How laser hair removal works • myLaser (2024)

FAQs

How laser hair removal works • myLaser? ›

Laser hair removal works by directing an intense beam of light at the hair, which is attracted by the melanin (pigment) inside, causing the hair to heat up and the follicle to be destroyed.

During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a powerful laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove unwanted hair. This light source heats and destroys hair follicles in the skin, which disrupts hair growth. Common areas to treat are the face, chest, legs, arms, underarms and bikini line.

To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

And you've noticed that when you sweat, smells different. It is the truth. Um, laser hair removal can in fact alter the microflora, which is basically the bacteria on your skin. causing your sweat to smell worse.

Clinical endpoint is described as erythema (redness) and/or perifollicular edema (swelling around the follicle) and can be seen following each treatment. It typically lasts a couple of hours.

"Freshly shaved is the best for treatment." If you can't resist waxing, allow hair to grow in for at least one week before a laser appointment. And although it takes several months for full laser hair removal, you can also shave in between visits.

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

And yes, you may still notice some hair a couple of days after your session, but this is often part of the natural shedding process or due to hairs that were in a different growth phase during treatment. Remember, quality laser hair removal is an investment in your confidence and well-being.

Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.

Regrowth on the body

You'll continue to see hair during the course of laser treatments. Some of this will be regrowth, but much of it will be hair that hasn't yet been treated. Once your course of treatment is complete, you may not see regrowth for many years.

However the relief from daily plucking and frequent waxing is worth it! You can expect your laser hair results to last years and in most cases, results are permanent. However keep in mind you may need occasional touch-up treatments to keep the area looking its best, particularly with facial treatment.

First of all it's important to keep in mind that laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. Overdoing it by having too many treatments in a short period of time can increase the risk of skin irritation. And even worse skin damage without actually having an effect on your hair follicles.

The treated area will be smooth for about four to six weeks following the first laser hair removal session. After this timeframe, patients should notice little fine hairs growing again.

Each cycle can be broken down into three phases: Anagen: the active growing stage. Catagen: the transitional stage. Telogen: the resting stage.

Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.