Laser hair removal can be a game-changer for anyone seeking an easier alternative to shaving, waxing and tweezing. FDA-cleared and permanent in nature, multiple sessions may be necessary before seeing results.
However, laser treatment could actually cause more hair to grow back than before! This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.
The hair follicles are damaged
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe method for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair, though multiple sessions may be necessary to reach desired results. During treatments, the laser targets and destroys germ cells in hair follicles to stop new hair from growing back in. While individual results may differ depending on personal factors and lifestyle habits, most individuals require between four and six sessions for effective permanent results.
After their initial treatment, patients may notice that hair regrowth is slower than before due to laser hair therapy only affecting anagen hair follicles that are in their anagen growth phase; all other dormant follicles remain undisturbed by laser light. With time however, more dormant follicles may develop hair again but with lighter and thinner fibers.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is crucial that all other methods such as shaving, plucking and waxing be discontinued in order to maximize effectiveness of laser light penetration into lower layers where hair follicles reside. A skin bleaching cream could also help lighten your skin prior to treatment so as to maximize laser light penetration into these depths of your skin and reach where hair follicles lie more quickly.
Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, your technician will apply a cooling gel to protect the area from being exposed to laser light. After applying this cool gel, they’ll use a hand-held device with pulses of light to give a pulse over skin area undergoing treatment, temporarily discomfort and temporary redness and swelling, but ultimately less painful than traditional methods like waxing.
To maximize the effectiveness of laser hair removal, it’s vital that regular appointments be scheduled – generally every 6-8 weeks is recommended – otherwise hair follicles will begin growing back at anagen stage, becoming difficult to target in subsequent sessions.
Avoid other hair removal techniques while also protecting yourself with broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize sun exposure and the formation of dark spots on your skin, which could impede laser hair removal’s effectiveness.
Another possible factor contributing to your hair’s rapid growth after laser is an imbalanced hormonal environment. Some women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or other conditions which cause excess androgen production and lead to more hair growth; it is vitally important if this concerns you to contact a healthcare provider immediately if any concerns are expressed regarding this matter.
After laser hair removal, you can hasten hair shedding by regularly exfoliating the treated area after each session – this will remove any dead or trapped hair that’s holding onto its follicle and encourage its natural release from it. Or use a hair removal cream which loosens and sheds hair to help the damaged follicles recover more quickly.
The hair follicles are not damaged
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution to combat unwanted body hair. By using heat to damage hair follicles and temporarily stop their growth, it significantly decreases how often you need to shave, wax or pluck in order to maintain silky skin free from unwanted fuzz. Furthermore, unlike shaving or waxing which may cause painful ingrown hairs regrowth can be disconcertingly disappointing – here’s what you should know:
Prior to beginning laser treatment, the first thing you should do is shave the area that needs treating. Shaving removes only the surface layer of hair so the laser can more effectively target and destroy its source. You should also refrain from using sunless skin creams or tanning beds at least six weeks prior to your appointment as these will darken the surface skin color and make it harder for the laser to target melanin (the pigment responsible for skin’s color) within hair follicles more effectively.
At your laser hair removal session, a technician will use protective goggles and apply a cooling substance such as gel. They’ll use a handheld device to move the laser over your skin surface; you may feel similar sensations to being stung multiple times or notice the smell of smoke as your hair is destroyed by its destruction by laser light.
After your laser session is completed, you may notice your skin becomes red or swollen – this is normal and cold compresses can help soothe it. Furthermore, some patients experience temporary sensitivity in their treated area which won’t interfere with daily activities.
Laser hair removal offers numerous advantages, with minimal downtime required between sessions. Unlike waxing or shaving which require multiple passes over each hair to remove them efficiently and slowly over time, lasers allow multiple hairs to be eliminated at once making it easy to schedule appointments on lunch breaks or before starting work! Lasers also make great companions when traveling or for those on-the-go who require looking their best while at work or elsewhere! This makes laser a fantastic solution when trying to look their best while remaining productive!
Laser hair removal can also save money. No longer do you have to purchase razors, shaving cream, or waxing supplies and can say goodbye to ingrown hairs that make you self-conscious – plus wear dresses or capris without fearing unsightly stubble!
Though an initial investment may seem costly, laser hair removal will pay dividends over time. You’ll save both money and effort when it comes to removing unwanted hair; enjoying wardrobe freedom while building confidence are just two rewards for making the investment!
The hair follicles are not destroyed
Many people rely on shaving, waxing or plucking to remove unwanted body hair; however, these methods are temporary solutions that are both time consuming and expensive – not to mention potentially injuring oneself by shaving. Laser hair removal offers an ideal long-term solution. It is safe for most skin types without itchy sensations or sensitivities experienced with other methods – plus laser treatment has the added bonus of decreasing ingrown hairs or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often seen after waxing and shaving treatments.
At a laser hair removal session, a technician will place a hand-held device against your skin containing either a cooling device or gel that helps protect and minimize side effects. Next, your doctor will press a laser against your skin in the area of unwanted hair growth – its light passes through your skin to damage hair follicles that inhibit further hair growth – with most patients experiencing sensations similar to being pinprickled; however it typically remains less painful than traditional options.
As it can take several months for damaged hair follicles to regenerate and produce new hair after being destroyed by laser, your results may take time. But over time your hair should start growing back more delicate and lighter than ever before the treatment. Some individuals may require up to four laser sessions before seeing desired results.
Before your appointment, it is recommended to wait two days before shaving or using other hair removal products as this allows your doctor to accurately locate the base of the hairs. Furthermore, direct sunlight should be avoided to minimize its effect on laser therapy sensitivity, while perfumed or chemical-powered skincare products could further irritate skin conditions leading to ingrown hairs.
Hair will regrowth over time, but it will be thinner and lighter. Furthermore, laser hair removal is much more precise than other methods; an experienced dermatologist will know exactly how to apply the laser beam onto your skin, targeting only the hair follicles that need to be destroyed with their laser light beams.
Dr. Michele Green offers expert laser hair removal treatments in her private dermatology practice in Manhattan. Together, you’ll develop an individual treatment plan tailored specifically for you that removes unwanted hair while treating ingrowns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – call her today or book online now to set up your consultation!
