How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Are you annoyed by the need to constantly eliminate unwanted hair from your face or body? Tedious activities like shaving, waxing, or plucking can become a thing of the past when you undergo a convenient laser hair removal procedure. Choosing laser hair removal may be the most convenient option, but does it really work? 

What is laser hair removal?

Laser removal is a treatment involving the utilization of a laser that sends focused wavelengths of light into hair follicles. The laser light that is sent into the treatment site is converted to heat, which is absorbed by melanin, or pigmented parts of the hair Shaft. This “zaps” the hair follicle, keeping it from producing hair at the site of treatment. Your practitioner can treat many hair follicles simultaneously for the permanent removal of hair in the treatment area. The ability to treat a large quantity of hair makes it a much more effective treatment than plucking, and the permanency is more convenient than shaving.  

Who makes a good candidate for the treatment?

Since the laser targets melanin, the best candidates are those with dark hair. However, if you have lighter hair, you could still make a good candidate for this treatment. Your practitioner can decide if this treatment would benefit you at your initial consultation.

How many treatments are required?

Some patients are surprised to learn that multiple treatments are necessary for the removal of unwanted hair. To understand why this is the case, it may be helpful to understand how hair actually grows from hair follicles. Individual hair follicles have individual growth phases. A given hair follicle may be in a growth phase while another is in its dormant phase. Since the laser requires the presence of a hair for accurate targeting, hair follicles in a dormant phase can’t be treated until they move into a growth phase.

What should I expect at my treatment?

Your treatment begins by shaving down hair in the treatment site. Your technician will specifically set the laser equipment based upon your unique specifications and perform a test. Both of you may need to wear protective eye gear during the treatment. Your technician will then transmit laser energy into hair follicles to eliminate them and block the growth of unwanted hair in the treatment site.

Are there any precautions that I should follow before or after my treatment?

You need to ensure that you do not have prolonged UV radiation exposure for a week or so prior to your appointment, including the use of tanning beds. This is because UV radiation can negatively impact the treatment process and hinder your recovery.

You should also refrain from undergoing  other types of laser procedures in the treatment area for a couple of weeks before and after your laser hair removal session. Avoid applying anything that could irritate your skin, like chemical peels or retinoids, following your procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

Interested in having a laser hair removal treatment? Schedule a Consultation at Me by Michelle! You can reach us through our website, or by call or text.