By Raymond Schoeman.
Laser hair removal is a popular and effective method of getting rid of unwanted hair, but it’s not without its challenges. Unfortunately, many hair removal therapists make mistakes that can compromise the results of the treatment, leading to unhappy clients. In this article, we will look at the five most common mistakes made by hair removal therapists and how to avoid them.
- Not dosing fluence properly during a “pain-free” treatment with the gliding technique.
One of the most significant mistakes hair removal therapists make is under-treating their clients. In laser hair removal, the whole area being treated must receive sufficient energy to kill the dermal papilla. This requires calculating the correct fluence, which is the amount of energy delivered to the skin per square centimetre. Unfortunately, most therapists tend to under-treat their clients, resulting in no results or, at best, temporary shedding. It’s crucial to calculate the appropriate fluence for each client to ensure that they get the best possible outcome.
- Not using pulse duration effectively to increase results.
Most types of laser treatments require a very short pulse duration to destroy the target without causing harm to the surrounding tissue. However, when it comes to laser hair removal, the hair is used to heat and destroy the surrounding tissue, not the hair itself. Therefore, it’s essential to give the hair enough time to heat up and spread the heat to the surrounding tissue. This takes time and requires a longer pulse duration than most other laser treatments. Failure to do this can compromise the results of the treatment.
- Over-reliance on gel during a laser hair removal treatment.
Some energy-based treatments, like HIFU, require conductive gel for the treatment. However, this is not the case with laser hair removal. Using it excessively can cause diminished results. This is because anything on the skin that the light has to travel through can have an adverse effect on the light, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Not knowing how to switch between the gliding and stepping methods.
The gliding method is a popular technique used in laser hair removal. However, it has limited usefulness and can cause a plateau in the results that clients achieve. It’s essential to know how to switch between the gliding and stepping methods effectively to ensure that clients get the best possible results. The stepping method, in particular, can be more effective for certain areas and types of hair.
- Not using cooling effectively for increased results and client comfort.
Most diode lasers offer skin cooling as a default feature, but the main reason for cooling is to keep the diodes from overheating. Very few machines offer dedicated and sufficient skin cooling. Cooling can be highly beneficial for the client’s comfort during the treatment, but it can also increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Failure to use cooling effectively can result in suboptimal outcomes.
In conclusion, laser hair removal is a highly effective treatment for unwanted hair, but it requires expertise and precision to achieve the best possible results. By avoiding the common mistakes outlined above, hair removal therapists can provide their clients with a comfortable and effective treatment that meets their expectations.
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