What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical/cosmetic procedure that exposes pigment cells in the hair follicles to a concentrated beam of light (laser). The light damages or destroys the hair follicle, thereby minimizing hair growth or causing permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions.
History of Laser Hair Removal
Did you know that the first attempt at creating a Laser hair removal was with a small ruby gemstone? It was invented on the 7th day of July 1960 by a man named Theodore H. Maiman. This very first attempt wasn’t much of a success. Although the Ruby Laser hair removal was able to remove hair from the body, it was not close to being a semi-permanent or a permanent means of hair removal, it caused more harm than good as the procedure was really slow, energy-draining and extremely painful, it even caused the skin to be damaged and burnt (almost beyond “repairs”), and it was only able to target a small skin area at a time.
However, in an attempt to produce a better form of permanent hair removal, another laser was created in 1970 and it was referred to as the “Alexandrite Laser”. The Alexandrite Laser was much less painful compared to the Ruby Laser but it wasn’t also half as good as the intention behind its creation, as it failed to provide adequate heat concentration to destroy hair follicles.
Thankfully there was a breakthrough after decades of trials and errors had gone into coming up with the perfect laser hair removal, when scientists and doctors had given up. Dr. Richard Rox Anderson (while working at the Havard Medical School) hired another doctor, Dr. Melanie Grossman to join his laser hair removal team in 1994, and, they finally produced an impressive laser hair removal which was designed to successfully uproot single hair follicles without causing pains to the skin.
Dr. Anderson was the first human specimen to try the laser on his skin and his specific laser hair removal technique is the foundation of our modern-day laser hair removal! He has developed a good number of commonly recognized laser treatments for medical and cosmetic procedures, one of which includes pigmented lesions, scar reduction, tattoo removal, birthmarks, etc. He has since published over 250 scientific books and papers and acquired more than 60 patents.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
- Very Fast
It removes hair at the speed of light and treats so many hairs at the same time. - Precise
It is a very precise form of hair removal. It only targets the pigmented areas on the skin, which means it deals only with the hair on the skin without hurting or harming the skin. - Hair Reduction
It helps reduce and weaken ingrown hairs. - A Quite Minimal Discomfort
Depending on each individual’s pain managing threshold, although, there may be some pain in the course of the procedure, it becomes less painful as treatments continue. - Saves Time and Energy
It helps save time that would otherwise be spent to wax or shave. - Effective and Predictable
Many people are lucky to have achieved permanent hair loss in the space of 3 to 7 sessions. - Covers Large Areas
It can be done on any part of the body, and the machine can cover large areas fast. - Minimal Side Effects
There may be few minor side effects, but they do NOT last more than a few days. - Long-lasting Results
Unlike shaving and waxing that lasts for just a few days, laser treatment un-apologetically destroys hair follicles, thereby giving the hair very little chance to re-grow. - Cost-Effective
Even though it is quite expensive, it helps save money in the long run. - Enviable Skin
After a few sessions, the skin becomes softer, silky, smooth, and pretty. - Scar-less
The procedure doesn’t cause scars unlike the scars gotten from mistakes while shaving.
Laser Hair Removal Challenges
- It’s NOT Magical
It takes a few sessions before the expected results start to manifest. All the hair follicles are not necessarily uprooted at once. Laser form of hair removal is a gradual process with amazing end-results. - Tan Unfriendly
It does not permit tanning shortly before or shortly after the laser procedure. - Possible Irritations
This irritation may be in the form of redness, swelling, itching, or tingling, and it subsides after a short while just like any other hair removal method. - Costly
It is a quite expensive procedure, but, after calculating the fact that it’s not a regular process like other forms of hair removal, and one may not have to do it anymore after a few sessions, it’s only fair to say it is cost-effective.
If it is not performed by a professional, such as a licensed esthetician, laser hair removal may leave burns or scars on the skin. - Risk of Skin Infection
Destruction of hair follicles with a laser can create a risk of skin infection.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for You?
Generally, Laser Hair Removal is known to be a safe procedure. However, it is important to note that it isn’t made for everybody.
Although most people find that laser hair removal is safe and well-tolerated, there isn’t any long-term health risk associated with the procedure. However, some people may experience minor side effects after laser hair removal.
The procedure is not good for: Pregnant women, Diabetic patients, people with Cardiovascular system disorders, Ontological Skin Disorders, infection disorders, skin disorders, new or very dark sunburn, and persons below the age of 17.
Alternatives To Laser Hair Removal
- Waxing
Waxing removes dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and glowing. However, some forms of wax increase hair growth due to increased blood flow in the hair follicle, which defeats the main reason for waxing in the first place. You can also use Epilfree to upgrade your waxing treatment to a permanent hair reduction. - Shaving
Shaving is the process of hair removal, using a razor or any other bladed tool, to cut or scrape it down to skin level. - Hair Removal Pads
The inner sandpaper like a side of the hair removal pad is rubbed gently on the skin in circular motions. This process helps cut the hairs while scrubbing the skin. However, this process is most effective on thin hair. It also helps massage the skin which automatically makes the blood circulate on the area applied and leaves the skin refreshed. - Threading
This is a common technique achieved by plucking the hair with a thread scissor. This method can be adopted on all types of hair. It is painful and could cut the upper layer of the skin if caution isn’t taken. - Tweezing
Tweezing is safe if properly executed. It is the process of using a small tool to pluck hair strands from the root which can be slow and time-consuming. It is linked to a major cause of hair growth inside the skin.
What is Laser Hair Removal Cost?
The price of Laser Hair removal varies, and it depends on the part of the body to be worked on. It could be as low as $150 and as high as a million dollars plus, Lol…
If you are a wax artist or know a wax artist, you should check out or TSG Hair Removal Category here.