Laser Hair Removal Pros and Cons
There are many pros and cons to laser hair removal. I am well-versed in various laser machines and how they operate. Several qualifications make someone a good candidate for laser hair removal. If the hair is dark and dense, these are excellent conditions for the laser to be very effective. These machines work by targeting the pigment in the hair. The rays are absorbed in the pigment and travel down to the root of the hair, killing the blood supply of the hair. However, it is essential to note that the FDA considers laser hair removal “hair reduction” instead of “permanent.” The success rate differs from person to person depending on genetics, hormones, etc. Some people might experience a 90% reduction, while others only have a 10% reduction. There is also a possibility that, over the course of time, whether it is years or months, the hair can grow back.
People with light-colored hair, gray hair, red hair, or sparse hair are traditionally not good candidates for laser hair removal. The laser does not pick up the pigment in the current hair and has virtually no effect on it.
The Downside: Hair Stimulation
In many cases, people who are not good candidates for laser experience hair stimulation instead of removal! More and more, I have women coming to me for facial hair removal that has been stimulated by laser treatments on the face. I have seen cases from Australia, Dubai, and several from prominent Upper East doctors who have given their clients thick dark facial hair similar to a man’s beard. I am told that the doctors or technicians deny making their clients’ facial hair worse and suggest more and more lasers. Many times, there is great physical pain involved with these poorly done treatments. The result is that their unwanted hair issues are worse than before they started undergoing these costly treatments.
We live in a society where it is deemed socially unacceptable for women to have facial hair. These women who have terrible results with laser are susceptible to losing confidence and having lower self-esteem. Often, their social lives suffer because they have to plan around removing their unwanted hair. This is highly stressful and can seriously burden their lives.
Why Does This Happen?
These stimulation cases occur more frequently than they should because the doctor or technician is not trained correctly. In many states, doctors are not required to receive special training in these machines. If they hold an MD title, they are legally allowed to buy the machine with minimal to no training. Another component of these facial hair stimulation cases is that the technician or doctor does not use the correct settings. Proper laser hair removal is all about the correct settings! With the wrong settings, stimulation can occur, as well as scarring, scabbing, and extreme skin damage. Most frightening is when clinics fail to inform a person that they are not a proper candidate for laser. Instead, they treat the person to take their money without regard for the customer’s well-being.
There is little information about why laser hair removal can stimulate hair growth, especially on the face. I believe more studies will be conducted, and information will be released in time. While I still believe laser is an excellent option for many people, it is not for everyone. I have had fantastic results in permanently removing unwanted hair from laser stimulation. Giving a woman her self-confidence back and seeing her radiance and happiness is very rewarding. If you have excess hair from laser stimulation, I encourage you to book your free consultation today with Limoges Electrolysis!
Conclusion
Laser hair removal can be an excellent option for those with the right hair and skin types. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks, especially hair stimulation, and the importance of seeking treatment from adequately trained professionals. Understanding the pros and cons of laser hair removal is essential for making an informed decision. If you’re considering laser hair removal, ensure you’re an ideal candidate and choose a reputable clinic. If the laser has left you with more unwanted hair, electrolysis can offer a permanent solution. Contact Limoges Electrolys for a free consultation and regain your confidence today.
[…] Laser hair removal works by beaming highly concentrated light into the hair follicles. The pigment (color) in the follicles absorbs the light, and this absorption destroys the hair follicle. Most laser hair removal technologies today are designed to target dark hair colors, such as black or brown. This technology works best on individuals with a contrast between their skin tone and hair color. Therefore, the best candidates for laser hair removal are those with light skin tones and dark hair colors. […]