Are You Sick and Tired of Shaving? The Laser Hair Removal Guide
Is body hair a constant headache? Sick of razors, hot wax, and tweezers? Are ingrown hairs getting on your nerves? Hair removal is a popular choice for people of all ages, but it can be frustrating.
Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are common ways to get rid of unwanted hair. Studies show that women spend over 58 years of their life on these hair removal methods. Shaving is the number one choice, but it’s also a costly lifetime habit that comes out to over $10,000!
Luckily, laser hair removal is a safe, quick, and cost-efficient alternative. Let’s take a look at laser hair removal back when it first started and get into the nitty-gritty of the whole process!
Laser hair removal treatment is now essentially pain-free, effective, and quick!
Laser Hair Removal 101
We know that laser technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last 60 years. But how exactly does it work, and is it safe for your skin?
The Science Behind the Technology
The laser used in the removal process is a concentrated beam of light. The melanin in your body hair absorbs this light. Darker hair and lighter skin tend to have the best absorption rate, but any skin tone can be treated.
When the beam penetrates the hair follicles, it damages them with heat. Although it may sound slightly scary, this whole process is a second-long burst of light. You likely won’t be able to feel the heat, just a small sensation, like a rubber band snapping on your skin.
The laser hair removal process delays the growth of new hair for long periods of time. But you’ll have to do a few sessions since hair grows in cycles. The result is silky smooth skin without the headache of shaving or waxing! Most patients can experience permanent hair loss after 6 – 10 sessions.
Safety Information
When performed by a professional, laser hair removal is very safe. Common side effects are mild and usually disappear within three days. These might include:
- Swelling of the surrounding area
- Some redness
- Slight discomfort
If you experience any other side effects, it might be because the technician didn’t receive proper training or your settings need to be adjusted. Talk to your hair removal professional about your experience after hair removal. Attempting DIY laser hair removal or seeing someone without training is something you should avoid.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
The greatest benefit of laser hair removal is how easy it’ll make your daily life! You’ll never have to think twice before throwing on a bikini or a pair of shorts. If you struggle with facial hair, say farewell to your five o’clock shadow!
But that’s not at all. Laser hair removal has a long list of amazing benefits.
Lifetime Cost
One of the most commonly asked questions is, “how much is laser hair removal for legs?” When looking at prices, laser hair removal can seem expensive at first.
This price varies widely based on:
- Your city
- Size of the treatment area
- Number of sessions
- The technician performing the procedure
But while laser hair removal on legs can cost more than a razor, the lifetime cost is lower. The American Laser Centers estimate that when compared to shaving, you can save over $7,000. If you prefer waxing, you can actually save over $20,000 with laser hair removal!
Quick
One of the biggest cons of shaving is how time-consuming it is. Laser hair removal is a quick process with the length depending on the area being treated. For example, upper lip laser hair removal can take only a few minutes!
Effective
By far, the biggest pro of laser hair removal is its effectiveness! Professionals will usually recommend six treatments for permanent hair loss. But the number can depend on your hair thickness and the area you want to target.
Studies have found that a single session can reduce up to 40% of hair. Better yet, you’ll probably see a 90% reduction of unwanted hair with repeated sessions.
An added benefit is that the targeted laser means there’s no need for any ingrown hair removal treatment!
What Should I Expect at My Appointment?
At your first consult appointment, you’ll get detailed information about the process. If you have very low pain tolerance we may prescribe a numbing cream for you to use prior to your treatment on sensitive areas like the armpit, but generally the process is almost painless. You should arrive to your treatments clean shaven so the laser targets the root hairs and not the hair at the surface.
During the treatment you’ll feel tiny zaps. You might also smell an unpleasant sulfur/hair burning smell. That’s totally normal!
Once the treatment is finished you’re good to go! Don’t forget to schedule your next session on the way out. Usually 4 – 6 weeks later
Aftercare: Tips and Tricks
There’s no downtime or healing process that follows laser hair removal. The area might be a little sensitive for a few days. It will likely feel like a slight sunburn. You can use cool compresses, aloe gel or anti-inflammatory creams can help with any discomfort. Over the next month, the treated hair will begin to fall out
To avoid issues and ensure your safety, do not:
- Expose the area to direct sunlight
- Use tanning beds or sun lamps
- Be rough with your skin
- Exercise, use saunas, or sweat for 24 hours
Say Goodbye to Your Razor!
Laser hair removal is the most effective way to remove unwanted hair forever. Whether you want to perform laser hair removal on your back or just your upper lip, you’ll see quick results!
At Total Family Wellness, we take your comfort seriously. We use the Alma Harmony XL Pro to provide the best experience. With its cooling technology and unique heating system, you won’t believe you’re getting a hair removal treatment!
Ready to break up with your razor forever? Contact us today to set up a consultation!