Laser hair removal facts, 10 things you should know before getting it
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce hair growth from the body, by targeting the pigment in the hair rather than the hair itself.
Laser hair removal has become very popular in recent years. No more shaving, waxing, plucking or ingrown hairs to contend with. We have put together 10 things we feel you should know before deciding to get laser hair removal.
Hair grows approximately half an inch a month and grows quicker in the summer than in the winter months. It is important to understand the hair growth cycle in order to recognize the problems you can encounter with hair growth
Top 10 Facts about Laser Hair Removal
- Why do I need a course of treatments?
Hair grows in three stages and every single hair grows at a different stage as follows:
Anagen – Active or growth stage
Telogen – Resting stage, no growth
Catagen – In between active and resting
For the hair to be damaged it needs to be in the active stage, hairs in the other two stages will not be affected by laser. This is why a course of treatments is necessary and is normally recommended as a course of 6 treatments. It is possible that top-up treatments may be required every few years.
2. Should I have a patch test?
A patch test is compulsory at Beauty Haven, we offer a free 20 minute consultation and patch test (with no obligation) to determine if your hair is suitable for laser treatment and to answer any questions you may have. We test a small area with the laser and providing you have no reaction after 48 hours to the patch test, treatment can commence.
3. Can all hair colours be treated?
No, not all hair colour can be treated, laser will not work on light, grey or red hairs due to the melanin in the skin. Electrolysis is an option to consider for these hair colours. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and gives really good results.
4. Can I use any other form of hair removal?
You can shave, yes I did mean shave before treatment, we would normally do this for you. If the hair is too long the laser will burn the hair. Any other form of hair removal is not advisable.
5. My skin is sun tanned.
If you have sunbathed or used a sunbed less than 30 days before laser treatment and have an active tan then you cannot be treated for any laser treatments. The same applies if you have had laser treatment then we strongly recommend not to go out in the sun otherwise your skin may burn.
6. How painful is Laser Hair Removal?
It does depend on your pain threshold, some people don’t feel any discomfort, whilst others refer to it as a rubber band flicked against the skin.
- Which areas can be treated?
Large areas of skin can be treated as laser targets several follicles at once. Unlike other forms of permanent hair removal like electrolysis which can take years. A typical laser hair removal session on both legs take 75 mins.
Whereas upper lip and chin can be treated in 20 minutes and underarms also in 20 mins. A perfect lunch time appointment if you wanted these three areas lasered, and still time for a sandwich.
8. How much will it cost?
The cost of laser hair removal is a concern, but considering the years spent and the cost of other forms of hair removal like waxing laser may be a better option. Exact costs will be discussed at time of consultation.
9. How successful is laser treatment?
You can expect between 85 and 95% permanent hair reduction from IPL/laser hair removal course of treatments.
10. Choose wisely
The best salons are from word of mouth recommendations. Many salons advertise cheap and discounted laser treatments, but may not be the best for you. Do a little research before signing up for services. Protect yourself and your skin by speaking with a professional. Look for a salon that is registered with the RQIA.
Should you have any other questions or concerns about laser hair removal, please feel free to telephone, email, facebook or call into the salon. Team Beauty Haven would be delighted to help you in any way we can.