What is it?
Laser hair removal is a process that uses a concentrated beam of light from a laser to “zap” and destroy the targeted hair follicles without affecting the skin. Over time, this will noticeably decrease hair growth.
There are many different laser machines and settings that are used to cater to each different complexion. The darker and more coarse the hair and the less pigment in the skin, the more effective the treatment will likely be. Why? This is because the pigment in the hair is what attracts the laser.
Why I’m Doing It
My mother’s side of the family is Italian. Both of my parents also have dark hair. You can probably connect the dots from here…
Having been blessed with thick, coarse, dark hair by the genetic gods has left me shaving my legs and underarms every day (living in Florida means 7 cold days a year). With excessive shaving comes redness, ingrown hairs, and skin sensitivity that almost makes one question, “which is worse: the hair growth or the irritation?”. It only gets worse with the rogue facial hairs that walked their way into my life in my 20s.
Having been hit by the struggle bus one-too-many times, I decided to take the plunge and get back on a consistent treatment regimen for laser hair removal. I tried it out a few times about 10 years ago but was very inconsistent, so I did see results, but not nearly to their full potential. After re-starting my treatments and using a newer laser, I am already experiencing amazing results!
How to Prepare
- Avoid tanning – in the sun or self-tanner and other tanning products. The laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair, so the more pigment found on the skin, the less likely to have the best and most efficient results.
- Shave the area(s) to be treated either the night before or morning of – don’t pluck! …or wax, or use depilatory creams.
- Make sure the area is clean and free of any lotions, creams, fragrances, oils, etc.
- Take a pain pill if you tend to be a bit more sensitive to pain (this can also depend on the specific treatment area).
- Avoid alcohol consumption – it can actually contribute to increased sensitivity to pain.
- Be sure you have not had any Botox, filler, microdermabrasion or chemical peel treatments within the 14 days prior to your laser hair procedure.
- Avoid using topical products that can cause photosensitivity in the treatment areas.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal is exciting and can be life-changing! You can expect to begin the process by initially consulting with your provider in regards to your desired treatment areas, whether you are a candidate, how to prepare, how many treatments are expected, the cost, and the aftercare.
Your candidacy depends on your complexion and hair pigment. The lighter the skin and the more dark and coarse the hair, the more effective the treatment will be. Light, fine hair (also known as “vellus hair”) will usually not respond to laser treatments.
The actual treatment process can differ with each laser. My personal experience has been virtually painless! Generally speaking, there are certain areas that tend to be a bit more sensitive than others, but nothing I haven’t been able to handle. Pain is a very subjective thing; this procedure feels similar to a rubber band repeatedly snapping on your skin. The timing of the treatment appointment has also historically been very efficient. Larger areas to be treated will take longer to treat.
Prepare to commit! Your treatment plan depends on the specific area(s) being addressed. The schedule can average anywhere from every 4 to 10 weeks between treatments. Areas may need to be treated 5+ times.
Remember! Even after all of your planned treatments, you may still not be completely “hairless”. Laser hair will greatly reduce hair growth, but you may still see hair growth. Usually the hair that does come in is substantially finer and lighter, and takes much longer to make itself known.
Side Effects | Reactions
Redness and minor swelling – Apply ice if needed.
Hyper-pigmentation or scarring – avoid this by reducing sun exposure and avoiding any self-tanning products close to your treatments.
Aftercare
Apply ice to any red or swollen areas
The treated areas will still show hair growth – the hair you shaved and treated may take weeks to finally grow out (that’s normal!) and fall out. Exfoliating the area tends to help this process along. The treated area will also feel significantly smoother because you are not experiencing as much stubble and re-growth as in the past.
My Results – Does it Work?
Absolutely – YES! I was actually lasered a handful of times (and very infrequently) about 10 years ago. I was younger and inconsistent with my treatments- but even still- I noticed years later that my treated areas still had hair regrowth but it was much slower and finer than what I had started with. Fast forward to now and I have began to treat my previously lasered areas as well as try some new areas and commit to a schedule, and the results have been wonderful!
It has truly already changed my life in such a positive way – I gain time back from not having to shave and obsessively pluck every single day. The irritation from shaving is no longer an issue. I can use lotion and creams comfortably! The regrowth from the follicles or the “5-o’clock shadow” is no longer a thought in the back of my mind. These are all things that having been nothing short of life-changing for me. When something changes my life for the better, the first thing I want to do is share it with those I care about!
I fully encourage you to consider laser hair removal and to book an appointment with a certified and licensed specialist!
