When it comes to removing unwanted hair, there are a lot of options available to us in this day and age. However, most of those options are just temporary solutions. With shaving, hair starts growing back immediately. Waxing is slightly more permanent, but the process can be painful, and the hair still grows back anyway.
Fortunately, there is a way to remove unwanted hair and drastically reduce its growth at the same time. Laser hair removal is the modern alternative to shaving and waxing, and the results are semi-permanent.
What is Laser Hair Removal
Also known as laser hair reduction, this procedure uses a concentrated beam of light, or laser, to target and eliminate hair. The laser also damages hair follicles to delay regrowth. After just one session, hair above the skin is usually eliminated. Any hair that grows back is noticeably thinner and sparser. Some areas of the body are more receptive to treatment than others and may require additional touch-up sessions.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Before the procedure starts, the hair is trimmed to a few millimeters, and a cooling gel is applied to protect the skin. Then, the laser beam is calibrated based on the thickness, darkness, and location of the unwanted hair.
After a test “pulse” to check for adverse reactions, the laser is then directed spot-by-spot across the treatment area. The light beam is automatically attracted to the pigment in the hair, which subsequently absorbs the laser’s heat, resulting in elimination and damage to the follicle.
The process isn’t exactly pain-free, but it’s reported to be less painful than waxing, thanks to the cooling gel. Some have compared the discomfort to a sunburn or a rubber band snapped against the skin. Most people need multiple sessions to see optimal results, with many professionals recommending anywhere between three to eight sessions spaced at least four weeks apart.
Benefits
The benefits of this treatment are plenty, beginning with its precision. The laser is precise enough to target hair down to its follicle without damaging any surrounding tissue. This level of precision also makes it possible to treat many different areas with this type of hair removal.
Another obvious benefit is the long-term results. With just a handful of sessions, you can spend the next few years without having to worry about shaving, waxing, and all the awkward, stubbly moments in between. Imagine all the time you could save, as well as the confidence boost!
Ideal Candidate
This procedure is appropriate for both men and women who have large areas of unwanted hair. The laser works best on people with dark hair and light skin. However, advances in modern technology have made it easier to treat a wider range of skin and hair tones using lasers of different wavelengths.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid this treatment, as well as people with tattoos in the intended treatment area. Otherwise, virtually anyone can receive laser hair reduction as long as they have realistic expectations and are committed to undergoing multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.
For more information visit Bergen County Medical Spa.
