Laser hair removal is an effective method for people who are tired of removing unwanted hair in different parts of the body with conventional methods such as waxing, hair removal, waxing or Gillette. In this method, the laser light hits the hair follicle with a certain intensity and destroys it. The result of this process is the cessation of hair growth and hair loss after one or two weeks.
Many people get rid of unwanted hair in different areas of the body forever after laser treatment, but this method does not have a significant effect for some people. For this reason, most people are faced with the question, what type of skin is laser suitable for? Can this method be dangerous and cause complications?
If you are also planning to do laser hair removal, but these questions do not allow you to make the right decision, in this article from NHC MedSpa Magazine , we will introduce you to laser hair removal devices, their effectiveness and side effects.
What is laser hair removal?
In the laser process, they use a light beam with a certain amount to shine on the hair root or the follicle. In the meantime, the pigments of the hair follicle absorb the laser light so that this light turns into heat. The heat generated destroys the hair follicle, resulting in very slow or permanent hair growth.
You can use this method for all body parts except the eyes and tattooed areas. The permitted areas for laser are:
- Chin and behind the lips
- forehead
- hands and feet
- chest
- the neck
- armpit
- hip line
- Bikini line, bikini and vagina
- Waist and abdomen
To perform excess laser hair removal, you must first cut the hair in the desired area. Then the laser technician uses anesthetic according to your pain tolerance threshold. The next step begins with the technician shining a light pulse on the desired area. If the settings of the device are done correctly and your skin does not show a negative reaction, the operator continues the process of laser hair removal.
Does laser remove unwanted hair permanently?
Usually, hair removal with this popular method is planned in 6 to 8 sessions. This is the number of sessions to permanently stop the growth of all unwanted hair. Human body hair has a cycle of growth and rest.
This means that part of our body hair is resting at a certain time and some others are in the growth cycle. Therefore, if during laser hair removal, the desired follicle is in the resting phase, this radiation has no effect on stopping hair growth. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the number of laser sessions scheduled for you in a certain time interval in order to permanently remove all unwanted hair.
Types of laser hair removal methods
Currently, reputable clinics provide these services with the help of various devices. Each of these devices has a special feature, but the purpose of all of them is to convert light rays into heat to stop hair follicle growth. The best hair removal devices include the following:
Ruby device
This device has a wavelength of 694 nm, which does not damage the surrounding tissue by destroying the structure of the hair follicle. Removing excess hair with a ruby machine is very painful; Therefore, it is a suitable option for a small area of skin.
Alexandrite machine
Alexandrite device with a wavelength of 755 nm has a red light spectrum. This device has a very high speed and can cover a large part of the skin in one shot. Also, the effectiveness of the Alexandrite device is high on freckled skin, albino skin with very thin hair, and skin with olive or white color, for which laser is usually not useful. However, remember that this device is not suitable for dark skin, because there is a possibility of color change in the skin pigment.
Diode device
This device works with a wavelength of 800 to 810 nm. Therefore, it is a suitable option for dark skins that have very thick hair. In fact, the diode device is highly effective in permanently removing back and chest hair; For this reason, it is known as the best laser hair removal device for men.
YAG device (Nd:YAG)
This device is very advanced and works at a wavelength of 1064 nm. On the other hand, green light is created in the YAG device with a wavelength of 532 nm. For this reason, this device, which has a high repetition speed, can be used for dark or Asian skin types.
IPL device
This device is known as an incoherent laser with intense pulsed light. The IPL laser does not have a specific wavelength, so its flexibility is very high. Usually, according to individual needs, different wavelengths are determined for this device to cover large areas of the skin without damaging the surrounding tissues.
For whom is laser hair removal harmful?
Laser hair removal is a safe and secure method. In fact, all people over the age of 18 whose hair growth pattern is established can use this method. However, some experts have prohibited the use of lasers for people in certain conditions.
Avoid laser hair removal if you are in the following conditions; Because it may reduce its effectiveness or cause side effects:
- Taking drugs containing gold
- The presence of hormonal disorders
- A history of repeated infections or herpes
- Presence of excess flesh in the desired area for laser
- Using tanning sprays
- The presence of tattoos, tattoos or moles
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Skin diseases such as lupus
- Skin with hives or severe allergies
- Taking blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin, etc.
- History of herpes or genital warts
What are the terrible side effects of laser hair removal?
A small amount of redness and skin irritation is normal for up to three days after laser treatment. In general, it can be said that this popular method does not have terrible side effects; Unless you do the laser in a reputable clinic and by an experienced technician.
In this case, you may face some serious complications, which include:
- Burns and blisters
- skin infection
- Recurrence of genital warts or herpes
- Eye injuries
- Increase the thickness of unwanted hair
- causing severe skin sensitivity
- Change in skin color
Is bikini laser hair removal effective?
Pubic hair removal is one of the most popular types of laser hair removal for women. In fact, vaginal hair removal laser helps you to get rid of excess hair faster and without trouble, and in addition to the softness and smoothness of the skin of this area, you have a clean bikini line.
Can men also do laser hair removal?
Men, like women, can use this popular method to remove excess hair. Most men experience sensitivity and skin irritation by shaving their excess hair, and in such a situation, laser treatment will be a very good option. It is enough to go to a reputable clinic to use the right device, considering the thickness of men’s unwanted hair.
The points that can be removed by laser hair removal for men are:
- Chest and abdomen
- neck and shoulder
- back
- the arms
- armpit
- beard line
- hands and feet
- waist and hips
- Private points
Is laser hair removal dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause an increase in excess hair and reduce the effectiveness of laser therapy. Currently, there is no valid evidence to prohibit laser hair removal during breastfeeding or pregnancy. However, due to the lack of sufficient research and documented results regarding the safety of laser radiation for the fetus and baby, it is better to postpone it until after delivery and the baby is one year old.
Choosing the best laser hair removal clinic
Currently, there are various devices for laser hair removal, the effectiveness of each of which is different according to the type and color of the skin or the thinness and thickness of the hair. Therefore, it is better to choose a clinic that has a device suitable for your skin type. Also, make sure that laser services are performed under the supervision of a skin and hair specialist.
How many sessions are laser hair removal?
Removal of unwanted hair with this method is scheduled in 6 to 8 sessions on average.
At what age is laser hair removal suitable?
All people over the age of 18 whose hair growth pattern is established can use this method.
Which laser hair removal machine is better?
The best device should be chosen according to the type of skin and the type of hair thickness. For example, for light skin with dark hair, IPL, Alexandrite and diode devices are suitable. For dark skin and hair, the Yag device is considered a better option; But it is better to laser light hair with a diode device.
Sources: webmd | medicalnewstoday