Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to traditional hair removal methods like shaving and waxing. It’s a more permanent solution to help you eliminate unwanted hair. However, laser hair removal has some side effects, including temporary skin irritation and shedding. This blog post will discuss what shedding after laser hair removal is, why it happens, and how to deal with it.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatment Work?
Laser hair removal treatment uses waves of safe and effective laser energy deep into your hair follicles. The melanin absorbs the light in the hair shaft, which heats up and damages the follicle. This damage prevents the follicle from producing new hair cells, resulting in permanent hair removal.
Over time, this damages the follicles and prevents them from being able to produce new hair. The number of treatments required varies from person to person, but most people see a significant reduction in hair growth after just a few sessions.
Laser hair removal (LHR) is a relatively quick and painless way to achieve permanent hair removal, making it an increasingly popular choice for both men and women.
Learn About The Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle is a complex process, but understanding it can help to understand the laser hair removal process.
Anagen: The anagen phase is the growth cycle of hair. It is during this phase that LHR is most effective. This is because, during the anagen phase, hair is visible on the skin’s surface, moving heat down the strand and into the hair follicle.
Catagen: The catagen stage is a transitional phase of the hair cycle, during which the hair follicle shrinks and the hair shaft detaches from the blood supply. This stage typically lasts for 2-3 weeks, and during this time, LHR will not be as effective because the hair itself is already dead.
Telogen: Although it is most effective when the hair is in the active growth phase, known as the anagen stage, it can also be used on hair in the resting phase, known as telogen. However, treatment during telogen is less effective as the hair is not visible above the skin’s surface.
Why do Hairs Start to Shed After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
It is not uncommon for treated hairs to start falling out in the days following the procedure. Many people worry that this means the treatment has not been effective, but this is a sign that the laser has done its job. When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair.
This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.
Why My Hair Isn’t Falling Out Right After the Laser Hair Treatments?
It can take several weeks for this damage to take effect fully. In the meantime, the old hair continues to grow and shed normally. So while you may not see an immediate reduction in hair growth after laser treatment, rest assured that the treatments are working and that, eventually, you will see a significant decrease in hair growth.
Is There Any Way to Speed up the Process of Shedding Hair?
Shedding is a good sign that the treatments are working, but you can help to speed up the process by exfoliating your skin after each session. Exfoliating helps to remove any dead skin cells that may be trapping hair underneath, allowing the laser to penetrate more quickly and increasing the chances of successful treatment. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can exfoliate 1-3 times per week after LHR treatments.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Do I Need?
The number of treatments required for complete hair removal varies from person to person, but most people need between three and eight sessions. Laser hair removal treatment is a safe and effective alternative to traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing and shaving.
Post-Care After Laser Hair Treatment
While laser hair removal is considered a safe and effective treatment option, a few post-care guidelines should be followed to ensure optimal results. First, it is important to avoid sun exposure immediately following the treatment. This will help to prevent any additional damage to the skin. It is also essential to avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubs on the treated area for at least 24 hours. Finally, keeping the site clean and dry is advisable to promote healing. These simple post-care tips can help you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatment.
