Body hair—it’s something we spend lots of time, energy, and money on removing. Whether you’re tired of shaving or pained by waxing, laser hair removal may be a good choice for you.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce hair growth and thickness by using a low-energy laser beam. The laser beam locates your hair by its color and then travels down the hair shaft to disable the hair follicle, which harms the follicle’s ability to grow new hair.
“The laser responds best to dark, coarse hair because it uses a wavelength of light that’s attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle,” says Hailey Richards, a master esthetician at University of Utah Health. “It doesn’t recognize red, white, or blonde hair.”
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Although laser hair removal is a relatively painless process, your cosmetic specialist may prescribe a numbing cream to reduce any pain. Numbing cream is especially helpful for more sensitive areas such as facial or bikini areas.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Although it varies from person to person, most need at least 12 treatments for best results.
“Your hair follicles aren’t always growing at the same time, so hair that wasn’t growing during a treatment won’t be affected by the laser,” Richards says. “After a treatment session, you’ll notice these hairs growing in while others don’t.”
Here is a treatment schedule for the following areas:
- Facial hair: Every four to five weeks
- Underarms: Every five to six weeks
- Bikini area: Every five to six weeks
- Back, arms, and legs: Every six to seven weeks
Although laser hair removal doesn’t eliminate hair completely, you will notice a significant decrease in both the amount of hair and the texture of hair.
How should you prep for laser hair removal?
In preparation for your laser hair removal appointment, take these following steps:
- Shave the area being treated the night before your appointment.
- Keep the skin clean and free of any makeup, lotion, or moisturizers.
- Do not tan your skin or use any self-tanning products.
What does recovery look like?
After your appointment, your skin will be a bit red, warm, and sensitive for a few hours. Some patients use a small ice pack and apply aloe vera gel to calm the skin.
Avoid using any creams, ointments, perfumes, or lotions that could irritate your skin following treatment. You should avoid plucking or waxing the treatment area. Follow any instructions provided by your cosmetic specialist after your treatment.
How to choose a laser hair removal specialist
When choosing a laser hair removal specialist, do some research. Richards offers this advice:
- Choose a reputable place with a doctor onsite, such as a dermatology or plastic surgery office.
- Make sure the aesthetician or laser specialist is certified to perform the procedure.
- Find out how long the professional has been doing laser procedures.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Laser hair removal is a convenient and effective solution for achieving smoother, hair-free skin with long-lasting results. By understanding how the process works, preparing correctly, and following aftercare instructions, you can ensure the best possible experience.
Whether you're looking to simplify your beauty routine or feel more confident in your skin, laser hair removal can be a worthwhile investment in self-care.
