The Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal: Everything to Know

Laser hair removal is one of the top five most wanted beauty procedures available today. It can help to remove unwanted hair that makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance. 

If you decide to go for laser hair removal, there are some things you should know. Having an awareness of the cost, the recovery time, and what the process is like will make the procedure less stressful for you.

To find out everything you need to know about laser hair removal, check out the list below. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal uses a laser to remove hair from particular areas of the body. A laser is a beam of light that is concentrated on one part of your body, specifically wherever you want the hair removed.

During the hair removal process, the laser is focused on the hairs on one area of your skin. 

The laser is absorbed by the pigment, also known as melanin, within the hair follicle. When the light is absorbed, it turns into heat. The follicle experiences damage, which can stop or dull new hair growth. 

What Is the Laser Hair Removal Process Like?

Your laser hair removal technician will begin by asking where you want your target area to be. They will then mark this area so that this is their main focus point. 

Your technician might apply a numbing or cooling gel to ease any discomfort. However, this will depend on the area that is being treated. 

The laser is a handheld device controlled at all times by your technician. The length of time it takes will depend on what area the hair is being removed from. Usually, one session shouldn’t take longer than an hour. 

Who Is Laser Hair Removal For?

Anyone with body or facial hair that they are unhappy with is a perfect candidate for laser hair removal. However, certain hair and skin types can alter the outcome of effective laser hair removal.

Many technicians find that those with paler skin and darker hair get the most out of laser hair removal. This is simply because of the color contrast between lighter skin and darker hair. This color contrast can make it easier to target specific patches of hair, as they are more visible. 

However, if you do not have dark hair or pale skin, don’t be discouraged. Speak to a laser hair removal technician to decide what the best option is for you. 

Are There Different Kinds of Laser Hair Treatments? 

There are five main types of laser hair removal: ruby, diode, Nd:YAG, alexandrite, and IPL. Each has its own benefits. 

The ruby laser hair treatment is perfect for fine, thin hair. It uses a shorter wavelength, so it is not recommended for longer hair.

The diode laser hair removal treatment is a better choice for those with thicker, more stubborn hair. This laser has a longer wavelength, so it gets to coarse hair more easily.

The Nd:YAG laser hair removal treatment uses the most up-to-date treatment to get rid of unwanted hair. It relies on carbon-based technology to damage even the thickest hair at its source.

The alexandrite laser hair removal treatment is a popular choice amongst LHR technicians. Known for its speed, this laser gets rid of thick hair quickly. This laser can be more painful than the rest, so recent updates have incorporated cooling devices to ease patient discomfort. 

Finally, the IPL treatment uses pulses of light rather than a laser to get rid of hair. This means technicians can adjust the wavelength to work for thin or thick hair. 

Is the Procedure Painful?

Laser hair removal can be painful, but most people just find them mildly uncomfortable. Technicians will use a cooling agent to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. 

Taking a painkiller half an hour before the treatment can also help. Following the procedure, you can apply ice to the affected area if it feels warm or uncomfortable. 

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

To get the most out of your laser hair removal experience, ensure you shave the target area the night before treatment. This allows the laser to get directly to where it needs to be.

However, you should avoid other hair removal types, such as waxing and plucking. This is because these methods of hair removal can pull hairs out at the follicle. This is the area that laser hair removal is trying to target, so you want to avoid removing it. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Treatment Expensive? 

How much you pay for laser hair removal will depend on the type of treatment you are getting, how large the area is, and how many sessions are needed.

On average, laser hair removal costs just under $400 per session. However, this will vary. You may pay less for upper lip hair removal than leg hair removal, simply because the area is smaller.

Consult your technician to find out how much you will need to pay for treatment. Many laser hair removal clinics offer payment plans to help cover the cost of treatment. 

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Again, this will depend on the area that is being targeted. A larger area will require more treatment sessions than a smaller one to ensure all the unwanted hair has been treated.

As a general rule, you should expect to have between two and six sessions of laser hair removal. You may start to see results in between sessions, but it is important to attend all the sessions your technician has recommended. That way, you can be sure all the hair on your target area is removed.

Your technician will be able to advise you on how many sessions you need and how long you should wait between sessions. For body hair, sessions usually happen every 4-6 weeks, and facial hair sessions can be done every 2-4 weeks. 

How Long Does Recovery Take?

You shouldn’t need to take any time off work or away from your daily life to recover from laser hair removal. However, there are certain things that should be avoided to ensure the treatment is effective and you experience as little discomfort as possible.

Exfoliation treatment should be avoided for about five days after laser hair treatment. Your skin might be dry after the treatment, and exfoliation can irritate this.

You should also avoid going to a spa for about a week following laser hair removal. The heat in saunas and steam rooms might irritate the treated area. 

Finally, avoid shaving for three days after treatment. Your skin is still healing during this time, and shaving can upset this process. 

Will the Results Last For a Long Time?

If the follicle has been correctly destroyed, then laser hair removal treatment is permanent. Your hair should not grow back, nor should you experience ingrown hairs because the follicle itself has been destroyed.

However, laser hair removal may not always guarantee that all the follicles in the target area will be treated the first time round. If you notice regrowth after your treatment sessions have ended, consult your technician. They will recommend that you return for two or three sessions to make sure all the follicles have been treated. 

What Can Stop Someone From Getting Laser Hair Removal? 

While laser hair removal is perfectly safe for most people, there are some exceptions to this rule. Pregnant people are one group of people who are not suitable for laser hair removal. 

While there is no conclusive evidence that laser hair removal isn’t safe for unborn babies, it is still not worth the risk. 

Another group of people who aren’t suitable for laser hair removal is those who are breastfeeding. This is because the hormones associated with breastfeeding can create new hair growth more rapidly. This makes laser hair removal less effective and could be a waste of money for those who are still breastfeeding. 

There are also certain medical conditions that can be disruptive to effective laser hair removal treatment. Many of these are skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. You can discuss your medical condition with a technician to see if they think laser hair removal is a safe option for you.

Let Laser Hair Removal Make Your Unwanted Hair Disappear

Laser hair removal is the first step in getting you the look you want. Unwanted hair can undermine your confidence, leading to self-image issues. With the right laser hair treatment, you will feel like your most confident self.

As a safe and medically approved treatment, you don’t have to worry about anything once you decide to pursue laser hair removal. As long as you are being looked after by a qualified technician, you’ll be in the safest possible hands.  

If you’re ready to learn more about laser hair removal and how it can improve your life, check out this page. You’ll learn all the most important facts about laser hair removal and what you will need for your treatment. You should also contact the excellent customer service team if you need more information.