Hair removal is incredibly common and while there are many methods of doing this, laser hair removal is a very safe and effective treatment that works well for long-term results. When you have consecutive treatments, the hair growth slows and for some people, the hair growth stops completely. If you are looking to get rid of some unwanted hair, winter is a great time to do so, so by the time spring and summer rolls around, you are all finished with your treatments.
During a laser hair removal treatment, a laser is used that gives off light that the pigment (melanin) in your hair absorbs. The energy from the light gets converted to heat, which causes damage to the hair follicles that make the hairs. Since it takes a long time for those hair follicles to recover, there will not be any new hair growth during that time period. If you have consecutive treatments, it will continue to delay the hair growth and over time, the hair growth may completely stop.
How successful a laser hair removal treatment is depends on your skin type and hair color. It is the pigment of your hair that is affected by the laser though and not your skin pigment. Laser hair removal generally works better for people with darker hair. Fair hair color may not always have the best results. This is a discussion you should have with your doctor and they will discuss which hair removal options will work best for you.
Winter is a perfect time to start your hair removal treatments, since it is recommended that you have not tanned your skin for at least six weeks prior to treatment. You also should abstain from tanning for six weeks after treatment. Most people require more than one treatment, and those are spaced out 4-6 weeks usually. This is why winter is a great time to start treatment, so you are all set by the time the warmer weather rolls around.
Laser hair removal is a quick and painless treatment and the duration of the treatment depends on the size of the area that is being treated. It can take anywhere from 5 minutes, up to an hour. Most patients experience a slight warm feeling and some may feel a sensation similar to a minor sting. Laser hair removal can be used to treat hair on your upper lip, legs, arms, back, chin, chest and bikini line, along with other areas as well. It should not be used around your eyes or genitals though.
If you are thinking about hair removal, you should talk to your doctor and find out which options are best for you so you can get started on the removal of that unwanted hair.