Laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive and effective method for permanently reducing or removing unwanted hair. The laser’s light energy targets and destroys the pigment of your hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Over time, this prevents the follicle from producing new hair and stops it from growing darkly again. The number of treatments required for optimal results varies per individual, and it can be done anywhere on the body.
The most popular laser for hair removal is the diode laser. It is ideal for people with medium to dark hair and light complexions. The contrast between dark hair and light skin helps the laser easily identify the follicles that need to be targeted. It is less effective for white or gray hair and also doesn’t work on peach fuzz, which is considered vellus hair because it doesn’t have any pigment.
During the treatment, the laser technician will place protective eyewear over your eyes and apply a cooling gel or other skin protector to the area. Then, they will give you a pulse of the laser’s light. It might feel like a series of stings or a rubber band snapping against your skin, and some here patients describe it as a slight pain. If you are worried about discomfort, many topical numbing creams (i.e. Emla, Lidocaine) are available to be applied prior to your appointment, but make sure you have enough time for the numbing to wear off before the laser treatment starts.
To prepare for the procedure, it is recommended that you shave the day of your appointment. This will help reduce any potential irritation and also ensure that the hair follicle is visible for the laser to target. It is also important to avoid any other forms of hair removal, such as waxing or tweezing, in the days leading up to your appointment.
Your skin will be red and swollen after the treatment, but this is normal and can be alleviated by applying a cool compress. It is also important to not expose the treated skin to sunlight, as it can cause burns.
Most patients can achieve permanent hair loss after six to eight laser sessions, but it varies per person, and some might require more or less than that amount of sessions. After that, you can enjoy smooth, hairless skin forever!
If you want to reduce the amount of hair that regrows after your treatments, it is possible to perform yearly maintenance appointments. During these appointments, the laser will target any hairs that are beginning to grow in the active growth phase and prevent them from developing into full-grown hairs.
It is possible for hair to regrow in places where it was not destroyed by the laser, but this is rare. If you are concerned about the possibility of your hair regrowing after laser hair removal, a dermatologist can prescribe birth control pills or Spironolactone to treat hormonal imbalances that may contribute to hair growth in these areas.