So, you're thinking of trying self laser hair removal? No doubt you've heard the hype and seen some of the rave reviews. Why? Because it promises long-lasting smooth results. That means no more prickly legs, shaving rash, expensive salon waxing, or intense threading torture sessions.
But before you start zappin, it's important to understand how it works, any side effects, and the effort it takes for long-lasting results. That's why we put together this guide. It details everything you need to know about self laser hair removal, so you're prepared and know exactly what to expect on your laser journey. By the end of this article, you'll see that self laser hair removal is so easy, you can even do it from the comfort of your own couch!
So, if you're finally ready to get rid of that pestering leg stubble or the whiskers growing from your chinny-chin-chin, keep reading - we've got you covered.
Laser Hair Removal
If you're going to spend your hard-earned money on an at-home laser hair removal device, you're going to want to know what it is and how it works, right?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to eliminate unwanted hair. You can treat undesired hair anywhere on the body, except for the eyes. The most commonly treated areas include the chest, bikini line, legs, back, upper lip, chin, and underarms.
The principle behind laser hair removal is called photothermolysis, but don't worry about that. It is a pretty simple process with a fancy title.
How it Works
The lasers used in hair removal effectively destroy hair without damaging any of the surrounding skin. They selectively heat just the dark pigment melanin in the hair follicles.
We all know that light and heat are absorbed easily by dark materials or objects - hence, why we're told not to wear black in the summer or else we'll bake, right? The laser heat essentially works the same way, and when it is directed to the skin, it is absorbed by the dark pigment melanin, which is found in high concentration at the root of the hair follicle. This causes the root to heat up, which destroys the follicle, inhibiting future hair growth.
Simple, right? Well, not quite. There are a few issues with the process. For most lasers to work efficiently and properly, there needs to be a good contrast between the hair follicle and skin color. This allows the powerful laser to focus its light on the dark pigment within the hair and does not have pigment within the skin competing for it.
Do you have dark skin but have pesky unwanted hairs that you want to get rid of? Don't fret - laser technology has come a long way since first being developed in the 1990s, and there are now lasers like the Nd:YAG laser that can safely and effectively eradicate unwanted hair. This means that people of all skin tones can now reap in the benefits that laser hair removal has to offer!
Speaking of benefits... what are they?
Benefits
Minimal side effects. There are only a small handful of side effects that are associated with laser hair removal treatment, unlike other traditional methods, and those which do occur tend not to last more than a couple of days.
Cost-effective. Once you start on your at-home laser journey, you will no longer need to spend your money on costly wax treatments, razors, shaving, and depilatory creams, or other methods of hair removal. It may cost a little upfront to purchase the laser device, but over your life, you'll save a large amount by no longer having to spend money on these other hair removal procedures. You'll also save yourself a great deal of time that would otherwise be spent waxing or shaving.
No ingrown hairs. Unlike threading, shaving, and waxing, you won't have to put up with painful and unsightly ingrown hairs with laser hair removal treatment. Neither will you have to tolerate razor bumps or wax burns.
No waiting for hair growth. Another great advantage of laser hair removal treatment is that you don't need to wait for your hair to regrow for it to be effective. This means that while you're waiting for your laser treatment to work, you can remain fuzz-free, unlike with sugaring, waxing, and other hair removal methods where you must have at least ¼ of an inch of hair before each session.
Long-lasting results. Common methods of hair removal like shaving and waxing may eliminate unwanted hair, but the results are pretty short-lived. Laser treatment, on the other hand, offers months if not years of hair-free skin. In fact, some people even experience permanent results following their first laser treatment series, meaning they won't ever have to fuss with dull razors or sticky wax strips ever again.
Side Effects
At-home laser devices are not as powerful as the lasers used in a professional setting, so the side effects are quite minimal. Some of those effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Pigmentation changes
If you do happen to experience any of these minor side effects, don't worry because they typically go away after a few hours. If you'd like, you can apply a cold compress to help reduce the swelling and apply a little aloe vera gel to help with any irritation.
How is Self Laser Hair Removal Performed?
At-home laser hair removal devices are so easy and gentle to use - you can literally treat your unwanted hair from the comfort of your very own couch! Here's how:
Step 1: Getting Started
- Cleanse the area where you are looking to remove unwanted hair.
- Shave the entire area you are looking to treat (do not wax or pluck the hair).
- Pat your clean skin dry with a towel, and then you can enter step two.
Step 2: Select Your Treatment Level
Most self laser hair removal devices come with energy levels. For example, The KENZZI IPL Hair Removal Handset has five different energy levels so it can treat various skin tones and skin sensitivities while still producing results at any level. If this is your very first treatment or if you happen to have sensitive skin, we recommend starting with the lowest level (1) and work your way up to the fifth level (highest).
Step 3: Start Your Treatment!
- Place the handheld device on a 90-degree angle against your skin and then start the process.
- Be sure not to go over the same area more than once and move the device in a circular manner.
- Treat the area where you don't want hair to grow once every two weeks for a couple of months or until you can start seeing results.
Easy, Right?
Unwanted facial and body hair is a pain. Actually, let us repeat that - dealing with unwanted facial and body hair is a pain. Literally. Common methods of hair removal like waxing, shaving and tweezing may be easier, but they are usually accompanied by less than desirable side effects like razor cuts, wax burns, and ingrown hairs - ouch!
If you've been searching for a way to get deliciously smooth, flawless skin that's as easy as shaving without the nasty side effects, look no further because an at-home laser device like The KENZZI IPL Hair Removal Handset can help.
The KENZZI is so easy and gentle to use on your skin - you can do it from the comfort of your very own couch!
Sources:
TheFreeDictionary.com
Wiley
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