8.Laser Hair Removal Facts You Need To Know

Laser Hair Removal has come as a breakthrough in the Aesthetic industry as it provides a permanent solution to unwanted hairs.

The Science Behind It:

• It works on the principle of Selective Photothermolysis i.e. it targets the melanin in the hair, thereby making it thinner with every session.
• It generally gives 20% reduction in hair width with every session, but the results are totally subjective from person to person.
• There are generally various types of lasers like Diode, IPL, Alexandrite which help in Laser hair removal.

There are few facts about the laser hair removal which you should know before going for it:

1. It is a Permanent Hair Reduction and Not Removal:

Laser Hair Removal helps to reduce the hair diameter with every session but they do not completely remove them. The end result is generally hairs which are very fine(vellus hair) like the size of your facial hair.

2. Darker the hair, Better it is:

As the Laser targets melanin in the hair, so if the hair is coarser and darker it attracts more rays and hence better results. Blonde and gray hair don't have the appropriate amount of melanin, so have to look for other options like electrolysis, waxing, shaving.

3. It requires a Series of Sessions:

Laser Hair Removal depends on the phase of the hair. The hair has three major cycles namely Anagen(growth phase), Catagen(transitional phase) and Telogen(shedding phase).

Hairs present in the Anagen phase are the only ones that can be targeted during Laser Hair Removal. Thus the procedure has to be repeated several times.

4. It is Hormone Mediated:

People suffering from any underlying hormonal imbalance like the most common PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome) or endometriosis are present with an atypical distribution of hairs like more on chin or tummy area. They require a higher number of laser hair removal sessions. 

Males and females also have varying results due to the hormone Testosterone.

There are few reported cases of hair coming back after pregnancy.

5. It does not cause Cancer:

This is the most common query I come across in my practice. Laser Hair Removal machines penetrate only up to the level of skin(dermis) where the hair root is present. It does not cause any stimulation of the cells. So there is no risk of cancer.

6. It is Painless:

Laser Hair Removal feels like little pinpricks but is nothing as compared to waxing. With the advancement of technology, the laser tips come with cooling tips which numb the skin thereby decreasing the sensations and feels painless.

7. It works on Ingrown Hair:

Laser Hair Removal works very well on ingrown hairs. It not only helps in removing the ingrown hair but also helps to remove the discoloration.

8. Laser Hair Removal and Acne:

Laser Hair Removal can sometimes cause acne, that is a known side effect. This happens due to the body's response to expel the remnant hair follicle which can cause inflammation and bumps giving acne-like eruptions. It can be easily avoided by icing it after the treatment, use a mild topical antibiotic cream for 2 days post-treatment.

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