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This post seeks to answer in the most reasonable ways some questions regarding the effectiveness of laser hair removal. These include does laser hair removal really work? Does laser hair removal work on the face? Does laser hair removal work on blonde, grey, red and white hair?
Does Laser Hair Removal Really Work?
Laser hair removal has gained popularity in recent times. It is said to be a convenient method that relieves one off the burden of regular waxing and shaving but does laser hair removal really work? To answer this question, it is important to understand how laser hair removal technology works.
Laser hair removal uses laser light to destroy hair follicles. The light is directed at the hair melanin where an impulse is sent down the skin to the hair shaft. This damages it and disables hair growth. Laser light is attracted to the hair’s pigment. One is therefore advised not to tan their skin before treatment. The reason for this is because darkened skin will tend to absorb the light before it reaches the follicles.
Light skinned people on the other hand have the advantage of the skin reflecting the light to the hair follicles thus making the process more effective on them. It is for this same reason that most lasers are incapable of treating white, blonde and grey hair since they do not absorb light.
Before the procedure starts, hair is trimmed. The laser hair removal machine is then adjusted depending on the thickness, color and part of the body being treated. In case treatment is on the face, one is required to wear eye protection. The outer skin layer is then sprayed with a cooling product to enhance laser light penetration.
When treated, individual hair follicles have growth permanently stunted. This means that in case there is any further growth from it, the hair will be finer and lighter. Most of the hair follicles rarely have hairs growing from them. This eliminates the need for regular shaving and waxing.
For all the hair follicles to be destroyed, multiple treatments are necessary. These normally are between three and six. Only in rare occasions will as many as eight treatments be necessary. The reason for this is the fact that only hair in its anagen phase is targeted by laser treatment. Hair that is in its resting or dormant phase will have to be let to get to this stage for it to be treated. With more treatments, more drastic changes are seen.
Depending on an individual’s pain tolerance and area being treated, the level of discomfort felt may vary. After the procedure is over, anti-inflammatory creams and ice packs may be administered to ease the discomfort. Starting from two weeks after the treatment, the hair will start falling off. Given this working mechanism, the question “Does laser hair removal really work?” can be answered in the affirmative. The process does really work in permanent hair reduction.
How Well Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Given that laser hair removal does work, it is likely to wonder; how well does laser hair removal work? Research has shown that given regular treatments done within the stipulated intervals; laser hair removal can reduce hair up to 80 percent of the total hair count. This may be less depending on how well the technician carries out the process.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on the Face?
The face is the first thing we tend to see in a person. It is no wonder then that we would love to keep it looking good. Facial hair removal is a grooming routine practiced by both men and women to enhance looks. Practices such as shaving and waxing can be tiresome. This creates a need for a longer lasting facial hair removal method. Since it works on other body parts, does laser hair removal work on the face?
Both men and women have had successful laser facial hair removal done on them. It eliminates the need for further shaving, tweezing and waxing. It also helps get rid of ingrown hairs as well as razor bumps. Laser can remove hair from the upper lip, sideburns, cheek, chin, and neck. For people who have darker hair and light skin, the results are great.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work Permanently?
Another important and mostly misunderstood aspect regarding laser hair removal is; does laser hair removal work permanently? Laser hair removal is certified by the FDA as a permanent hair reduction process but not as a permanent hair removal process. While the process yields great results and regular removal procedures are not necessary, the hair does grow back with time. Annual touchups are usually necessary to keep one hairless for a long duration.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair?
It is said that laser hair removal works best on people who are light skinned and have dark, coarse hair. This being the case, does laser hair removal work on blonde hair? Laser hair removal for blonde hair does work but not very well.
This is caused by the selective nature of light absorption. Only dark pigment is capable of absorbing the light. This light is then changed to heat energy which is used to destroy the hair follicles. In cases where the patient has blonde hair, the hair pigment is not much and in some situations is nonexistent. Those who have a mixture of dark and light blonde hair can have the darker ones treated while the rest remain.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Gray Hair, White Hair, Red & Light Hair?
The principle of thermolysis is what laser hair removal is based on. This means that light has to be converted to heat and then concentrated on the hair follicle which is the target for destruction. The target can therefore be said to be the dark colored follicle. This brings forth a question; does laser hair removal work on gray hair, white, red or generally light hair?
Hairs that have none or those which have little melanin cannot achieve long term results as the mechanism will not be sufficient for this. For long term results on removal of white, grey and red hair, it is best to opt for electrolysis. This will get rid of the hair permanently. For short term solutions, one could go for waxing, threading, or shaving.
