As technology has changed over the years, permanent hair removal has significantly improved. However, many of the myths that were in place when these kinds of treatments were in early stages of development still exist.
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Our free and comprehensive consultation for laser hair removal covers everything you need to know about the procedure. Rather than allow false rumors to deter people from laser hair removal, let’s bust some of the most absurd myths wide open.
Myth 1: You can’t receive laser hair removal treatments if you have naturally dark skin.
It has been a myth seemingly for decades that those with naturally dark skin tones aren’t candidates for laser hair removal. It’s true that when laser hair removal was first introduced to the public that clients with dark skin, especially those of African-American descent, experienced loss of skin pigmentation, giving the treated area a discolored appearance. This, however, is a problem of the past as the latest lasers used for laser hair removal emit different wavelength levels that, along with a highly skilled laser technician, can be customized to each client’s skin color and type.
Myth 2: Laser hair removal doesn’t work on the face.
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Myth 3: You can’t have laser treatments done over the summer.
Many people think that laser hair removal can’t be performed over the summer since it’s recommended that clients avoid the sun several weeks prior to each laser session as well as for two weeks after. For those sun worshippers, it might be best to hold off for the cooler months to have your laser treatments done, however, there’s no rule against having a session over the summer. Laser clinics don’t shut down when June comes around, and since laser treatments are scheduled a minimum of 8-10 weeks apart, it’s likely clients who started their laser hair removal in the spring will only have one or two treatments where they will have to try to avoid the summer sun. Sun exposure will often cause problems during the healing process, such as blisters and infections.
Myth 4: Laser hair removal exposes you to radiation.
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Myth 5: Laser hair removal won’t work on vegetarians.
This rumor was likely started by a vegetarian with a diet heavy in beta carotene, which includes carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and other orange-colored vegetables, ultimately giving the skin a yellowish hue. For anyone with this kind of diet, the lasers will have a more difficult time targeting the pigment in the hair because they’re absorbed by the extra pigment in the skin, however, vegetarians don’t all have yellow skin. This can happen to anyone who doesn’t have a well-balanced diet, regardless of being a vegetarian or not.
Myth 6: Laser treatments are incredibly painful.
Laser hair removal and other laser treatments have gotten a reputation for being extremely painful. This is a huge exaggeration. Without the assistance of a skin numbing agent, laser treatments are often compared to the sensation of a rubber band snapped against the skin. Since the procedure has such a strong reputation for being painful and everyone has a different threshold for pain, many laser clinics have found ways to assure their clients are comfortable. While a skin numbing cream can be purchased at most drug stores, laser clinics will often have it available for clients if requested. Additionally, many laser treatments are now performed with a cryogenic cooling device aimed at the treated area so that the skin is numbed and clients are more at ease.
Myth 7: Brazilian laser hair removal won’t work for those with red or blonde body hair.
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Myth 8: Women aren’t getting laser hair removal anymore.
The natural look might be in style, but that doesn’t mean women aren’t still flocking to their nearest laser clinics to get rid of their unwanted hair. Just because a woman doesn’t mind letting the hair under her arms or around her pubic area grow in, that doesn’t mean she’s necessarily fond of the dark hairs on her lower back or upper lip. Styles are always changing, but some of the country’s most fashion-forward women demonstrate that hair removal is a trend that won’t be going away anytime soon.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul A. Boulos
Dr. Paul A. Boulos is an excellent and versatile cosmetic surgeon, passionate about his vocation and helping others. Dr. Boulos is an alumni of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his General Surgery training at Inspira Medical in Southern New Jersey. He studied and learn under Dr. Joseph Castellano, one of the premier breast and body Cosmetic Surgeons in South Florida. He currently works as a Cosmetic Surgeon at Jolie Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL.
