Laser Hair Removal: Is It Right for You?

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, an average of 69% of women and 41% of men remove their body hair in some manner. 

Unwanted body hair can take time and effort to get rid of, and waxing and hair removal products can be expensive. That is why more people are turning to laser hair removal. 

At Vibrant Rejuvenation, we offer hair removal laser treatments to give you the smooth, hair-free look you want without the hassle of waxing and shaving. Learn more about laser hair removal benefits and how we perform this procedure. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted body hair. It employs a laser beam to target hairs in the treatment area. This non-invasive procedure does not require incisions. The most common areas for hair removal laser treatments include the following:

• Face
• Underarms
• Legs
• Bikini area
• Back
• Chest

The lasers eliminate hair growth through a process called selective photothermolysis. Lasers emit a light that the pigment in the hair, called melanin, absorbs and turns into heat. This heat damages the hair follicles — sacs shaped like tubes within your skin that create hair. By damaging the hair follicles, the laser delays new growth. 

For laser hair removal to be most effective, the hair must be in its growth stage or anagen stage. Because hair follicles are at different stages at any given time, most people need a few sessions to achieve complete results. 

This hair removal option is best suited for people who have light skin and dark hair since dark hair absorbs the most energy from the laser, but all skin colors and types can benefit from it. 

People who are pregnant, are taking certain acne medications, are prone to cold sores, have genital herpes, have keloid scars, or have skin cancer are not the best candidates for laser hair removal. Together, we can find an alternative that works better for you. 

Laser Hair Removal Benefits

One of the most important laser hair removal benefits is that, while it is not a permanent procedure, it can give you longer-lasting results than other hair removal options. You will have to schedule more than one session, but once these are over, you won’t have to worry about hair removal for a long time. 

This is also a non-invasive, fast option that requires no downtime. Laser hair removal also has benefits when compared to electrolysis. Electrolysis carries the risk of ingrown hairs, which are not likely with hair removal laser treatments. 

Before Laser Hair Removal

To prepare for the procedure, you have to schedule a consultation with us. We will get your full medical history and assess the treatment area. 

Let us know of any medications you take, especially if they are for acne treatments. Tell us if you have a history of scarring or skin conditions, and let us know if you have undergone hair removal procedures in the past. 

We will discuss what your expectations are and take photos of the treatment areas for accurate before and after comparisons. 

You will want to stay out of the sun for at least a week before your treatment and also avoid tanning beds or artificial tanners. Avoid any products that darken your skin. If you have darker skin or if you have a recent tan, we may prescribe a skin bleaching cream to lighten it a bit. 

We ask that you don’t use any other hair removal products and that you do not wax or get electrolysis done for at least four weeks before the laser hair removal treatment. 

Avoid blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as supplements like vitamin E, St. John’s wort, and fish oil. 

The day before the appointment, shave the treatment area. 

The Laser Hair Removal Procedure

We will give you goggles to wear and shave the area again, if necessary. We might also apply a topical anesthetic. 

We will then press the handheld laser to your skin, allowing the light to go right to the hair follicles. A small treatment area can take just a few minutes, while larger areas might take more than an hour. 

Once we finish the session, you can go back to your daily life. 

After the Procedure

You can apply ice to the treatment area if you want to. We’ll also ask you to avoid the sun and tanning beds between sessions. After your last session, wait six weeks before tanning. 

We recommend applying no makeup, lotions, or any other substances to the treatment area for 24 hours. 

The hairs will begin to shed gradually. You can speed up this shedding by exfoliation, but make sure to ask us about how often you should do this. 

You will need repeated treatment sessions because hair grows at different speeds and the best time to perform this treatment is in the new growth stage. Most people benefit from the results for many months. When hair does grow back, it is usually lighter and thinner. 

Get Rid of Unwanted Hair with Laser Hair Removal

Instead of having to worry about shaving, waxing, tweezing, and buying hair removal products, you can turn to laser hair removal. It can offer long-lasting results with a non-invasive technique, helping you to get the smooth skin you want. 

At Vibrant Rejuvenation, we focus on offering natural results that allow you to enhance your beauty without drastically changing how you look. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about the services we offer.