Most of us dread shaving; we are sick of razor burn, cuts, prickly legs, and our skin being a darker shade where our hair grows back in. Laser hair removal sounds intimidating and painful as well as more time consuming than shaving or a wax. Although it may take some time to set money aside, find a place you are comfortable with, and schedule time you are available, there are many amazing benefits to laser hair removal that outweigh dealing with your hair for the rest of your life.
With advances in technology laser hair removal is now quick and relatively painless. The procedure removes unwanted hair for both men and women and is effective on any area of the body. Laser hair removal leaves your skin feeling smoother, looking younger, and of course hair-free! Today there are many laser hair removal companies that use elite laser technology that is suitable for all skin types.
Why is it better than waxing?
Laser requires a lot fewer treatments than waxing and has a lot longer results. Waxing is typically done every month and you must grow out your hair long enough to be wad. Laser is typically recommended to be done four to eight times, scheduled one to two months apart to achieve permanent results. When getting a laser treatment you must shave the area getting laser which is a lot more convenient than waiting for your hair to grow out long enough to be removed.
Is it really permanent?
You will begin to see gradual and cumulative reduction over several treatments. When your hair grows back between treatments there will be less of it and it will be finer and lighter. Laser does not remove dormant hair follicles, which can be triggered into active hair by hormones, and treated in touch up sessions.
What parts of your body can be treated?
Laser hair removal can be done on any part of your body. The newer devices make the treatment almost painless so more and more patients are treating their whole bodies. The most popular areas consist of legs, underarms, bikini, and arms.
How does laser work?
Hair growth occurs in these three stages – anagen (active), catagen (regression), and telogen (resting). Laser is designed to treat your hair when it is in the anagen phase, when you see your hair growing between treatments it is because the hair is cycling through phases. A series of treatments are necessary because not all of your hair will be in the anagen phase when you are being treated. When the laser hits your skin, the pigment in your hair follicles absorbs the energy and is destroyed. Once a hair follicle is successfully destroyed, it won’t grow back.
What do you need to do before treatment?
Before getting laser hair removal you should avoid any contact with the sun, and make sure you wear sunscreen on areas that you will be treating. You must shave all of the areas that will be treated and not where any lotions, perfumes, or deodorant before treatment.
What to avoid post-treatment
Some patients may experience temporary redness or swelling, aloe should be applied to these areas. Sunscreen should also be worn on areas that were treated but you should make it a priority to stay out of the sun. Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, exercise, make up, and deodorant for the first 24 hours after treatment. Shaving after treatment should not be done for ten days and you should avoid waxing and other hair removal treatments all together.
How much does it cost/Where should I go?
Every state is different but I would recommend asking around and seeing whom your friends and family have been to. You want to go somewhere that has good reviews and does not over charge you. Personally I love SEV laser, which has three locations in the Los Angeles area (West Hollywood, Glendale, and Sherman Oaks). Many celebrities recommend SEV and the prices are hard to beat. With amazing staff and nurses as well as new laser machines, SEV makes you feel extremely comfortable and I personally saw results after my first treatment. Visit sevlaser.com for prices and booking your first appointment!
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