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Is Laser Hair Removal for You?

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Hair laser removal is perfect for people with unwanted hair. It is a permanent hair removal treatment that works by shooting a laser beam at hair follicles. The laser either destroys the follicle or puts it into a state of rest. This causes hair to stop growing, or at least slows growth down.

It is easy to see why people with excessive body hair, facial hair or back hair would want to seek permanent laser hair removal. Having too much hair on the face, back or body is unsightly and embarrassing.

In the past, a laser hair removal treatment was available only to light-skinned people with dark hair. This is because the laser for hair removal targets the dark melanin in the hair shaft. In the beginning, less sensitive lasers could not differentiate between light-colored hair and skin if they were too closely matched.

All that changed with advancements in technology. Today lasers have much greater sensitivity. People with different types of hair, skin types and colors now seek body hair removal, back hair removal or facial hair removal. Hair removal for men and for women is being done every day.

How to Get Permanent Laser Hair Removal

The first step that people interested in laser hair removal need to do is to see a dermatologist. During a consultation, the doctor will analyze hair thickness, hair color and location, as well as the skin type. They will also want to know about the patient's medical history and previous hair removal treatments.

Then the doctor will inspect any tattoos or moles in the area to be treated. This is all to make sure that the proper laser for hair removal is used and that the patient has realistic expectations.

Sometimes it takes multiple laser treatments to permanently remove unwanted hair. People with dark hair generally respond more quickly to treatment than those with light hair. There are medications available that increase the rate of success on light hair.

What to Expect During and After Laser Hair Removal

Prior to an appointment with a laser hair remover, patients should avoid sunless tanners and tanning beds. They should be sure to use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and not pluck or wax any hair in the area to be treated.

Shaving and hair removal creams are permitted. In fact, the area to be treated needs to be shaved before laser hair removal. The dermatologist may prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic to be taken before hair removal.

The day when the laser hair removal treatment is to be completed, the area should be cleansed and free of cosmetics. Anesthetic spray or cream may be used to numb the area undergoing treatment. Seeing technicians wearing eye protection is common because it prevents eye damage from the laser.

After hair laser removal, an ice pack or over-the counter pain reliever may be used. A sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 must be used over the treated areas when sun exposure can't be avoided. If minor burns and/or blisters appear, the patient can use a topical antibiotic.

Side effects from the laser hair removal system include redness and inflammation around the hair follicle, pain, and occasionally bacterial infection. There may be loss of freckles and a lightening of moles. Permanent pigment changes or scars are very rare.

The laser hair removal cost, depending on which area is treated, is between $150 and $500 dollars. This makes it a viable option for many people with unwanted hair. No longer does skin type or hair type matter when seeking this treatment. A smoother, hair-free body is literally just a phone call away.

The previous article is on Ingrown Hair.

Other wiki resources:  acne; ingrown hair; laser hair removal; men facial treatments