Laser hair removal is an effective and easy way to remove unwanted hair in various areas. It’s available to anyone through an appointment with a licensed professional laser therapist. And it’s a highly cost-effective way to get rid of your body hair for longer.
Many of you probably know someone who has chosen to have laser hair removal or has heard different things about it. As summer is headed our way, you may be considering laser hair removal and are looking for more information.
We are here to tell you everything you need to know about laser hair removal and separate the facts from the myths to help you decide whether to keep shaving or use an alternative method to eliminate unwanted hair.
The Facts About Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a procedure that needs to be performed by a licensed laser hair removal practitioner or dermatologist and has become increasingly common over the years. Below is what you need to know about laser hair removal.
Myth #1. Laser hair removal cannot be done during the summer.
Fact — You can have a laser hair removal treatment in the summertime. While most laser systems are used quite effectively on people with darker skin, it can affect the laser’s effectiveness on darker skin. It doesn’t mean the laser won’t work, however, you may need a few additional treatments.
It’s imperative not to get a tan or lay in the sun within 72 hours before or after your laser hair removal and to use SPF 30 when you are in the sun. Also, stay away from self-tanners, tanning creams, and tanning beds.
Failing to take these precautions could lead to scarring, skin damage, or burns. The ideal time to get laser hair removal treatments is during the fall. This will allow your skin the opportunity to adjust slowly.
Myth #2. Getting a laser hair treatment will remove unwanted hair forever.
Fact — Laser hair removal comes with a variety of results. Everyone is different, and some people will notice that their hair growth is significantly reduced within a few treatments, while others may need more treatments.
The success of laser hair removal depends on several factors, such as hair type, thickness, color, width, type of laser, laser energy level, genetics, and more. Laser hair removal treatments are very effective at reducing and eliminating hair growth; however, it is not guaranteed to remove all your hair.
If you have hair that grows quickly or is treated with an inefficient laser, you may notice hair returning in a shorter time. Once treatments are completed, hair will usually grow back significantly less or not at all.
Myth #3. There is no evidence that laser hair removal is safe.
Fact — The FDA has approved some laser hair removal systems. It’s essential to book your appointment with a laser hair removal specialist who utilizes an FDA-approved laser system.
Some beauty clinics might use a cheaper version of the laser system that is not FDA-approved. However, more affordable treatments are not always in your best interest, so choosing a medspa using a safer laser system can mitigate the risk of having issues from the treatments.
Myth #4. Your hair growth will increase if you get a laser hair removal treatment.
Fact — This is not true. If this were true, people looking for treatment for baldness would be getting laser hair removal treatments. Everyone has a unique hair growth pattern, and hair growth changes often. Lasers don’t make new hair follicles develop.
Myth #5. Hair type doesn’t matter, and everyone gets the same results with laser hair removal treatment.
Fact — Results vary depending on various factors. Treatment results vary based on color, thickness, skin type, and more, and effects may vary based on the individual.
Myth #6. There is no pain related to laser hair removal.
Fact — Most people feel that laser hair removal is pain-free or only experience minor discomfort. Laser hair removal is unlike waxing or electrolysis, which can be painful, whereas laser hair removal is similar to pinching.
Myth #7. Laser hair removal doesn’t work on all skin tones.
Fact — Laser hair treatment removal works on a wide variety of skin tones. Historically, laser hair removal treatments utilize a beam of light designed to target pigment in your hair to reach the follicle. The laser targets darker hair pigment, which is why it was often thought that people with darker skin and darker hair should avoid having treatments because of a lack of contrast.
The newer laser skin removal machines are effective and safe on darker skin.
Myth #7. Laser hair treatments don’t work on lighter hair.
Fact — Laser hair treatments don’t work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle.
Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective. Sometimes waxing or shaving may be a good option for people who want to go a different route.
Myth #8. You need to stop certain medications.
Fact — There is some truth to this, as medications that increase photosensitivity need to be stopped. You must be free from photosensitive medicines, including topical medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, allergy or cholesterol medications, and retinoids, for ten to fifteen days. Some medications, such as an accutane or isotretinoin, must be stopped at least six months before treatment due to the possibility of prolonged scarring and healing.
Myth #9. You will be exposed to radiation during a laser hair removal treatment.
Fact — FDA-approved laser hair removal systems don’t emit any radiation. The radiation only exists within the light barrier of the laser, doesn’t leave the barrier, and poses no harm to you.
Myth #10. Shaving is necessary before a laser hair treatment.
Fact — Yes! You must shave because if you don’t, the laser pulse will heat the entire strand of hair, and only a minimal amount will transfer to the follicle reducing the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment.
Are You Ready To Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair? Dulce Lash Is Here To Help!
It is time to freshen up your look and get ready for summer! At Dulce Lash Lounge, our team of experts provides fantastic customer service and will help remove your unwanted hair using Alma Soprano laser hair removal treatments, or do gentle body waxing, enhance your lashes, and beautify your eyebrows with Brow Microblading. You will look and feel your best.
We have five convenient locations in Seattle, Bellevue, and Mercer Islands and offer various skin care services. If you are ready to create a personalized plan to support your skin care needs, book an appointment today with one of our highly skilled master aestheticians to take your look to the next level.