If you're tired of shaving your legs and armpits all the time, it may be time to think of laser hair removal. It may take several treatments to slow or stop hair growth, but you can at least stop shaving every day or two. Plus, you'll avoid razor burn and other problems related to shaving. Here's how laser hair removal works.
Lasers Target The Roots Of Your Hair
A laser targets the roots of your hairs. The light goes through your skin and heats the roots. The heat causes damage that makes your hair fall out or interfere with hair growth. This process works best if you have light skin and dark hairs. However, if you have dark skin, you might still be able to have laser hair removal.
You Need Multiple Treatments
The reason you need to have multiple treatments is that only the mature, dark hairs are damaged during each treatment. The new hairs that are coming in are not affected, but they should be mature by the next treatment. So, each session you have targets a new group of hairs. The frequency you need to take your treatments as well as the number of treatments depends on where you're having the laser procedure done, so it varies with each person.
When you have your initial evaluation with the cosmetic doctor, you'll discuss what to expect with your laser hair removal treatments and when you'll see results. Hair doesn't usually fall out right away. Instead, the results are gradual.
Your Skin Can Be Numbed If You Feel Discomfort
Some laser devices have a cooling tip applied that cools your skin to counteract the heating effect of the laser. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might feel discomfort if the treatment is applied over a large area of skin such as your legs. It might feel like the laser is stinging your leg. When that happens, let your doctor know. They might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to numb the area so you don't feel pain.
Protect Your Skin With Sunscreen After The Treatment
Your skin might be sensitive after you have laser hair removal. Your skin might be red and sore, but the sensation should not last very long. However, your cosmetic doctor may recommend you apply sunscreen to your skin for several weeks after the treatment to protect your skin while it heals.
Laser hair removal is an effective way to deal with unwanted hair, but you need to have patience and commit to multiple treatments. There's no guarantee your leg and armpit hair will never grow back, but when it does, the hairs could be lighter and thinner so they are less noticeable.
For more information to see if laser hair removal is right for you, consult a professional.
