Does Laser Hair Removal Really Work?

Laser hair removal might not be many people's first choice of hair removal methods, however, it is definitely one that should be given some serious thought. With virtually no pain and extremely long lasting results, it is definitely one of the best around.

How Effective Is It?

Laser hair removal is a fairly gentle procedure that can remove hair from any part of the body. It involves a laser beam being targeted at hair follicles and it can sometimes take around 15-45 minutes to treat each different area of hair. These treatments are often done over a number of different appointments and are usually not done all at the same time.

So, does it actually work? Well, it definitely seems to! The laser gives off a certain amount of heat energy and different body tissues then absorb that energy. The color of the laser beam is what determines which body tissues absorb the energy and once it is absorbed, it destroys targeted cells under the surface of the skin. It does not damage any surrounding areas; it only damages the root of the hair follicles and prevents further growth.

This means that results are permanent as long as you go back for your remaining treatments. If you find that the results aren't permanent, you will see that any hair that does re-grow will be paler and weaker than it was before. Generally, you will need around three sessions before you notice any real results.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

Despite it being really effective most of the time, there is no getting away from the fact that it is quite expensive! Considering that you can pay up to $500 per session and most therapists suggest you have at least six sessions, it can be extremely expensive.

Another disadvantage, as mentioned earlier, is that some people still notice a little re-growth despite treatment. The hair is weaker and less noticeable, but it is still a disadvantage considering how much you pay for treatment.

The treatment is also thought to be slightly riskier if you have darker skin. Pale skin is generally a lot safer with laser treatment than darker skin is and even people who have a tan need to be wary of the risks. It tends to be less effective if you have un-pigmented hair, which is generally gray, red and blonde.

Finally, some people find that the treatment can be painful to a point where it is unbearable. If you do notice any pain while having the treatment done, it is important to let the therapist know.

Overall, laser hair removal can and does work, but it definitely does not produce brilliant results on everybody. As with other treatments, there are always risks involved. The treatment is expensive, so you need to make sure you have enough money to pay for at least three treatments.