Laser hair removal in London, Manchester and other major cities across the UK is proving extremely popular, with beauty salons across local high streets offering the service, such is its popularity.
No more waxing appointments and no more disposable razors. But some customers are concerned about how laser hair removal actually works and whether there are any risks associated
How Does Laser Hair Removal Actually Work?
The process of laser hair removal involves a laser emitting a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light energy becomes heat, which damages the hair follicles. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Laser hair removal delays the effects of hair growth for long periods of time; however, it is not a permanent result. For initial hair removal, customers will need multiple treatments, then maintenance appointments may be needed to keep any unwanted hair from returning.
Laser hair removal has a slightly different effect on everyone. Usually, it is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair, however it can be successful on all skin types and hair colours.
The basic principle of laser hair removal is that the pigment of the hair and not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The light from the laser will damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. This is why a big contrast between hair and skin colour (i.e., dark hair and light skin) tends to give the best results.
Will Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
10 years ago, the answer would have certainly been yes. The burning sensation followed by the sensitivity was far from ideal. However, with newer technology and better trained technicians today things are quite different. Honestly, if you go for an appointment now you may not feel much at all. You may feel a small ’ping’ like an elastic band hitting you, but there shouldn’t be any burning or bruising, even in the most sensitive areas.
Are There Risks?
Risks of side effects will vary based on your skin type, hair colour, treatment plan and how closely you follow your pre-treatment and post-treatment care plan. There is more risk of damage to skin with hair colours that do not absorb the laser well, i.e., red, blonde, grey or white.
The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
Skin irritation: Which may include temporary discomfort, redness and swelling. These symptoms only tend to last for a few hours and should then disappear.
Pigment changes: Laser hair removal may affect the pigment of your skin, darken or lighten the affected area. These changes could be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening typically affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment, which is advised. It can also affect those who have darker skin.
Why Are People Choosing Laser Hair Removal?
Fashion and popular culture in the UK and around the world influence the ways we dress, our fashion sense and even the way in which we wear different items of clothing, all of which feeds through to influence the beauty treatments and regimes followed by millions of men and women in the UK and around the world (source: Rae-The Brand).
There is no single reason as to why laser hair removal is increasingly popular in the UK and around the world, but some of the most commonly discussed benefits of this hair removal method include:
- Hair removal provides long lasting effectiveness
- Laser hair removal reduces and removes any unwanted hair
- Many customers opt to remove hair on their legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line, but it is possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area (except on the eyelid or surrounding the eye area)
- A cost-effective option for hair removal
- No disposable products so it is a greener option than alternatives like creams and waxing
- Less hassle than other options because the effects are so long lasting
