Can Laser Hair Removal Permanently Remove Unwanted Hair?

Let’s admit it — plucking, shaving, or even waxing every now and then gets tiring and taxing. It requires much from you to remove unwanted hair from different parts of your body. Good thing, the advancement of technology can help you address your concern through laser hair removal.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal refers to a non-invasive medical procedure that makes use of highly concentrated light (intense pulsed light or IPL) to remove unwanted hair. This light source warms and weakens hair follicles in the skin, causing disruption in the hair growth process.

Hair removal lasers could be used on almost any part of the body. Many lasers are capable of treating large areas. Laser hair removal can treat the following parts of the body: 

• Underarms
• Back
• Bikini area
• Chest
• Face (specifically the upper lip and chin, where beard and mustache can grow)
• Legs
• Neck
• Shoulders

It is important to know that this procedure only directly impacts the actively growing hair follicles. This means that hair reduction may require several sessions of treatment. Moreover, even though laser hair removal can effectively slow down hair growth, it does not ensure permanent hair removal. It may take several sessions (around 4-6 or sometimes more) for it to take significant effect. In addition to that, you may need to do treatments on a regular basis to maintain it. 

How Does It Work?

Laser hair removal employs a technique known as selective photothermolysis. The laser heat destroys cells with a good amount of pigment (color). 

Both hair color and skin type can affect the success rate of the procedure during the anagen or growth stage of the hair follicle. Dark hair helps to absorb the most heat due to its high pigment content. Heat then flows from hair to the hair follicles, destroying them and preventing hair growth.

How Can You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

Booking a consultation appointment with a certified board dermatologist is the first step. The doctor will run through several considerations, risks, and benefits with you. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor will help you determine the best treatment option for you. They may take photos for before-and-after assessment and long-term review. 

Subsequently, your dermatologist may also proceed with sharing specific instructions prior to treatment such as: 

• Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen with at least SPF30.
• Keep lightening products away.
• Refrain doing other hair removal methods.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications.
• Shaving treatment area prior to the scheduled appointment.  

What Happens During Laser Hair Removal?

The procedure follows a series of steps which include:

The length of your treatment is determined by the size of the treatment area. Upper lip treatment procedure may take only a few minutes or so. However, if you are getting a massive area treated, such as the back or legs, the procedure may last longer than an hour.

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

The side effects vary according to skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and compliance to pre- and post-treatment care. The most common side effects involve skin irritation such as discomfort, redness, and swelling. 

Other possible side effects, although rare, may include:

• Blistering
• Crusting (herpes simplex outbreaks)
• Infections
• Scarring
• Skin lightening or darkening 

Learn more about Hair and Scalp Care here.