Learn About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is becoming quite popular, although some find it to not be a permanent solution. The problem is that each individual will have a different reaction to the treatment, making it impossible to know what will happen when you have the procedure done.

A Good Candidate

Are you a good candidate for the procedure? You need more than just money to be a good choice for the procedure. You are probably going to need at least 4 treatments and each session can cost $500.

In order for the process to work, your pigment needs to be just right. Pigment is what allows the skin to have the color that it has. It also affects the color of the individual's hair. Your hair must be darker than the skin that is around it for the process to work. People who have dark, coarse hairs as well as those who are light skin usually have the best results.

Melanin is the compound that gives pigment its color. The melanin must be able to absorb the energy that will be produced by the laser. The hair follicle will be heated and the melanin surrounds the structure that is what is causing hair to grown. The energy from the laser will destroy the melanin; the structure is no longer protected. The heat will then damage the hair follicle to stop hair from growing.

Darker Skin

Those who have a dark or tanned skin have more melanin in their skin. This can work against you because the melanin is capable of picking up more heat making the laser less effective. Skin absorption needs to be at a minimum for laser hair removal to work. It is also important to keep the skin cool during the treatment. This is done by applying a cold compress to the affected area. The laser can bypass the colder skin and go right for the melanin.

The latest tool, multi pulsing laser technology, helps to keep the skin cool. The laser energy is pulsed rather than streamed. There is then less heat being delivered which will keep the skin cool. Other options include Alexandrite which is a pulsing laser, the Diode, which is used for those with darker skin, QSwitched Nd: YAG, which will deliver 2 wavelengths that will work on both deep and near surface follicles.

Where To Go

Where should you go to get laser hair removal? It is far more important to go to an experienced location rather than look for the lowest costs. It is better to go avoid centers that claim that they will provide you with complete hair removal, because hair removal varies greatly between people and no one can make this claim.

Experience is the best way to go. In some states, there are laws that state the qualifications of a person that is allowed to provide this service to you.

Pre Treatment Recommendations

If you think you are a good candidate for laser hair removal, you make sure you:

• don't do any tanning prior to your session -- that will delay the treatment.
• avoid foods that have beta carotenes in them -- brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and  in vitamin supplements.
• 2 to 3 days before the treatment, shave the areas that will be treated -- so the treatment can focus on hair that is growing.

During The Session

You will wear special goggles to reduce your risk of laser light getting into your eyes during the procedure. The actual procedure is simple. The doctor will press the laser to the area that is to be treated, then briefly activate the laser. It takes a small amount of time for the laser to activate and do its job to damage the follicle.

Because this is a medical procedure, you may have some risk of side effects. You may have discolorations and even scarring of the skin that has been treated. It can also cause some discomforts such as swelling, burning or just redness in the area. Most of the time, these go away rather quickly.

Some Advantages

It is a non invasive procures that does not use messy creams, razors or waxes. Many times, the legs and back can be cleared off of hair in just 1 treatment. Although it may regrow, it will be much lighter and finer.

Disadvantages Too

The largest problem with laser hair removal is that it just does not work on every individual. Those with dark skin have an especially hard time. You are likely to need more than 1 treatment as well. That's because hair grows in stages, not all at once. So, while new hair is growing, you may need to go back. Of course, to many the cost is also a major disadvantage.

In any case, laser hair removal is an effective option. It can be an excellent way to get rid of the razor and stop using messy creams. If you can afford to do it, give it serious consideration.