Laser Hair Removal: How Does It Work and What to Expect, According To The Experts

Laser hair removal is a treatment procedure that uses laser light to remove unwanted hair from the body.

When done right, laser treatment keeps the treated area hair-free for months or years.

And this can only happen when a trained, certified, licensed laser practitioner performs the procedure.

Cosmesurge laser hair services rely on one-on-one consultations with practitioners to determine the correct treatment for each patient.

During the session, the practitioner will take the patient’s medical history and assess their health, skin, hair color, and hair cycle.

They will also note any medications the patient might be taking since these could determine if and when they can get the laser treatment done.

Lastly, they will educate the patient on how to prepare for the procedure.

We took a moment to ask them about laser hair removal procedures, so you can make an educated choice when it comes to your hair removal options.

 

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

 

Laser light for hair removal targets hair in the anagen (active growing) phase and works by destroying the melanin in the hair.

The practitioner uses a hand-held electric laser device to focus concentrated laser pulses on hair follicles in the target area.

Different treatment areas call for different pulse durations, and technicians usually apply pulse widths of 10-30 ms.

As the laser shines onto the skin, the melanin in the hair absorbs the light and becomes heated.

The heat moves down the hair shaft to the dermal papilla, where we find matrix cells.

The matrix comprises reproducing cells that form the hair shaft and melanocytes, melanin-producing cells that give hair its color.

As the heat travels down, it burns and destroys:

• Hair follicles;
• Hair bulbs;
• and matrix cells.

The burned hair then falls out, and with the matrix cells destroyed, the hair stops growing.

Laser treatment does not affect the hair in the catagen (transition) and telogen (resting) phases of the hair cycle.

With time, hair in these phases will move from the resting to the growth phase and begin to grow again.

Also, some matrix cells may survive the laser treatment and continue the hair growth process, but it will be slow, and the new hair will be thinner.

Therefore, laser hair removal is not a permanent solution for removing unwanted hair.

How quickly the hair regrows is different for everybody.

For some, hair grows back within a few months.

Other people can stay hairless for years before the hair grows back.

So, one must undergo repeat laser treatments to maintain the smooth hairless look, if that’s what they desire, in the long term.

 

Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal

 

For those who are considering this treatment or simply curious about its advantages, here’s a deeper dive into the perks of laser hair removal.

 

1. Efficient Speed

 

While traditional hair removal methods can be time-consuming, laser hair removal stands out for its efficiency.

For smaller areas such as the upper lip, chin, and eyebrows, clients can expect their session to last a mere 15 minutes.

This means you can even squeeze in a quick treatment during a lunch break!

 

2. A Gentle Experience

 

Let’s face it: most traditional hair removal methods come with their share of discomfort.

Tweezing can be tedious, threading might induce tears, and waxing – well, we all know how that feels!

In contrast, many clients describe the sensation of laser hair removal as a series of light zaps, making it a more comfortable alternative.

 

3. Long-Lasting Results with Minimal Upkeep

 

Laser hair removal focuses on damaging the hair follicle to reduce its capability to regrow hair.

As a result, there’s a significant reduction in hair growth after each session.

While there might be a need for occasional touch-up sessions, it’s a far cry from the daily or weekly maintenance required with methods like shaving or tweezing.

 

4. A Worthwhile Investment

 

There’s an old saying: “You get what you pay for.”

While the initial cost of laser hair removal may seem high, its long-term benefits ensure that clients save money in the long run.

The prolonged effects of laser treatment mean fewer purchases of razors, wax, creams, or salon appointments over the years.

 

5. Emphasis on Safety

 

Safety is paramount in any cosmetic procedure.

When laser hair removal is performed by trained and licensed professionals using FDA-approved equipment, it’s a very safe method.

Side effects, when they occur, are typically minor and temporary.

 

6. Say Goodbye to Ingrown Hairs

 

One of the common grievances with shaving or waxing is the issue of ingrown hairs.

These can be painful, itchy, and unsightly.

The beauty of laser hair removal is that it targets the hair at the root, effectively preventing the chance of ingrown hairs.

This means smoother skin without troublesome bumps.

 

What To Expect With Laser Hair Removal

 

Laser hair removal treatment is done in 5-8 sessions.

The sessions can be every four or eight weeks.

It all depends on how fast or slow the hair cycle of the treatment area is.

The results accumulate with each round of treatment, meaning patients may see up to 25% less hair after the first treatment session.

But by the last session, they will have at least 90% hair reduction in the treated area.

As mentioned, this effect can last months or years.

And any hair that regrows following treatment will be thinner and possibly lighter.

The patient can book a follow-up laser removal session when the hair regrows.

In most cases, they only need one round of treatment to get rid of the new hair.

 

What To Do After Laser Treatment

 

Following treatment, the laser practitioner will furnish the patient with after-care dos and don’ts.

 

• Avoiding sun exposure;

 

• Using aloe vera gel to soothe the treated area;

 

• Avoiding activities that introduce heat into the body for at least 48 hours to prevent skin irritation. Saunas, jacuzzis, hot showers, steam rooms, the gym, and exercise as a whole fall under this category.

 

• Exfoliating using a glove after a week to eliminate the hair that sheds following the treatment.

 

• Avoiding plucking the hair before subsequent treatment sessions. Instead, shave the hair before going in for follow-up treatment.

 

Conclusion

 

In the world of beauty and skincare, the quest for smooth, hairless skin can seem never-ending.

Yet, with the advancements in laser technology, the journey to achieving this has become a lot more straightforward and convenient.

Laser hair removal stands out as a beacon of innovation, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and longevity that traditional methods often fall short of.

When carried out by a licensed practitioner, it promises not only efficiency but also safety and precision.

And while it may not provide eternal hairlessness, the impressive reduction in hair regrowth, combined with the other remarkable benefits, truly makes it a game-changer in the realm of hair removal.

So if you’re contemplating a long-term solution to pesky, unwanted hair, laser hair removal just might be the answer you’ve been searching for.