Question 1

How does laser hair removal work?

Accepted Answer

This type of hair removal procedure uses the heat from laser light to destroy or damage follicles. The laser targets the melanin in the hair, which absorbs the light, damaging the hair-producing sacs within the skin. Some laser hair removal devices are large enough to treat multiple hair follicles simultaneously.

Question 2

How long does laser hair removal take?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal sessions don’t take very long. However, the size of the treatment area plays a role. For example, treating the hair follicles above the upper lip takes a few minutes, while working on hair removal for both legs can run about two hours. Underarm hair removal sessions average 30 minutes to an hour. For each treatment, budget additional time for prep.

Question 3

How long does laser hair removal last?

Accepted Answer

When a hair follicle is effectively destroyed, it no longer grows hair. In those areas, the hair removal lasts indefinitely. However, laser hair removal treatments are not 100 percent effective in destroying the follicles. Often, many of the targeted areas are only partially damaged. In those areas, patients see regrowth within several weeks to a few months.

Question 4

How many sessions do I need for laser hair removal to be permanent?

Accepted Answer

This is a long-term solution, not a permanent one. Hair goes through phases, including periods of rest, shedding, and growth. All the hair in a single area doesn’t sync. So, when a technician is treating your legs with a laser, it only affects the hair in an active growth phase. Plus, some follicles are only damaged, not destroyed. So typically, about four to six sessions over six to nine months are required for maximum effect.

Question 5

Is laser hair removal safe?

Accepted Answer

Professional laser hair removal is generally safe if the individual performing the treatments is trained and knowledgeable about the process. Patients following the recommended guidelines might also help prevent complications. In rare cases, clients who tend to scar may have some scarring from the treatment. There is no current research addressing the safety of home laser hair removal use.

Question 6

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Accepted Answer

The laser hair removal process may be uncomfortable. Some people experience more discomfort than others. A dermatologist can apply high-quality numbing cream to the area first to lessen pain. You may have some temporary skin irritation, swelling, and redness after the treatment. But that should subside in a few hours. Ice packs can help reduce these effects.

Question 7

How much does laser hair removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal prices vary, depending upon the treatment area, the service provider, the type of laser, and where you live. The following rates are broad averages.

Lower legs — $600 to $850
Bikini area — $350 to $500
Arms — $350 to $500
Armpits — $150 to $300
Face and neck — $600 to $900
Chest — $350 to $600
Back — $600 to $900

Question 8

Is laser hair removal worth it?

Accepted Answer

This long-term solution is likely a good investment for individuals who spend a lot of time and money on traditional hair removal techniques. Weigh the lifetime cost of razors, shaving cream, depilatory creams, and waxing against the expense of laser hair removal. But if you have only fine, light hair, this hair removal technique may not be worth the expense.

Question 9

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal session?

Accepted Answer

Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session. Stay out of the sun and tanning booths for at least two weeks before treatment. Follow any other instructions provided by your clinic. No other hair removal methods should be applied between treatments — such as tweezing, waxing, or using hair removal creams.

Question 10

Do I tip the laser hair removal technician?

Accepted Answer

While not mandatory, tipping is recommended, as it’s standard to tip your service professionals. Bear in mind that you will likely return for future sessions. The suggested amount ranges from tipping 10% to 15% of the total price to tipping according to the treatment area. For example, tip $10 to $20 for small areas. Give your technician $20 to $30 for medium areas, and tip $50 to $80 for removal of hair in large areas.

Question 11

What is electrolysis hair removal?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologists use an epilator device to focus on individual hairs for electrolysis. This method uses shortwave radio frequencies to damage the hair follicles. The result is twofold — the existing hair falls out and the follicle can no longer produce new hair. Several sessions are required for full effect.

Question 12

How does electrolysis work?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologists use fine needles to deliver the damaging electric current to each hair follicle, one by one. Patients usually need about eight to 12 weekly or biweekly visits to treat an area completely. This option works for all skin tones and hair types.

Question 13

How much does electrolysis hurt?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis is far less painful than it used to be, but it can still be quite uncomfortable for many people. The application of an anesthetic cream can ease the pain. Shorter sessions may also help patients better tolerate the pain.

Question 14

What is IPL?

Accepted Answer

IPL stands for intense pulsed light treatment. It’s used to help lessen or remove various cosmetic issues, such as age spots, varicose veins, rosacea, and unwanted body and facial hair. Unlike laser hair removal treatments, IPL uses multiple light wavelengths to destroy hair follicles. This approach is less targeted than a laser. So, it’s less likely to harm your top skin layer.

Question 15

Does laser hair removal cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

No evidence or research suggests laser hair removal causes cancer. Using light energy may concern some people since UV ray exposure can lead to skin cancer. However, the light emitted from the lasers used in these treatments has no UV range at all.

Question 16

Is there a laser hair removal for blonde hair?

Accepted Answer

Older laser technology was inefficient in targeting blond hair for laser removal. But technological advancements have improved these efforts. Some of these advanced lasers can artificially dye light hairs to help the laser find and travel down individual hairs to the follicles. Long pulse lasers have also been somewhat successful with the removal of blond hair.

Question 17

Does laser hair removal work on dark skin?

Accepted Answer

Laser hair removal is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. The lack of contrast between dark hair against dark skin makes older, short-wavelength lasers an unreliable and unsafe option for people of color. But newer, long-wave — Nd:YAG — laser hair removal tools are designed to overcome this problem.

The Motus AX is another good option. By heating gradually and applying low-energy heat pulses, this Alexandrite laser can be safely used on very dark skin. So, with the right equipment and a dermatologist trained in their use, people with medium to dark skin can reap the benefits of this newer technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

How does laser hair removal work?

How long does laser hair removal take?

How long does laser hair removal last?

How many sessions do I need for laser hair removal to be permanent?

Is laser hair removal safe?

Does laser hair removal hurt?