Never having to shave again sounds like a dream, right? Fortunately, it is a reasonably achievable one! But before you rush to make an appointment, it’s crucial to understand how laser hair removal works so you don’t leave your first session disappointed—or worse, in pain.
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution to stop the endless cycle of shaving, waxing, and plucking. But it doesn’t stop it all at once.
Knowing the pros, cons, and science behind how laser hair removal works will help you decide whether it’s right for you. And if it is, you’ll go in with the right expectations and preparations for a much happier hair-free experience.
The Science Behind How Laser Hair Removal Works
It may not seem that important to understand how laser hair removal works. However, knowing the science behind it helps to explain the necessary preparation procedures and precautions we take with our clients.
During this non-invasive procedure, a concentrated light beam (the laser) is passed across the skin in the area we are treating. The melanin in your skin absorbs this light and turns it into heat energy, which damages your hair follicles.
When hair follicles are damaged, they either won’t produce hair at all or will grow hair at a significantly slower rate.
Unfortunately, laser hair removal only works on active hair follicles. The human body has approximately 5 million hair follicles, but they don’t all produce hair simultaneously. (Can you imagine how hairy we would be if they did!?)
That’s why we recommend a series of treatments — we’ll be able to prevent or slow hair growth in all of your hair follicles with multiple treatments over time.
Furthermore, damaged hair follicles can heal. It doesn’t always happen, but it can. Your legs may be virtually hairless for years after laser hair removal, and then they suddenly start sprouting hairs again, requiring additional treatments.
But the amazing effects of laser hair removal are evident in even one treatment and can last a very long time, much longer than any other form of hair removal. Depending on the distribution, thickness, and color of your body hair, you may be able to throw out your razor after just your first time!
Factors That Impact the Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal
Technology has come a long way in every aspect, including cosmetic procedures.
In the early days of laser hair removal, it didn’t work as well for everybody. Because the light energy targets melanin, it was only significantly effective for people with fair skin and dark hair.
Before, people with more melanated skin wouldn’t receive the same level of hair removal. Even worse, the laser was more likely to cause discoloration and irritation of their skin. Because of how it works, early technology couldn’t discern the difference between the melanin in the skin and the hair.
Now, it works much better for most skin and hair types. Different settings can accommodate darker skin or lighter hair.
However, those with little melanin in their hair, with colors such as white, light blond, red, or grey, may not have the same success as their darker-haired counterparts. And people with darker skin do still have a slightly higher chance of experiencing skin lightening. Although this is typically temporary, it’s something to consider and discuss with your technician before receiving treatment.
The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal
Most people find shaving and other hair removal methods time-consuming, irritating, and frustrating. They may make an appointment for laser hair removal before considering the pros and cons.
Pros
Not having to shave so often can save you tons of time, depending on how often you do it. Even if it’s just five minutes in the shower every day, that ends up being over half an hour saved at the end of the week.
Plus, that extra time out of the shower also saves as much as 87 gallons of water a week! And that’s not the only ecological benefit.
Shaving produces a lot of waste. Whether you use disposable or reusable razors, neither type is recyclable, and they all end up in landfills. When you factor in packaging and discarded bottles of shaving gels, creams, and lotions, it starts to add up.
Finally, shaving, waxing, plucking, and depilatories can irritate your skin, causing pain, redness, hypersensitivity, rashes, and dryness. While you may experience irritation after laser hair removal treatment, it’s only temporary—not the daily or weekly tenderness you might deal with from other hair removal products.
Cons
Of course, there are two sides to every coin, and you should also know the cons of laser hair removal.
First, the cost makes it a more challenging option for some people. You’ll certainly save money when you factor in the lifetime cost of other hair removal products. But it’s a considerably larger lump sum than picking up a new razor and shaving gel at Target.
Secondly, as with any procedure, there is a risk of side effects. That risk is generally small, and symptoms are usually temporary. But you should know them all the same.
The more common and temporary side effects include redness, swelling, skin discoloration, and minor irritation or pain. If they happen at all, these symptoms usually disappear within hours of your treatment.
Much more rarely, severe side effects can include:
- Blistering,
- Scarring,
- Permanent lightening or darkening of the treated skin
The potential for these side effects increases if proper preparation isn’t strictly followed.
This leads to the third potential con for some—preparation.
Being ready for your laser hair removal appointment requires as much as six weeks of preparation, which some people aren’t excited about doing. However, not understanding how laser hair removal works and why following pre-treatment guidelines is important can cause less successful results and more side effects.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
The first step to successful laser hair removal is talking to your technician. We need to know about medications, skin conditions, and what other treatments you’ve had for the affected area. Some medicines, especially those that cause photosensitivity, prevent you from getting laser hair removal within a specific time frame, typically two weeks.
This discussion also lets you ask questions and address any concerns you may have.
You should avoid tanning beds and sun exposure for at least two to (optimally) six weeks leading up to your appointment. Always wear sunscreen, both before and after treatment.
You must also avoid depilatories, waxing, and plucking for two weeks before treatment. These methods damage the hair root, preventing the laser energy from being absorbed and doing its work on the hair follicle.
Finally, please let us know immediately if you develop sores, lesions, or other skin problems before treatment. To prevent further damage, we may need to schedule your appointment for a later date.
How to Treat Your Skin After Your Appointment
Aftercare is just as essential as preparation.
Because of how laser hair removal works, avoiding UV exposure is the most important thing you should remember. You can achieve this by covering your skin or wearing SPF 30 or above.
Even if you experience itching afterward, don’t scratch or pick newly treated skin. It will only exacerbate side effects and can cause them to last longer.
Keep your skin clean with mild, gentle cleansers, and only use products your technician suggests. You should also avoid saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools for several days. The high temperatures and harsh chemicals can cause unwanted irritation and inflammation.
Lastly, do not hesitate to contact your technician or primary care provider if you have concerns or experience severe or problematic side effects. The sooner you seek information or treatment, the better.
The Importance of Knowing How Laser Hair Removal Works
Thousands of people get laser hair removal every year. And the vast majority of them are thrilled with their results.
Understanding how laser hair removal works and following your technician’s recommendations will make it more likely that you’ll be one of them.
Remember, although it cannot achieve permanent hair removal in one appointment, multiple treatments will result in many smooth, hair-free years. And with thorough preparation, proper expectations, and an experienced, professional provider, you can ditch your razor for good!
