If you were considering going for a laser hair removal procedure or were simply curious about it, then you have come to the right place!
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses highly concentrated beams of light to produce heat. This heat passes through your skin to destroy and remove the hair follicles. It stops new hair from growing faster and when they grow back, they are finer and fewer.
You can use laser hair removal on legs, hands, under arms, upper lip, back, and bikini line.
The procedure can take few minutes to two hours. It is a safe procedure, provided it is performed by certified dermatologists.
Here are some of the things you should know about Laser hair removal!
1. It is not permanent
Laser hair removal isn’t necessarily a permanent procedure to remove hair. It does slow down the hair growth and takes multiple sessions for effective results. When your hair does grow back, it is finer and fewer, and you do not get any ingrown hair.
For best results, you need to go for at least 6-8 sessions.
2. It works best for specific hair types
Laser hair removal is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair, because the beam focuses on the melanin in the hair.
It can work on people with dark skin but not every clinic has the equipment that works on dark skin.
However, this procedure mostly does not work on people with blond, grey or red hair.
3. Know your pain threshold before going ahead
Laser hair removal is a slightly painful procedure, but it is tolerable.
Everyone has a different pain threshold, hence the pain level can vary. If you have a low pain threshold, then you can ask for a numbing cream beforehand.
4. Care needs to be taken before you start the procedure
- You need to shave your hair 8 hours before or at least a day before the laser hair removal. Also, do not wax or tweeze your hair a month prior to the procedure.
- You can’t go for this procedure, if you have a sun tan or Sunburn. Hence, the ideal season for this procedure is winter.
- If you are taking any medicines that are photosensitive, you should stop taking them two weeks before the procedure.
- You need to be consistent with your sessions. You can go every four to six weeks for three months, in order to see the desired results.
5. It can be expensive
The cost can range from Rs.1000 to Rs.6000 per session. It is expensive because, you have to go for multiple sessions. The cost also depends on the body part. The cost is lower for smaller body parts such as, upper lips and the cost is higher for body parts such as, back or legs.
The cost also varies from clinic to clinic. The insurance does not cover the cost for laser hair removal, unless you have a really strong medical reason.
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6. Know the precautions involved with the procedure
- Do not go for this procedure if you are pregnant.
- Do not use laser hair removal anywhere near your Eye area.
- Do not workout for 48 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure as much as you can after the procedure, and use a generous amount of dermatologist recommend sunscreen.
- Do not take a hot shower for 48 hours after the procedure.
- Do not use your normal skincare products, especially products like retinoid and glycolic acid for 1 week.
- Do not use perfumes or deodorants after the procedure
7. Know the side effects before you finalize
The side effects of laser hair removal are temporary. It can cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, or itchiness.
The long-term side effects rarely occur, however its best to know about them. Some of the rare long-term side effects are, scarring, blisters, or excessive hair growth in the area of treatment.
These were some of the most important things you needed to know about laser hair removal. Hopefully this can help you make an informed decision regarding this procedure.
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