There are many beauty routines and cosmetic procedures carried out regularly throughout the world. Laser hair removal is one, and it is a procedure that has been in use for many decades. Are you thinking about undergoing a laser hair removal procedure? Do you have unsightly hair that makes you reluctant to be seen in public? You’re not alone, as many men and women choose to have such hair – especially facial hair removed using this tried and tested procedure.
In the following article, we will look at what the procedure involves, how it works, and some other factors you may want to consider if you are heading down this route. We’ll begin with a quick look at what the procedure is all about, so let’s get started with an explanation of lasers and how they are used in this procedure.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Before we begin in earnest, we should explain that many DIY laser hair removal products are on the market. It is your choice if you want to try these, but we recommend you look for professional Laser Hair Removal Services in Newmarket, ON, to get the best benefit and results from the process. So, why laser hair removal, and what is it?
Laser is an acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. If that sounds complicated, think of laser as concentrated light in the form of a narrow beam. Laser has many uses in medicine and cosmetics in a wide range of fields. The second form of hair removal uses ‘Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, which works on the same principle.
That principle is surprisingly simple. The controlled laser will be set at a certain output suitable for this use, and it is directed – by a qualified practitioner – onto the hair that needs to be removed. What happens now is that the laser or IPL heats the hair follicles to a level where they are destroyed.
If that sounds gruesome, don’t worry, as all you will experience is heat for a few moments while the laser does its job. However, it is worth knowing that this procedure is not suitable for everyone, and it is not as efficient for those with dark skin, for example, as it is for light-skinned people. Now that we know what it does, who are the likely candidates for laser skin removal?
Who Undergoes Laser Hair Removal?
It is a fact that laser hair removal ranks among the top beauty routines and cosmetic procedures in terms of its frequency. It is also true that more patients are women than men, and this is simply because women do not have natural facial hair, and those with such may want it removed.
Laser hair removal is also popular in other body areas where undue and additional hair may be growing. These include the bikini line, chest, legs, arms, and underarms, with the most frequent requests being to remove unwanted facial hair.
The person who undergoes a laser hair removal procedure will have unwanted or excessive hair growth in these areas and whose life is made less enjoyable through social anxiety because of it. If this is you, rest assured there are millions like you, and there is no shame in wanting to undergo this procedure. Is laser hair removal safe? Let’s have a look at that subject next.
Is Laser Hair Removal a Safe Procedure?
Now that you know how laser hair removal works, you are perhaps wondering if directing a powerful laser at your skin is, in fact, sensible. Rest assured that laser hair removal is a safe and tested procedure, especially when carried out by a qualified practitioner. The light and heat are controlled within safe limits and are powerful enough to do the job. Also, despite some scare stories, there is no link between this procedure and skin cancer.
Risks and after-effects are slight and rare. You may feel the heat during the procedure and perhaps sore and red skin afterward for a few days. Remember we said it doesn’t work as well on dark skin – this includes tanned and those whose skin is naturally dark. It is always best to talk to a practitioner at a clinic to see if this is the procedure for you, as they will be able to assess your suitability for laser hair removal.
It should also be said that pregnant women should avoid the procedure, and people with sensitive skin may want to talk in-depth about the potential of slight problems.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The short answer is no; laser hair removal is not a permanent solution, and this is because the body will instruct new hair to grow, although it may be thinner and less noticeable than what went before. The length of time the procedure lasts depends entirely on the individual, and it can be as little as a few weeks, while for others, it may be several months.
Furthermore, you will more than likely need to undergo several routines to completely remove the unwanted hair, perhaps four or so for facial hair placed a few weeks apart. So, now that you know all about it, should you choose to have laser hair removal? Let’s close by answering this.
Should I Have Laser Hair Removal?
As with all cosmetic procedures, you should be deciding to have laser hair removal to satisfy yourself and not another person. If you are socially affected by excess facial hair, for example, having it removed can make your life a lot more enjoyable and less stressful. In the first instance, we suggest that you talk to your doctor about the possibility or book a consultation with a reputable laser hair removal clinic where you can discuss your options with an expert.
