Unwanted hair can be frustrating to deal with. Aside from the fact that it is hard to get rid of, it also affects our confidence, which reflects how we feel and what we wear and do. If you are reading this article, you have probably tried different options like shaving, bleaching, and waxing but not no avail, and now you’re wondering if laser hair removal can help you permanently get rid of hair. Read on to find out!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that works by focusing beams of light on hair follicles to stop new hair from growing. The concentrated light is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair and converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles. It eliminates hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is often praised as a ‘permanent’ way of removing unwanted hair, but that is not entirely true. Laser hair removal puts the hair follicles in a state of dormancy for a long time. One of its biggest attractions is keeping the skin completely free of hair for much longer than shaving and waxing. Depending on various factors, laser hair removal can last for months or even years.
After you complete the recommended number of sessions, your treated skin will remain free for a long time, but since it’s not permanent hair loss, regrowth will occur, but the hairs will be lighter, finer, and fewer. In effect, this means that laser permanently reduces hair. In other words, it damages hair growth but doesn’t destroy them.
If you’re looking to prevent regrowth, it’s crucial to have a yearly touch-up session as recommended by your dermatologist. Also, keep in mind that hair growth may still occur in other areas of your body not targeted after undergoing the treatments.
Tips to make laser hair removal last longer
If you’re looking to get more out of the treatment, here are a few things you can do to make the removal last for as long as possible:
✓ Choose a qualified dermatologist with years of experience in providing laser hair removal treatments
✓ Don’t wax for at least 4-6 weeks before your appointment
✓ Protect your skin by avoiding the sun for at least 4-6 weeks
✓ Shave a day before the treatment to remove hair above the skin but leave the shaft intact
Wrap-up
Contrary to widespread assumptions, laser hair removal doesn’t eliminate hair forever. The effects are long-lasting, but hair growth is sure to reoccur since the hair follicles were not destroyed during the treatment. A more accurate description of a laser is that it critically slows down hair growth in target areas over an extended period. Still, with touch-up sessions, you can maintain your results and enjoy smooth, hair-free skin forever.
