All the beauty magazines are talking about it. Models rave about it. Some of your friends have tried it. And now, here you are wondering if the day will ever come when you don’t have to pick up a razor and prep yourself for shaving. If you have ever thought about a world without shaving — laser hair removal is the answer.
If you are trying to avoid reactions to shaving, such as hyperpigmentation and ingrown hairs, your carriage has arrived. Laser hair removal comes as an alternative for those who wish to ditch the razor. However, there are plenty of questions surrounding this technique:
- How long does it last?
- Is stubble gone from my life forever?
- Can it replace my bikini waxes?
…just to list a few. In this article, we’ll discuss what laser hair removal is and how it works so you can decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you and your skin.
What is Laser Hair Removal
Laser hairfollicles
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The light given off by the lasers is absorbed by the melanin (or pigment) in the hair. The light energy then turns into heat that destroys the hair follicle from inside. Damage to the follicle inhibits hair growth in the future. This is the reason why multiple sessions are needed to inhibit hair growth in the treated area permanently.
Why Should You Choose Laser Hair Removal?
There are various reasons why someone would select this type of treatment — but mostly, it’s due to the more permanent solution to hair removal compared to other techniques available (and the hours per month saved on shaving and band-aid application).
You can solve several issues when you choose laser treatment for hair removal. Laser treatment areas can be used for eyebrow shaping to replace bikini waxes, manscaping, and hyperpigmentation correction. Discuss what you need done with your esthetician and together craft a treatment plan that works for you.
What to Expect from Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
The time needed for your office visit heavily depends on which areas of your body you want to be treated. While your upper lip may only take a few minutes, your legs or back could take up to two hours per session. You will typically see some results after your first treatment, and more progress as more sessions are completed.
However, it will take several treatments to permanently remove the hair from your chosen area. The hair will continue to grow after the initial treatment, but the hair will come in a lot more refined after each session, and eventually, the hair follicle will close entirely. Once the follicle closes, the hair will no longer grow.
The Benefit of Laser Hair Removal
The laser uses pulsed light to destroy pigment in the hair. Therefore, while going through treatment, it can also target discoloration in skin pigment as well. If you have issues with hyperpigmentation, this treatment will not only get rid of unwanted hair but can also reverse some of the hyperpigmentation of the skin in the treatment area.
How to Prepare Yourself
As you prepare for your appointment, avoid certain activities that could affect your treatment area. Things like self-tanners, lotions, or deodorants can negatively impact your treatment’s efficacy. Be sure to check with your esthetician about what things to avoid before your appointment.
The zap of the laser is often described as feeling like rubber bands snapping against your skin.. Talk to your esthetician about pain management solutions if you experience significant discomfort.
After Laser Hair Removal
You may notice after your treatment, in the days and weeks ahead, your skin is lacking moisture. Applying a little extra moisturizer to this area is a good idea after at least two days of letting the area heal post-treatment. Increased dryness occurs as a result of the oils that were produced by the hair no longer creating them..
Keep your expectation within reason. While some will never need to shave again, others can see hair regrow after several months. Therefore, some retreatment may be necessary to ensure all the hair follicles indeed close permanently.
Say Goodbye to Your Old Routine
That smooth skin you’ve been wanting for so long is just a simple appointment away with Dulce Lash and Skin.
From basic skin care and elegant, beautiful lashes to MedSpa procedures and gentle body waxing, Dulce Lash and Skin keeps your skin glowing from head to toe. With three convenient locations in Seattle, Bellevue, and Mercer Island and a full bevvy of skincare services, our highly skilled master aestheticians will guide you through a personalized plan to address all your skincare needs. Drop us a line for more information or to call and book your appointment today!
