Solutions for Permanent Hair Removal with Laser Treatment

The world is getting back into the swing of things, and one of the things making a big comeback this year is travel. For the last two years, most people have avoided taking any trip that wasn’t necessary. However, as we see Covid-19 restrictions start to be lifting around the world, everyone is ready to take those long-awaited vacations. One thing that’s also going along with looking for more permanent solutions to hair removal. Shaving and waxing are time-consuming and don’t offer lasting results. Instead, people getting ready to hit the warm sunny beaches of the world are opting for permanent hair removal with laser treatments. 

How Do Permanent Hair Removal Treatments Work?

Laser hair removal is a marvel of modern technology. It works by using a single wavelength of light to target the dark pigment of hair and damage the hair and its ability to grow back. When the light contacts the hair, it’s turned into heat, which does the damage. 

Laser treatments aren’t exactly permanent, but they are very close. 

Laser hair removal treatments work exceptionally well on a wide range of people. However, the darker the hair, the better it will work. 

Permanent hair removal doesn’t come in one treatment. Each treatment targets the hair that is in the growth phase. The hair on our bodies grows in staggered stages, which means that it will take multiple treatments to get the best results. 

Suppose you want to have those perfectly smooth legs for your upcoming vacation. In that case, you’re going to want to make sure you plan significantly in advance. 

Things to Know Before Scheduling Your Permanent Hair Removal Laser Treatments

First, always get a consultation before undergoing any cosmetic procedure or treatment. It saves you a ton of time and hassle and protects you. Meeting with the dermatologist or permanent hair removal specialist will ensure that you are a good candidate for this type of procedure. 

For instance, it doesn’t work well on those with very light-colour hair because it targets pigment. 

Next, know some products you shouldn’t use before your treatments. At least two days before you go in for your treatments, you need to avoid using retinol creams and those with glycolic acid. They also recommend that you avoid scrubs. For around two weeks before and after any treatment, it’s also critical to avoid things like chemical peels and fake tanning lotions or sprays. 

Permanent Hair Removal Options for Those with Darker Skin

Skin tone doesn’t mean what it used to when it comes to laser hair removal treatments. For years, those with darker skin tones were left out of this technology because of their skin’s higher level of pigmentation. They ran the risk of the laser targeting the pigment in their skin rather than the hair, leaving them burning. It’s not the case now; however, Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG treatments have been deemed a safe and effective laser hair removal method in clients with dark skin tones. 

How Long Does Permanent Hair Removal Take with Laser Treatments

The individual treatments are quick. The wait between treatments is dependent on the rate of your hair growth. A single treatment session will usually last under half an hour. 

It takes between eight and twelve treatments for most people to get the closest to permanent hair removal results. There is usually a three to four-week period between treatments to ensure that the next hair batch is in the proper growth phase. 

For most clients, laser hair removal treatments, when done professionally and following the guidelines provided by the dermatologist, give around 90% permanent hair removal or reduction. 

That other ten percent is usually handled through long-term treatments, going back in for touch-ups every 4-6 months. 

How Painful Is Permanent Hair Removal? 

Laser hair removal treatments aren’t really painful. Most people express that they can be uncomfortable but no worse than other hair removal procedures like waxing or plucking. Actually, many clients find it to be far less painful than waxing. 

When you go in for your treatment, the area needs to be cleaned. Suppose the treatment is being performed in a susceptible area. In that case, the medical specialist will apply a numbing gel to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible. 

You will be required to wear protective glasses because of the risk of damage the laser poses to your eyes. 

When the laser contacts the hair, it vaporizes and produces a little smoke. The overall sensation is sharp and quick, and often people are more bothered by the smell than they are by the feel. 

After each treatment, you may find your skin a little irritated, red, and even minor swelling, but those will go away in a matter of days. 

Where Can Laser Treatments Be Performed for Permanent Hair Removal

With successful results, laser treatments can be performed on most of the body, including the legs, arms, upper lip, chest, and even the bikini area. 

There are only a few areas that should be avoided, which is up to the discretion of the doctor or laser hair removal specialist performing the treatment. 

Are Permanent Hair Removal Laser Treatments Cost-Effective

The upfront costs of laser hair removal treatments can be a little steep. For 2020 the average cost per treatment was about 390 dollars. This price varies greatly and can easily be more or less expensive depending on where you live and the quality of the treatment facility. However, suppose you start to look at the long-term overall picture. In that case, it’s easy to see how these can be more affordable in the long run. The amount of money spent on waxing appointments, new razors and creams, and lotions can really add up over the years. 

An average waxing session for the legs can be anywhere from 50-100 dollars, which will only last about three weeks. 

Overall, even though laser treatments can’t be considered permanent hair removal, they are one of the closest ways to get there. Even when hair does grow back after treatments, it tends to grow back lighter and thinner but can still be handled with follow-up treatments. So, whether you’re planning out that next beach vacation or you’re just tired of shaving, this type of permanent hair removal might be the perfect fit for you.