you may not notice the hair falling out immediately, and it may seem that the hair is still growing due to it being slowly pushed out. However, due to the weakened state of the follicle, the hair will eventually fall out, and can easily be pulled out with tweezers. Once you have started a course of treatments, you will need to continue to ensure a lack of regrowth, and after the initial course, you will need to go for ‘top ups’ every month or so, depending on individual needs.
Before And After Treatment Instructions:
- Before the treatment, please come shaved (one day prior to your visit).
- After the treatment, stay away from hot tubs, direct sunlight, and exercise for at least 24 hours.
- We recommend all patients use sunscreen.
- Use an ice pack to treat swelling.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Many people believe that they will have their unwanted hair completely removed in one session of laser hair removal. This is actually a misconception. Laser hair removal may take many as 6-12 or more sessions over a few months or even as much as a year.
The number of treatments required depends on many variables. We need to take into consideration your skin tone, hair color, texture, and your tolerance to the laser treatments.
Hair Color: If you have a lighter hair color, your will most likely require more treatments because it can be harder to target all the hair and the follicles. Lighter hair is generally finer in texture and therefore, may not all get picked up during each session. It is easier to target the follicles of darker hair.
Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, laser hair technicians may not be able to do their job to the best of their ability, as with each and every treatment, the laser must have the energy increased in small levels to get the more resistant hair to react better. Please speak to your technician if you are experiencing any discomfort.
Your Hair Cycle: Most people have 6 specific cycles of hair on their bodies. Each of these hair cycles will last about 2 months from start to finish. We never know which hairs are cycling on which day, but on average, the treatment will usually catch about 60-70% of the visible hairs. Your laser hair removal treatments are usually done in repetitive treatments, approximately 6 weeks apart, to try to facilitate the hair loss as effectively as possible.
The influences of hair growth have to do with many factors; age, ethnicity, hormones, medication, metabolism, weight, and genetics all play a part in your hair’s location, thickness, and resilience. In hormonally induced areas (i.e. woman’s facial area), a client usually will need upwards 12 treatments. Sometimes it can be an ongoing process, as we can only help you get rid of the hair you are currently dealing with; we cannot control your propensity to grow new hair in the treatment area.
Schedule an appointment with us today to get started
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee of specific results and each person results may vary.