If you’ve been planning to get laser hair removal, you should know that not everyone is a suitable candidate for the treatment. But don’t feel down just yet. While it’s not for everyone, it’s definitely a good option to explore if you want to ditch waxing and shaving.
How does laser hair removal work?
Hair is removed using a concentrated beam of light that penetrates the skin and targets the hair’s melanin pigment. The pigment absorbs light that’s converted to heat, which causes damage to the hair follicles, reducing hair regrowth effectively. While laser treatment doesn’t remove unwanted hair for good, it keeps it off your skin for months instead of just weeks. Even better, it promotes long-term hair reduction.
What makes someone a good candidate?
- Dark hair, light skin
You’re a good candidate if you have dark hair and light skin. You can also enjoy impressive results as well.
- Dark hair means there’s plenty of melanin to absorb light from the laser more effectively
- The colour of the skin helps the laser focus on the hair pigment and nothing else
- People with such a hair-skin combination will only need fewer sessions to see results
This doesn’t mean that you’re off the list for treatment if you have the opposite combo. Many newer technologies today have widened the network for treatment options, including people with less contrasting skin and hair combinations.
- Hair type, thickness, and location
- Thick, coarse hair has more pigments and is more responsive to the laser treatment
- Fine or light hair won’t have the same characteristics and may even be resistant to the treatment
- Laser is best used to treat hair growth in large areas of the skin, such as the back, sideburns, legs, and underarms
- Healthy, not sun-damaged skin
Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure before and after a session since side effects, such as burns or pigmentation, may occur on sunburned or newly tanned skin.
- A history of medical issues, such as psoriasis, can inhibit the efficacy of laser treatment. There may be contraindications to some medications, too.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women are highly advised against having hair laser removed as a precautionary measure and to prevent triggering hormonal changes
Realistic Expectations
Since there are many factors that make an individual qualified for hair removal or not, it’s best to keep your expectations realistic. Results can greatly vary, and you may need to schedule a series of sessions instead of just two or more.
- Standard treatments can range from six to eight sessions spaced by a month to six weeks in between.
- Annual maintenance might be needed for longer hair reduction.
- Individual results may be affected by genetics, hair growth cycles, and hormone levels
Desire to Save Time and Effort
If you consider the overall cost and effort of waxing, shaving, and using removal creams, using a laser is cheaper overall. While the initial pay is higher, you stay hair-free for longer, and you won’t have to restock on supplies.
- Avoid nicks and pains caused by waxing, plucking, and razor burns
- Skip at-home grooming sessions that you may need to do every other day
- Set fewer appointments for hair removal
People with light skin and dark coarse hair are generally the best candidates for laser hair removal. But thanks to technological advancements, more and more people can benefit from the treatment. If you want to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for longer, consult Evolution Laser to determine if you make a good candidate.
