How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
If you’re tired of traditional hair removal or bleaching methods, laser hair removal might be the answer to all of your unwanted hair problems.
Most women have some unwanted hair, whether that be on their eyebrows, lip, chin, neck, or arms. And, while there are no adverse health effects associated with unwanted hair, it can cause you to be self-conscious and embarrassed.
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How does laser hair removal work?” you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Unwanted Hair?
All women have facial and body hair, but it’s usually light in color and fine. This peach fuzz is often found on a woman’s face, chin, and neck. Even women’s arm hair is generally lighter and finer than the hair on a man’s face.
Once women go through puberty, however, they might notice some unwanted or excessive hair. Hormonal shifts can cause a condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism is the growth of unwanted or excessive hair, particularly in women.
The difference between hair caused by this condition is the texture and color. Hirsutism often results in darker and more coarse hair than the traditional peach fuzz found on women.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal involves a noninvasive procedure where pulses of laser lights are directed towards the pigment in a hair follicle. The pigment then absorbs the light and causes the follicle to be damaged. It is this damage that makes it so that hair will not grow back.
While laser hair removal isn’t totally painless, most experts agree that it’s more uncomfortable than painful. Of course, your pain tolerance will impact how it really feels to you. If you are worried about the pain, your provider can provide a numbing cream or you can take an over-the-counter pain medication ahead of time, like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Some lasers also include a cooling device on the tip of the laser. This helps to protect your skin and reduce your risk of side effects.
What to Expect from Treatment
It usually takes a few sessions to totally remove the hair and there is little downtime in between sessions. Other than some redness and minor swelling, there are no real side effects of laser hair removal. And, you can easily alleviate any redness or swelling with a little ice.
After the treatment, your hair won’t fall out immediately. Instead, you shed them over a period of a few days or weeks. This is why you usually need several treatments to fully remove all the hair, as hair grows in a cycle. Repeated treatments will give you the best results.
The permanency of laser hair removal depends on the area where the hair is located and your personal characteristics. It works best on people with dark hair and light skin. And, while the hair may eventually grow back after treatment, it’s typically much finer and lighter.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!
Ditch the razors, bleach, and tweezers, and give laser hair removal a try instead! Understanding how laser hair removal works can alleviate unnecessary anxiety about the procedure. Overall, it is a fairly simple, painless treatment for unwanted hair, and it may be just right for you!
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Our Waukesha skin spa offers a full menu of surgical and nonsurgical skincare services.