Laser Hair Removal Facts

If you are considering hair removal procedures, having some laser hair removal facts on hand is recommended. Although limited data is available on laser hair removal as well as government regulation, some facts relate to safety of the procedure, side effects, costs, results, response rate, comfort level and pain.

Laser hair removal uses pulsed light, which is absorbed by dark materials of the skin such as hair pigment, and it aims to damage the hair follicles. Therefore, people with darker hair and lighter skin are good candidates since these features attract more of the laser light. However, for people with light hair and skin, laser machines are being developed to treat them. Areas such as the arms, chest, and back usually respond well to laser treatment, however, for the lips and chin; people with dark hair and skin often have better results.

Considered to be a safe procedure if it is done properly, laser hair removal may result in side effects such as blisters, burns and scarring for some people. Using an experienced technician is recommended to reduce unnecessary harm and the costs may range from $200 to $2000 per treatment depending on the area treated.

While permanent hair reduction is the desired outcome for the majority of users of laser hair removal, only some have experienced this result, while others have had some hair reduction over a long period of time. However, usually within two weeks, the hair falls out and exfoliating the skin helps to remove the hair. Multiple treatments, about 5 sessions monthly, are recommended in order to experience significant long-term hair reduction with maintenance treatment at least annually.

Reliable data for laser hair removal facts is limited regarding the response rate and there is no guarantee that this procedure will work for everyone. Depending on your hair type and color, some people may not need to shave again while others may find re-growth appearing months or years later. However, with treatments over 4 to 6 months, many people may experience hair growth reduction by about 75 percent.

While the end result for laser hair removal may be effective, it is not without some discomfort or pain. Laser hair removal facts indicate that depending on factors such as the area being treated, your hair type, laser type used and your pain threshold level, you may feel some discomfort. This may be similar to being stung by a rubber band and the pain usually reduces with each treatment. However, you can decrease the discomfort by using a numbing spray or taking anti-inflammatory medication prior to the procedure. If you have lighter and thinner hair, you may experience less pain or discomfort versus persons with thicker and darker hair.