If you're sick of shaving, waxing, plucking, and threading unwanted facial and body hair week after week, laser hair removal offers a more permanent solution. But there are so many myths about laser hair removal treatments that, like many people, you may have written them off without fully understanding the process.
If you've been wondering - What is bad about laser hair removal? Or - Can laser hair removal go wrong? Read on. We've got the answers to all your questions. Even the ones you're embarrassed to ask, such as - Is laser hair removal safe for private parts?
Today, we're busting the most common myths surrounding laser hair removal. When you're finished reading this blog, you will be armed with all the information you need to make a decision on whether laser hair removal is right for you.
Myth: Laser Hair Removal Treatments Only Work on Fair Skin
This is not true, but there's a reason why many people think laser hair removal is only suitable for people with light skin. Here's how laser hair removal systems work: The basic principle is that the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle and not the pigment in the skin. The light energy damages the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. In older laser hair removal systems, a contrast between the hair cells and skin color was necessary for the laser to identify and target the hair follicles. For this reason, a dark hair and light skin combination got the best results from a laser hair removal treatment. But this is no longer a concern with newer laser hair removal technologies.
If you have dark skin or tanned skin, you can safely and effectively undergo laser treatment and get rid of unwanted hair. Just make sure you pick a provider who is experienced in laser hair removal safety (hint: the MeTime app makes it easy). Provided you choose a certified aesthetic provider who knows the right laser to use (for example, a long pulsed 1064 Nd;YAG laser for dark skin), the risk of complications is low. An efficient laser treatment should not result in problems like scarring, burns, and permanent discoloration, even in darker skin tones.
Myth: Laser Hair Removal Will Make Hair Grow Back Faster
A common misconception is that laser hair removal makes hair grow back faster. The truth is that the laser will destroy hair follicles so hair cannot grow from them anymore. Keep in mind that all the treated hairs will not fall out immediately after the treatments, but will shed over the following days to weeks. Some people mistake this for continued hair growth.
In a very small number of people, the hair can grow back thicker and darker after a laser hair removal session. This is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis and is very rare. It occurs because in some people the laser light stimulates fine hairs called vellus hairs to grow.
Myth: You Only Need One Laser Hair Removal Treatment
We all love treatments that are one-and-done, but laser hair removal is not one of them. Complete hair removal with a laser requires repeated treatments. This is necessary because hair growth occur in cycles. Laser hair removal works by targeting new hair follicles that are actively growing. To achieve permanent hair removal, you need to come back for a series of treatments to catch all the hair follicles in the growth stage.
How many treatments you will need will depend on the treatment area and your growth patterns. Some people need only a few sessions (2-3) while others need more (6-8), but you will need multiple sessions. Given how the laser works, you may also need enance treatments to ain smooth, hair-free skin. Results from laser hair removal vary because everyone has their own hair growth patterns. You should know that the treatments may not completely eliminate hair growth. Most people, however, lose body hair effectively and report 80-90% reduction in hair growth in the treated area.
Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Not Safe
Laser hair removal is very safe when performed by a certified laser treatment practitioner or aesthetic medical professional. An experienced provider knows the procedure well and is trained to use laser machines. While it's a myth that laser hair removal exposes you to radiation (these devices do not emit radiation), they can nonetheless be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Certified providers in laser treatments also know which laser is right for which skin types, hair type, hair thickness, and different hair colors. Some lasers work well on lighter skin but not on darker skin. For effective treatment that is also safe, it is very important to choose your provider carefully (the MeTime app is your go-to source for skin rejuvenation and hair removal treatments with a laser system).
Indeed, laser hair removal is safe enough not only for stubble free legs but also for delicate parts like the bikini area. And women are not the only ones seeking significant reduction in hair growth. In recent years, more and more men are opting for laser hair removal. The male Brazilian (mankini or brazilian) has become particularly popular.
Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Painful
This is one of the most common myths about laser hair removal. The truth is that laser hair removal is not painful. Most patients describe it like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others call it a pinching or heat sensation.
Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Expensive
Many people don't even inquire about laser hair removal treatment because they assume it will be unaffordable. Here's the thing. The average woman spends anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 on hair removal over a lifetime. Not to mention the innumerable hours spent on getting rid of unwanted hair. The cost of laser hair removal varies greatly based on where you live and the experience level of your provider. But a laser hair removal session can start as low as $99 for a small area. Even after you add up the costs of multiple laser hair removal treatments, it still works out to be cheaper in the long run.
Myth: You Can't Do Laser Hair Removal in Summer
No matter the skin type, to avoid problems after laser hair removal, you need to limit sun exposure. So, the problem is not with the laser hair removal treatment itself, it is that you are more likely to expose your skin to the sun in the summer. If you do get laser hair removal done in the summer, you will need to be careful about avoiding the sun as much as possible and protecting your skin when you go outdoors. Or you can choose to start in the fall or winter so that you are completing initial treatments when sun exposure is likely to be low anyway.
So, that's 7 laser hair removal myths busted. If you can't wait to see what laser hair removal treatments can do for you, download the MeTime app today. With MeTime, you can connect with laser hair removal experts, share photos, get quotes, and even book your appointment from the comfort of your home.
