Laser hair removal is a great option for people who are looking to simplify their life. Instead of spending time every day shaving or heading to the salon to get waxed on a regular basis, a few sessions of laser hair removal can leave you with smooth skin for years.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal?
1. Laser hair removal works best on people who have light skin and dark hair.
Because the laser uses the melanin in the hair to target the follicle, results tend to be best on fair-skinned brunettes. New laser systems have been developed that are effective on people with lighter hair or darker skin, but you should check first to make sure that the location you have selected for your procedure has this technology available.
2. You need to be willing to follow your provider’s instructions.
The procedure requires both preparation and after care. You will be responsible for following the instructions given to you by your provider so that you can have the best results possible, with a minimum of side effects.
3. You are aware of the side effects and risks.
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure and, like any other medical procedure, carries with it certain risks and side effects, such as:
— irritation
— crusting
— scabbing
— pigment changes
— scarring
Discuss the likelihood of these risks with your provider, and keep yourself informed.
4. You have realistic expectations for the procedure.
Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments. While results can be permanent, they do often require follow-up sessions. Maintenance treatments can vary greatly depending on the individual. Some may require follow-ups every three to four months, while others can go years in between.
5. You are looking for hair removal on your chest, back, shoulders, arms, armpits, legs, bikini line, upper lip or chin.
These areas of the body are considered safe for laser hair removal. Other areas, including the area between the eyes, may not be as safe. Consider waxing, plucking or electrolysis for those areas.
Laser hair removal is a great option for people who are looking to simplify their life. Instead of spending time every day shaving or heading to the salon to get waxed on a regular basis, a few sessions of laser hair removal can leave you with smooth skin for years.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal?
1. Laser hair removal works best on people who have light skin and dark hair.
Because the laser uses the melanin in the hair to target the follicle, results tend to be best on fair-skinned brunettes. New laser systems have been developed that are effective on people with lighter hair or darker skin, but you should check first to make sure that the location you have selected for your procedure has this technology available.
2. You need to be willing to follow your provider’s instructions.
The procedure requires both preparation and after care. You will be responsible for following the instructions given to you by your provider so that you can have the best results possible, with a minimum of side effects.
3. You are aware of the side effects and risks.
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure and, like any other medical procedure, carries with it certain risks and side effects, such as:
— irritation
— crusting
— scabbing
— pigment changes
— scarring
Discuss the likelihood of these risks with your provider, and keep yourself informed.
4. You have realistic expectations for the procedure.
Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments. While results can be permanent, they do often require follow-up sessions. Maintenance treatments can vary greatly depending on the individual. Some may require follow-ups every three to four months, while others can go years in between.
5. You are looking for hair removal on your chest, back, shoulders, arms, armpits, legs, bikini line, upper lip or chin.
These areas of the body are considered safe for laser hair removal. Other areas, including the area between the eyes, may not be as safe. Consider waxing, plucking or electrolysis for those areas.