All about laser hair removal

One of the most common techniques for getting smooth, hair-free skin is laser hair removal. It makes sense that a large number of people are selecting this treatment given its capacity to target and reduce unwanted hair from practically any part of the body. If you’re sick of shaving, waxing, or enduring the pain associated with other hair removal techniques, laser hair removal provides a longer-lasting fix.

The accuracy of laser hair removal is one of its main benefits. Dark, coarse hairs can be targeted by the laser without harming the surrounding skin. For those who wish to remove hair from delicate areas like the face, underarms, or bikini line, this makes it the perfect option.

The treatment’s effectiveness and speed are additional appealing features. Most sessions are brief, and over time

What is laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a method of getting rid of hair that works by destroying the roots, or follicles. Melanin is affected by laser energy during the procedure, which heats the hair follicle as it travels down the hair. The follicle is destroyed as a result, and the hair stops growing.

Because the purpose of the light flashes is to work with melanin, girls with light hair, including those with gray hair, should not undergo this procedure because the device "does not recognize them" and cannot destroy the shaft or disrupt the root’s nutrition. Despite all the controversy, laser hair removal is a medical procedure that necessitates a medical license for the clinic to perform.

For whom is laser hair removal appropriate?

• people with excess hair on the body. In such people, hair grows quickly and very abundantly, so other methods of removal are ineffective and short-lived;
• those for whom depilation is not suitable. For example, some girls have ingrown hairs after waxing or sugaring, and after shaving there is irritation;
• people with dark hair;
• with hirsutism – male-type hair growth, when vegetation spreads on the chin, cheeks, back, chest.

The 1970s saw the first references to laser hair removal. Then, Mark Clement, a physicist, unintentionally exposed his hand to a laser beam. Consequently, every hair in the area that was illuminated was destroyed by the laser. The scientist did not give the incident much thought because the skin was unharmed, but a few months later he noticed that the area of the skin where the hair had not grown had stopped growing. After several iterations and approval, the procedure was eventually offered in cosmetology clinics under the name "laser hair removal."

While Mark Clement conducted his research using a neodymium laser, other kinds of lasers have since been developed:

• ruby;
• alexandrite;
• diode.

Ruby laser

The earliest example of a laser, which is hardly utilized in contemporary cosmetics. Owing to its 694 nanometer pulse length and 40–60 Joules, J per sq. cm of power, the ruby laser is only appropriate for extremely dark hair growing on pale skin.

• ruby apparatus more often than others leaves burns on the skin;
• less effective than other varieties.

Alexandrite

The Alexandrite laser, with a wavelength of 725 nanometers, has supplanted the Ruby laser and gained increased popularity. This kind of tool can remove vellus hair in addition to working on both light and dark brown hair. Although tanned skin can still benefit from the sessions, light skin yields the best results.

In the past, using an alexandrite laser to remove hair was extremely painful. However, newer models of these devices include a cooling system that reduces discomfort and evens out the pain. These cutting-edge gadgets include the Cynosure Apogee+ and Candela GentleLase Pro, for instance.

Alexandrite lasers can cause pain and burns if the skin is not cooled externally because they lack a cooling system.

Diode

800-900 nanometers is the wavelength of the newest kind of laser. The diode laser can be used on dark skin because of its frequency range of 1 to 10 Hz, but you shouldn’t get the treatment done right away after tanning. The diode laser will not "take" on hair that is totally melanin-free, such as gray hair, but if the hair is light and also contains some pigment, even a small amount of it, you can still achieve smooth skin.

The diode laser is used in conjunction with an ultrasound gel to remove hair, making it easier for the handle to slide across the skin.

Neodymium

The neodymium laser is not as powerful as an alexandrite or diode, but it does have a notable wavelength of 1064 nanometers. Neodymium lasers are used to remove spider veins from the skin; they are not used for laser hair removal because their main effect is to destroy the vessels that supply the hair.

In clinics, alexandrite and diode lasers are most frequently utilized. You can find both devices at the same salon in certain cases.

Both diode and alexandrite lasers are used in the Podruzhki chain of clinics. A patient’s skin type and hair color are among the initial data that determine which device is best for them. Every laser in our clinics is equipped with the necessary paperwork, such as a declaration of conformance and a registration certificate.

Any area where hair grows can benefit from laser hair removal:

• bikini area;
• hips and shins;
• intergluteal zone;
• face and neck;
• toes;
• arms;
• back and chest.

Pros and cons of laser hair removal

Advantages:

• long-term resultt. Usually hair stops growing altogether. In rare cases, re-growth is observed, but this is usually due to the low quality of the laser, incorrect device settings or unprofessionalism of the master;
• painlessness. A relative plus, since the severity of pain depends on the girl"s pain threshold, her hormonal background and even her menstrual cycle. But if you compare it with, say, waxing or sugaring, the pain level will definitely be less. The device itself also plays an important role. If the laser is modern and has a built-in cooling system, then the pain will be minimal;
• no negative impact on the skin condition. Of course, this is relevant if the master is a professional in his field, who correctly configured the device and took into account all the features of a particular client. After a properly performed procedure, there is no feeling of dryness, peeling and irritation;
• hair does not break off. Since the effect occurs on the shaft and root without their forced removal, there is no risk of breaking the hair and causing it to grow in;
• before the procedure, you do not need to grow your hair – for laser hair removal, it is enough to use a razor the day before the session.

Cons:

• several sessions from 6 to 12 will be required depending on the area of ​​exposure, the type of laser, as well as the initial characteristics of the hair and the client"s body as a whole;
• a wide list of contraindications – their number is much higher than for waxing, sugaring;
• the need to visit a clinic or salon. You can"t do this procedure well at home;
• an extended period of fighting hair loss. Here again, it depends on the area, but if you take the same bikini, then from the first visit to the final removal of hair, at least six months will pass.

What else do you need to know about laser hair removal

If you’re determined to use laser hair removal to say goodbye to your hair, remember that:

• a course will be required. The laser affects only those hairs that are in the active growth phase, which means that it will not be possible to cover all the hair in 1 procedure. The number of visits depends on the individual characteristics of the body – phototype, number of hairs, as well as their pigment saturation;

Various people may require varying lengths of time for complete hair removal; this is dependent on the unique features of the body and the area being epilated. An alexandrite laser typically takes 6–10 procedures, while a diode laser typically needs 8–12. The frequency of visits also varies depending on the kind of laser; for an alexandrite laser, it is every 5–6 weeks, whereas for a diode, it is every 3–4 weeks.

• the hair will not fall out immediately. Even those hairs that the device "recognized" will not fall out immediately on the couch in the epilation room. Usually, about 10 days pass from the procedure to hair loss. During this time, the hair dies due to lack of nutrition;
• the procedure has contraindications – be sure to study their list at the end of the article;
• it will be unpleasant. No matter how much the advertising headlines promise about the painlessness of the procedure, at least there will certainly be unpleasant sensations. This, of course, is not wax depilation, but the procedure will not pass without a trace. An exception will be girls with a high pain threshold, who will feel only a slight tingling or burning sensation.
• periodically it is necessary to maintain the result. According to our expert, the maintenance course consists of 3-4 procedures per year for a diode laser and 1-2 for an alexandrite laser. The maintenance course allows you to prevent hair regrowth if somewhere the hair follicles were not completely destroyed.

How is the laser hair removal procedure performed

Depending on the area chosen for hair removal, the process may differ, but the overall idea is generally the same.

Consultation before the procedure

It can be completed remotely or in person. At this point, the hair removal expert has to advise on several things prior to the procedure, including contraindications.

To get ready, the customer needs to:

• 3-4 weeks before, refuse all types of hair removal – plucking, sugaring, wax, thread, epilator;
• 2 days before going to the hair removal, you need to shave or remove hair in the desired area with depilatory cream. This is necessary so that the hairs are of an optimal length of 0.5-1 mm, and also enter the growth stage;
• 2 weeks before the procedure, you must refrain from natural tanning and visiting a solarium. If hair removal is to be performed on exposed areas of the skin, such as legs, in sunny weather, the experts recommend using a cream with SPF If the procedure is to be performed on an alexandrite laser, then the refusal period should be increased to 4 weeks;
• On the day of the procedure, you need to come to the master with clean skin, without traces of deodorant, foundation and other cosmetics. It is better to refrain from using them the day before the visit.

Procedure

1. The client lies down on the couch and receives protective glasses. They are needed to prevent damage to the retina of the eye from light flashes. The master also puts on glasses;
2. The flash power, their frequency, and wavelength are set on the device;
3. Epilation is carried out – exposure to light on the epilated area.

Post-procedure care

• on the day of the procedure, you can take a light shower, but without using hygiene products and a washcloth;
• if there is slight swelling and redness on the skin, it is permissible to apply Panthenol foam to the area – it will prevent dryness and relieve discomfort;
• for 2-3 days, it is recommended to refrain from visiting the pool, baths, saunas and other rooms with high humidity, and also reduce physical activity to avoid excessive sweating;
• 3 days after the procedure, tonics, lotions and other cosmetic products with alcohol should not be used on the epilation site;
• during the course of laser hair removal, it is not recommended to use depilatory products – wax, sugar, tweezers. It is allowed to use a razor 2-3 days after the session;
• after 7-10 days, it is recommended to use a scrub and a washcloth on steamed skin. This is necessary to remove the layer of dead cells and facilitate the process of hair loss;
• within 7 days after the procedure on the diode laser on open areas of depilation, you need to use sunscreen of at least SPF For an alexandrite laser, the period is longer – 14 days.

How to choose a laser hair removal clinic

• availability of a medical license. Laser hair removal, unlike all types of depilation, is a medical service and can only be carried out in clinics with a medical license. The specialist who performs the procedure must also have a medical education;
• certified and approved equipment. A laser is a medical device that requires a mandatory registration certificate from Roszdravnadzor – this document guarantees the safety of the device, as well as its passage of all necessary studies. Do not hesitate to ask the clinic administrator or the specialist for a certificate;
• adequate price. Adequate price will be the average on the market. A suspiciously low price indicates low quality of service. An exception are promotional offers from clinics with a favorable price, for example, a large discount on the first visit – in this case, the reduced price is a marketing ploy and does not affect the quality of the procedure;
• presence of a consultation before the procedure. It is desirable that the consultation be conducted before the day of the procedure – this way you can competently, in accordance with the doctor"s recommendations, prepare, and also make sure that there are no contraindications. If the specialist did not say a word about contraindications – think about it. In addition, the doctor must clarify whether you are taking any medications – hormonal, antibiotics. They can increase skin sensitivity;
• already during the first procedure, listen to your sensations. If you do not feel anything at all, most likely the clinic saves on lamps and does not replace them on time. Usually, laser hair removal devices are designed for 1 million. effective flashes, after which it requires either replacement of the device or replacement of the laser. Using a laser whose number of flashes significantly exceeds the manufacturer"s calculations has low efficiency, since the laser has already exhausted its full potential. Fortunately for consumers, modern devices are designed in such a way that after reaching the maximum, the device stops working and can only be started after replacing the handle, but someone still works on less advanced devices, so keep in mind;
• be sure to monitor the result. After the first visit, you will have 20-40 days to see how your skin and hair behave. A normal variant is mild redness, the severity of which decreases within a few hours. Increasing redness, irritation, burns, blisters are a reason to contact a dermatologist, and also to refuse a repeat visit to the clinic.

6 myths about laser hair removal

Exposure to lasers can result in serious diseases and has a detrimental effect on health.

Merely the follicle and its supplying vessels are impacted by the light beam, which only reaches a few millimeters beneath the skin’s surface. Since it doesn’t enter the body, it can’t damage it or cause illnesses like cancerous tumors or infertility.

Scars from laser hair removal are visible on the skin.

The process of the skin healing in areas where its integrity is compromised is known as tissue scarring. Scars may develop as a result of an injury or from a needle or blade. Scars are not included because the laser does not compromise the integrity of the skin.

Hair can start growing faster, thicker, and harder after the laser.

The follicle will die if the procedure is carried out in accordance with the technology, making it impossible for hair to grow back. There’s just nowhere for the hair to grow. After epilation, the transition of dormant follicles into the active growth phase is correlated with the appearance of new hairs. That is to say, the laser had no effect on these hairs during the initial epilation session. This is the reason why epilation needs to be done multiple times.

Neoplasms are induced by the laser.

Neoplasms that are already present preclude the procedure. Since waves between 300 and 400 nanometers influence the development of tumors, the formation of new tumors is essentially eliminated. A ruby laser, for example, has a wavelength of 694 nanometers.

You can carry out the process at home.

Sadly, performing a top-notch and successful laser hair removal procedure at home is not feasible. Because they don’t have enough power, devices marketed as home laser epilators are ineffective. Additionally, purchasing a full-fledged laser is risky and costly. If laser cosmetology is not understood, it could result in permanent skin damage.

The sapphire laser outperforms the alexandrite and diode.

This is a myth created by marketers looking to draw customers’ attention to their offerings. There is no sapphire-based laser on the market. Beneath the sapphire laser is a diode laser with a sapphire cooling system. The sapphire lens, which is integrated into the tip to keep the skin from overheating during the procedure, is merely an added benefit to the diode device and does not distinguish it as a separate type of device.

A common and efficient technique for attaining permanently smooth skin is laser hair removal, which works by focusing on and minimizing hair growth at its source. In contrast to more conventional techniques like shaving or waxing, laser hair removal provides a longer-lasting result that eventually requires fewer maintenance appointments. This post will walk you through the fundamentals of the procedure, what to anticipate both during and after treatment, and advice on how to get the greatest outcomes.

Contraindications

• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• individual intolerance;
• dark skin;
• skin diseases in the acute stage;
• a large number of moles in the epilation area;
• pregnancy and lactation – only after consultation with a doctor;
• damage to the integrity of the skin – abrasions, scratches;
• tattoos;
• HIV, AIDS;
• neurological diseases;
• mental disorders;
• blood clotting disorder;
• progressive varicose veins.

Topic	Description
What is Laser Hair Removal?	Laser hair removal is a method of removing unwanted hair by using concentrated light to target hair follicles.
Benefits	Reduces hair growth over time, provides long-lasting results, and is less painful compared to other methods.
Procedure	A trained professional uses a laser device to focus light on hair follicles, which damages them and slows down hair growth.
Who Can Get It?	Most people with unwanted hair can undergo laser hair removal

A contemporary and effective technique for attaining smooth, hair-free skin is laser hair removal. It provides an enduring solution that lessens the need for regular waxing or shaving. The process is quick and not too painful, which is why many people choose it.

Although the best results from laser hair removal require several sessions, the time and money invested can pay off handsomely in the long run. Selecting a trained specialist is essential to guaranteeing secure and efficient care.

Overall, laser hair removal might be the best option for you if you’re searching for a more long-lasting hair removal solution. When determining whether this method is right for you, take into account your skin type, hair color, and financial situation.

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