Nothing beats the feeling of smooth, hairless skin. There are lots of ways to achieve our hair removal goals, but most of them are time-consuming or painful (or both). Laser hair removal is the perfect solution for anyone that wants a long-lasting and efficient method of hair removal. If you’re ready to say goodbye to weekly shaving sessions and monthly waxes, read on to learn everything you need to know about laser hair removal.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure used by people of all genders and walks of life. It’s an excellent way to remove undesired hair from virtually any part of your body, especially places that are hard to reach with a razor or wax strip.
Laser hair removal works by preventing the growth of new hair follicles with tiny concentrated beams of light. The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the light, which is then converted to a level of heat powerful enough to temporarily damage hair follicles. This prevents hair growth for the foreseeable future.
Almost anyone can use laser hair removal, but it is most effective on those with dark hair and light skin. This is simply due to science. Lasers work to target dark pigments in the hair, but they can also pick up the skin’s pigmentation. A contrast of dark hair and light skin makes it easier for the lasers to break down the hair follicle without damaging skin pigments. Light hair is harder for lasers to identify, while darker skin is at risk of discoloration. However, those with fair hair and darker skin tones shouldn’t write off laser hair removal. New technologies exist that make laser hair removal more accessible. The GlowySkin.Care IPL hair removal handset is effective on all but the darkest of skin tones.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
As with any hair removal method, laser hair removal may come with a few side effects. Skin irritation is the most common issue. You may experience redness or swelling after the first few hours of your treatment, but it should quickly subside. Ice can be used as a simple treatment for swelling. Stick to comfortable, loose clothing after your session to minimize any chances of irritation.
Skin discoloration is a valid concern, so be sure to consult with a professional before beginning your laser hair removal journey.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work Forever?
Although laser hair removal is not a completely permanent solution, results last much longer than other methods of hair removal. Shaving only keeps unwanted hair at bay for a few days and waxing can last for a few weeks, but laser hair removal can keep you hairless for years!
Bear in mind that although laser hair removal is effective, the results aren’t instantaneous. You’ll probably need several sessions before you can officially say goodbye to regular hair removal. Hairs will begin to fall out for of a few weeks. You’ll notice a bit of regrowth, but it will be lighter and finer than before. With each session, the hairs will grow sparser until you’re left with completely smooth and hairless skin.
Most professionals recommend starting with 6 to 8 sessions over the course of a few weeks or months, depending on the area of the body you’re targeting. Places with fast hair growth, like the upper lip, can be treated every few weeks. Areas with slower growth can be spread apart over a few months. After your initial laser sessions are complete, it’s recommended to continue with annual maintenance sessions as needed.
Laser hair removal is not necessarily a permanent solution, but it’s one of the most enduring options out there. There is no definite amount of time before the regrowth kicks in; it will vary from person to person. For some people, hair begins to grow back after several months. For others, it can stay away for a few years.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Traditional laser hair removal can be painful. The amount of pain will vary depending on your level of pain tolerance. Many people describe the pain of laser hair removal as similar to the feeling of a small pinprick to the skin. Another important factor is the area you’re treating; the more sensitive the area is, the more painful the treatment will be. These are areas of the body that have thinner skin, or contain a higher level of nerve endings. The most sensitive spots tend to be the bikini area, inner thighs, underarms, and upper lip. Areas where the skin is thicker generally aren’t as painful. This includes the shins, calves, forearms, forehead, and stomach.
It’s important to note there are two types of laser hair removal. Traditional laser hair removal is typically performed at a clinic or salon, while IPL is generally used for at-home treatments. IPL is an excellent pain-free alternative for those that are worried about the pain of traditional laser hair removal. IPL, or Intense Pulse Light, is a light-based technology that also targets melanin to damage the hair follicle. The main difference is that IPL emits scattered wavelengths of light instead of one concentrated wavelength. This broad spectrum of light is gentler on the skin, resulting in a safe hair removal session for a wider variety of skin tones. It can also be used to treat pigmented lesions and skin conditions like rosacea. The one downside to IPL is that it may require more sessions than laser hair removal. Although IPL is not as intense as a concentrated laser beam, it is just as effective in the long run.
The GlowySkinCare IPL Hair Removal Handset is a simple and painless way to obtain silky smooth skin. You’ll be able to achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home. Our gentle IPL technology can comfortably be used on the most sensitive parts of the body, and you’ll notice a reduction in hair growth from the very first use. Increase your free time while getting the smooth skin of your dreams with the GlowySkinCare IPL Hair Removal Handset!