LASER HAIR REMOVAL: IS IT FOR YOU?

LASER HAIR REMOVAL: IS IT FOR YOU?

Have you been on the fence about whether or not to get laser hair removal? One of the big questions for many women and men is that they don’t believe it can really replace their razors. Laser hair removal does significantly delay regrowth, and with enough treatments, you can eventually reach the point that the growth is minimal enough to ignore and reduce, if not eliminate shaving.

TOP REASONS TO GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL

1. Be ready to go at any time: Last minute call to join for brunch? No problem, you don’t have to worry about shaving before heading out the door.
2. Avoid the Shaving Hassle: No more running to the store to purchase new razors and shaving cream. Even better -avoid razor burn and cuts.
3. Confidence!: You don’t have to worry if your armpits (or anywhere else) have regrown when wearing a tank top or bathing suit. You can go about your day with the confidence that you are smooth and hairless! 
4. Saving Time: Say goodbye to scheduling an additional 20-30 minutes into your shower to shave- Imagine what you can do with that extra time!?

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TREATMENT?

Laser hair removal often takes up to six treatments to be successful in permanently eliminating body or facial hair. How many weeks you go between treatments depends on the area of the body being treated, the rate of hair growth, and hair density. Typically it is 4 to 6 weeks between treatments.

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

To understand why more than one treatment is needed, you must first understand how laser hair removal works. A light laser is used to damage or destroy the hair follicle by zoning in on the pigment of the hair being removed. The damage done to the hair follicle with one treatment is minimal. It usually takes at least two to three treatment sessions to remove hair and delay regrowth. The hair follicles are only damaged, not completely destroyed, in most cases. That means that, eventually, the follicle will grow new hair. However, the more often you get maintenance treatments, and the more of them that you get, the longer you will be able to go between treatments until, eventually, the hair doesn’t grow back.

IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER A TREATMENT?

There may be some redness or swelling immediately after laser hair removal that could last for a few hours. This is nothing to be concerned about, and it should resolve itself quickly. You can apply ice to the area if you are in discomfort. Other tips to help the healing after a treatment:

Wear Soft, Loose Clothing

Your skin will be very sensitive, maybe more so depending on the area. Wearing soft, loose clothing will protect your skin from being irritated.

Avoid Hot Showers

Laser hair removal can dry out your skin significantly, so during this recovery period, it is important to use warm but not hot water for bathing. Avoid hot showers, baths, hot tubs, etc., for at least 3 days after your treatment.

Avoid Sun Exposure

For about two weeks after the treatment, sun exposure is much more likely to cause sunburn or sun damage. This includes tanning beds and outdoor sun exposure. If you are exposed to the sun after your treatment, make sure to wear SPF and try to cover the area as much as possible.