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Many people seek out hair removal processes to get rid of unwanted hair on their faces and bodies. In fact, some sources note that up to 95% of women choose to remove their leg hair alone. There are many different types of laser hair removal process, and some have been around for decades.
At home, it is common for people to choose to remove their hair with razors, creams, or even wax kits. These techniques can be ineffective, have results that do not last long, and—in some cases—can cause damage to your skin. For these reasons and others, some people choose to undergo a laser hair removal process to get rid of their body and facial hair more permanently.
If you’re interested in getting safe, long-lasting results from hair removal, keep reading! In this post, we will be focusing on the causes of excessive hair growth, as well as the best ways to get rid of any unwanted hair.
Hair There and Everywhere
Excessive hair growth commonly results from two conditions, called hypertrichosis and hirsutism. Unfamiliar with these scientific terms? You’re not alone. Though these condition names may sound like a mouthful, they actually refer to pretty simple concepts.
Hypertrichosis refers to extra body hair growth that occurs in both normal and abnormal patterns. This condition arises for a variety of reasons, including genetic factors, medications, hormone levels, and malnutrition.
Tumors may also cause hypertrichosis in some instances. Hirsutism, on the other hand, is a condition that leads to excessive hair growth in common male patterns: hair may grow in the beard and mustache area and on the lower part of the stomach. Hirsutism results most often from medications, hormonal issues, genetics, and tumors.
These conditions most commonly arise under benign circumstances and are usually not a cause for worry. That being said, if you are concerned about your excessive hair growth, you may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician to undergo a checkup and determine whether a more serious condition is to blame.
Laser Hair Removal Process and Other Methods Broken Down
Excessive hair growth can have negative physical and mental implications. Some people feel itchy because of their unwanted hair or experience areas of dryness. Others may feel self-conscious and insecure because of the appearance of their excessive hair. Many people experience both physical and psychological discomfort as a result of excess hair growth. Still, choosing to remove your hair is a deeply personal decision, and needs to be done properly to be successful and safe. There are a number of hair removal techniques available to those who want to get rid of their unwanted hair.
Tweezing
The first thing you need if you choose to tweeze your stray hairs is a good pair of tweezers. Tweezing is used to pluck hairs at the root and is most commonly used for small areas where unwanted hair grows, such as the face. Using tweezing to remove hair can have results that last between three to eight weeks because it pulls out the individual hairs at their roots.
It is important to clean your tweezers off with rubbing alcohol before and after every time you use them in order to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, though tweezing is a generally safe hair removal technique, it is possible that ingrown hairs will occur as a result. That is, the hair may break off and grow back underneath the skin. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and are considered unsightly by some, so most people want to avoid them.
Shaving
Many people have heard that shaving hair makes it grow back darker and coarser. This is actually a myth. New hair often seems dark and thick. Hair that is allowed to grow unheeded gets bleached by the sun and is stripped over time. As a result, new hair growth that occurs often seems a lot more visible and can have a radically different texture.
Shaving is a popular hair removal technique and is readily accessible. Nearly every grocery store and pharmacy offers razors—disposable and electric alike. People who use disposable razors would do well to wet their skin or use soap or shaving cream before shaving their hair. Moreover, it is best to shave in the same direction that your hair is growing. Ideally, razors should be replaced periodically to decrease the likelihood of cuts that can happen from dull blades.
Although shaving is relatively easy, the results only last between one and three days, depending on the sharpness of the blade, the technique used, and the individual’s hair growth speed. Because of the quick regrowth, many people find shaving to be a near-daily hassle. In fact, some studies report that British women spend roughly 72 hours shaving their legs in their lifetimes. Additionally, like tweezing, shaving can cause ingrown hairs.
Waxing
Anyone who wants to achieve longer results from hair removal may be interested in waxing areas that have unwanted hair. Waxing can be done on many areas of the body, including the face, legs, arms, and bikini area. Moreover, many stores sell DIY wax kits, so waxing can be done in the privacy of your own home. It is critical that anyone using these kits follow the included instructions exactly, as improper use can result in burns, scarring, and irritation. Many people choose to avoid these potential risks and find a professional to administer the wax treatment instead.
Depending on the person, waxing results can last between three and six weeks, making it a more long-term solution to prevent hair regrowth than tweezing and shaving. Waxing can sometimes result in redness and bumps and, in rare instances, infections. Chances of infection decrease for people who choose to wax more often, as well.
Creams
Topical hair removal creams offer yet another quick solution to people wanting to get rid of excess hair. These creams work by dissolving the hair above and just below the skin’s surface. There are a wide variety of brands that manufacture hair removal creams. In fact, some even provide gentle versions of these products to reduce the chance of irritation.
Creams typically are able to remove hair for two to three days. Therefore, the regrowth timeline is similar to hair that is shaved. As a result, many people choose to apply their hair removal cream a couple of times a week to combat new hair growth.
Laser Removal
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of lasers to diminish hair growth. Laser hair removal offers a long-lasting solution for people looking to get rid of unwanted hair. Typically, results last quite some time, and most people only choose to undergo treatments once every month or two. Additionally, with each treatment, new hair growth typically becomes lighter and finer. Results may not be permanent like many people believe, but laser hair removal does generally reduce the appearance of excess hair over time.
Although some at-home laser treatments have been developed, it is most effective to turn to a professional if you are interested in undergoing laser hair removal treatment. A trained professional can make sure the treatment is catered to your hair growth and will follow proper procedures to ensure the best results.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
As mentioned above, lasers have been approved by the FDA as a method of reducing hair growth. So, how do these laser hair removal treatments work?
Laser hair removal uses light to target areas of excess hair and helps prevent future growth. The lights that lasers use function at a high concentration and different wavelengths can be more effective for people with different skin tones. For example, lasers with longer wavelengths can prove more effective for individuals who have darker skin pigments.
For most areas of the body, lasers provide a straightforward way to remove hair. Generally, as few as three laser hair removal treatment sessions are necessary to achieve more permanent results. As previously stated, hair growth typically becomes lighter and finer with more frequent laser treatments.
It is important to note that laser hair removal treatments are not permanent solutions for unwanted facial hair. Skin and hair on the face can be affected by hormone levels, so treatments may not have permanent results, especially for women.
Prior to the procedure, a medical professional may apply if necessary some sort of topical numbing medicine to reduce any stings that can come from laser hair removal treatment sessions. However, some of the latest lasers come with a cryogen setting, cooling the area at the same time as the heat so that the discomfort is minimized. Some technicians choose to apply ice to the treatment area for the same numbing effect. Moreover, treatment sessions are usually quite short. For example, laser treatments for underarm hair typically only take a minute or two.
The Target Candidate
Though laser hair treatments can be customized for various types of skin, lasers are typically most effective for individuals with light skin and dark hair. Laser light is mostly not absorbed by darker pigmentations, though some professionals offer lasers at longer wavelengths, which can be used on people with dark skin with success.
People who have light hair may be recommended certain medications to enhance the results of laser hair removal.
Some patients have noted up to a 25% reduction in hair growth after each session. Furthermore, most people can go one or two months between sessions, depending on the speed of their hair growth and their personal preferences.
Side Effects and Risks
The laser hair removal process is noninvasive and safe. They can be completed outpatient and do not require any downtime after each session.
That being said, some patients experience side effects from their laser treatments. Side effects are rare and generally dissipate after a short period of time. Some side effects that can come from laser hair removal are mild swelling near the hair follicles and pigment changes in the skin. Pigment changes are more likely to occur for people with dark skin tones.
Other side effects from laser treatments are minimal redness in the skin at the target site and irritation that can result in blisters, scars, and crusting. These side effects are temporary and usually only last a few days following treatment. If these side effects last longer than this, consult your doctor.
Very rarely, laser treatments can cause a severe skin rash. This is more likely to occur in people who are sensitive to hayfever or have other allergies. Although these rashes are unlikely, it is best to use a patch test 24 to 48 hours before a laser hair removal procedure to ensure the skin is not hypersensitive to the lasers.
What Does It Cost and Where Is It Offered?
Laser hair removal treatments are considered cosmetic procedures and, therefore, are not covered by insurance providers. So, what does it cost?
The average cost of each laser hair removal process can vary widely and can be influenced by the location of the treatment facility, the size of the area that is treated, and the length of time needed for the treatment. Additionally, because people typically require 6-8 sessions to see more permanent effects, this cost can add up.
Laser hair removal treatments are available at a number of different medical facilities, from doctor’s offices to medical spas. Picking a facility where you feel comfortable and at ease can make your experience smoother and soothe any anxiety you may have.
Schedule a Consultation
SeaMist MedSpa offers laser hair removal process with the latest technology for clients in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Our trained team makes sure you are comfortable during your procedure. They care about helping you achieve the results you want. If you struggle with red bumps and irritation from other hair removal techniques, you may want to speak to a professional about laser hair removal, which is safe and effective for most patients.
If you have any questions about hair removal strategies, contact us! Our number is (401) 782-2400 and our hours are from nine AM until five PM Monday through Friday.
With the help of SeaMist MedSpa, you can put your best face forward! Check out our blog to find out more about other services, such as Emsculpt.
