10 things you need to know before you sign up
I've tried laser hair removal on my legs and bikini to great success.
But before you sign up for very costly laser hair removal treatments,
you should read up on the facts to determine if laser hair removal
really is for you.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: Who's a Good Candidate?
Lasers and
pulsed lights work best on people with dark hair and light skin. There
are new devices created to work on light hair and dark-skinned people,
but from what I've read, they work only 'so-so.'
A new device, Aurora by Syneron, uses both intense pulsed light and
radio frequency to treat women with blonde or gray hair, but they are
only about 50% as effective as other lasers.
As for dark or tanned skin, lasers can cause discoloration (read why
below) unless you use a machine created for dark skin. Ask for the ND
Yag laser, states Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD in the July 2004 issue of
InStyle magazine. (Woolery-Lloyd is the director of ethnic skin at the
University of Miami).
Laser Hair Removal Facts: How it Works
Lasers use pulsed light
to target, break down and destroy the melanin (dark pigment) in hair.
This is why it works only on dark hair. Lasers will also target the
melonin in dark skin, which can cause discoloration. According to
Michelle, my aesthetician at Completely Bare salon in NYC, hair grows in
three phases: growing, resting and shedding. Lasers and pulsed lights
targets hair in the growth phase.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: When Does Hair Fall Out?
Hair falls
out within 10-14 days. I use a mild sugar scrub in the shower on the
10th day, which helps exfoliate the skin and remove hair.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: What Areas Can be Treated?
Lasers and
pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large
areas of skin. While it would take years to perform electrolysis on the
back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually
takes under two hours. Lasers are great for treating the back,
shoulders, arm and chest.
For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. If you
want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet is
electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: How Long Do They Take?
It takes 4-6
laser hair removal sessions spaced 4 weeks apart to see 70-80 percent
reduction in hair growth. For best results, Michelle suggests getting
maintenance treatments done once a year for a couple years at least.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: Are Results Guaranteed?
No. Laser hair
removal works better on some people than others. No one knows for sure
what the regrowth rates are. Some people notice regrowth after several
months or years, while others find they never have to shave again. The
average experience is 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth if you do a
full 4-6 course treatment.
It's worth mentioning that like most technology, lasers have come a
long way over the past few years. A friend of mine spent a lot of money
to have his back done only to have it fail. He ended up having great
success with the much more time-consuming electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: How to Prepare
Once it's determined
what type of laser or pulsed light machine will be used, you'll likely
be told to either shave the day of your treatment or three days before.
Check with your aesthetician before you show up. I've come in freshly
shaved only to be sent home.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: What's the Pain Factor?
The pulsed
light in laser hair removal feels like a rubber band popping against
your skin, although some machines perform differently. Not every zap
will hurt and I've found some areas (lower legs) hurt more than others
(thighs).
I strongly advise taking a couple ibuprofen an hour before your
session. Others recommend numbing skin 20 minutes before your session
with a spray or cream that contains 4 percent lidocaine. InStyle
magazine recommends Gigi's Anesthetic Numbing Spray.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: Pick the Right Expert
Many salons
advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but I've been told the best
places don't have to resort to discounts. Do your homework before
signing up for services. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed
technician.
Laser Hair Removal Facts: What It'll Cost You
Laser hair removal
is not cheap. Depending on what body part you treat, it can run from
$200 to $2,000 a session, not including tax and tip.
Read more about laser hair removal Find out what happens when I try laser hair removal in my series, "Diary of a Laser Hair Removal Guinea Pig"
