Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. This hair removal procedure works by selectively targeting the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair with the light emitted from the laser. The pigment absorbs the light down to the hair root, converting the light energy to heat and damaging the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage is what then inhibits or delays new hair growth.
People have frequently asked if the laser hair removal procedure is permanent, and the simple answer is; No, it is not. However, it keeps the hair follicles dormant longer than the other common hair removal methods, such as tweezing, shaving, and waxing. Over time, some follicles may begin to produce hair again, and when they do, the hairs are usually lighter, thinner, and fewer in quantity. This article will discuss more information you should know about this procedure. So, ensure to read to the end.
The Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal
The success of laser hair removal depends solely on hair color and skin type. This form of hair removal works best on dark hairs on light skin. The basic principle is that there should be a contrast between hair and skin color. This is so that the dark pigment of the hair should be the target of the laser rather than the skin’s dark pigment. The laser should damage only the hair follicles while avoiding damage to the skin.
The risk of damage to the skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but thanks to advancements in laser technology, laser hair removal is now an option for people with darker skin tones. Laser hair removal is less successful for hair colors that don’t absorb light well, such as gray, red, blonde, and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair are still being developed.
Despite the high success rate of laser hair removal, hair follicles gradually recover and start new hair production. You will need to undergo multiple treatment sessions to ensure the best results possible.
Why follow-up sessions are needed
It’s unlikely that one treatment will target all the hairs in their growth phase, so follow-up treatments are necessary to get the most out of laser hair removal. Although the exact number of maintenance laser treatments depends on the individual’s skin type, you’ll need anywhere from six to eight treatments to eliminate all hairs. You must also space each session from six weeks to eight weeks apart. This means that the whole treatment cycle may last up to nine months.
Additionally, you’ll need occasional maintenance sessions to keep hair follicles from regenerating. Depending on your individual needs, you may need a maintenance session once or twice a year after your full initial round of laser treatment.
The bottom line
Although laser hair removal isn’t permanent, it’s still one of the best options for long-term hair growth reduction. You can also talk to your laser technician about other long-term hair reduction options, such as electrolysis and needle epilators.
Suppose you don’t want to spend money on a medical procedure that isn’t permanent. In that case, you can try out at-home hair removal options such as waxing or sugaring, tweezer epilators, plucking, and shaving.
Contact Skin Clinic Robina
To enquire about our Laser Hair Removal Robina treatments at our Gold Coast skin clinic, contact us today.
