Laser hair removal allows women and men to replace daily shaving or painful wax manipulations with comfortable and long-term hair removal. Modern devices, with the right methodology for the procedure, eliminate harm to the body and negative consequences.
- What is laser hair removal
- Varieties
- Ruby laser
- Alexandrite Laser
- Diode laser
- Neodymium laser
- Elos Hair Removal
- Cool hair removal
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Is there a danger and harm to health
- Contraindications
- How often do
- Does it hurt
- How to prepare
- How is it done
- Cost
- What can not be done after the procedure
- Skin care after the procedure
- Myths about laser hair removal
- Interesting videos about laser hair removal, its effectiveness and possible harm
What is laser hair removal
Laser hair removal – a medical procedure, a radical method of combating unwanted hair on the body of men and women. A feature of this method is the complete or partial destruction of the hair follicle (bulb).
Melanin – a high-molecular pigment that is part of the hair, determines the color. A substance with a complex chemical composition in the follicle and the hair shaft is concentrated, it is able to absorb light flux with a wavelength of 700-800 nm. Melanin is a target for laser hair removal.
As a result of exposure, the pigment heats up significantly, destroying nearby areas of the growth zone of the hair, blood vessels, glands. Follicle nutrition stops. A few weeks after exposure to light, the hair whose root has been damaged falls out. Further germination of this hair is impossible.
The destructive effect is produced by laser radiation: the light flux with waves of the same length is focused at one point with a high energy density. Most often, diode or alexandrite laser devices are used.
Luminous flux acts only on actively growing hair. Sleeping hair follicles are not affected, so they wake up some time after the procedure as an organism’s response to stress. To remove them, a course of exposure is required.
Varieties
Plants for hair removal are distinguished by the type of laser, depending on which the wavelength, depth of exposure, and hence the effectiveness, change. The following types of laser hair removal have gained popularity today.
Ruby laser
This is the very first laser device that was actively used until 1998. But in some salons these installations are still used.
Characteristics:
- The wavelength is 694 nm.
- The ruby laser pulse frequency is up to 1 Hz.
- The exposure time is 3 ms.
- The power of the device is 45-60 J / inch?m.
Epilation with this type of laser is effective only on dark hair, there will be no effect on light or red integuments. The laser can have a harmful effect on dark-skinned or tanned skin in the form of burns, edema or age spots, hair is partially removed.
Alexandrite Laser
Alexandrite laser became widespread after 1999.
It has significantly expanded capabilities compared to its predecessor:
- The wavelength is 725 nm.
- The pulse frequency is 1.5-5 Hz.
The new device is 5 times more powerful, and makes it possible to carry out hair removal on the skin with a weak tan without negative consequences.
The maximum effect is observed with dark hair and light skin. When exposed to the skin with this type of laser, without external cooling, pain and burns may appear. Only centers with a medical license and professional staff are allowed to work.
Diode laser
The most modern model is diode laser systems. They are capable of generating a beam of light with a wavelength of 800-900 nm. The period of exposure to the skin is reduced to 0.30 ms, and the pulse frequency reaches 10 Hz. Such a device shows a high result when working with tanned skin, as it is able to affect the vessels of the hair follicle in the same way as melanin.
The laser also copes with blond hair, but gray or very pale hairs can still not be removed. Significantly reduced and the level of pain when using a diode laser model.
Neodymium laser
The laser has a wavelength of 1064 nm, with a skin exposure period of 10 ms. A significant difference in the operation of such a device lies in the mechanism of action on the follicle’s blood network. The laser is used mainly not to destroy melanin, but to stop eating hair follicles.
The effectiveness of hair removal is significantly reduced due to the low radiation power. Laser hair removal is not the main application of a neodymium device, so they are rare in beauty salons. The laser is used in specialized clinics to remove the subcutaneous vascular network.
Elos Hair Removal
Combines laser and electro-hair removal. Its main advantage is greater exposure depth. Laser hair removal removes hairs at a maximum depth of 5/32 inch, but in combination with electric current, hair is destroyed at a depth of 8/32 inch.
This type of vegetation removal is carried out much longer, therefore it costs more. During the procedure, pain and negative consequences in the form of redness and burns are possible.
Cool hair removal
The second name of the procedure is cold hair removal. For its use, a diode or alexandrite laser is used with the use of a cooling nozzle, which reduces pain to a minimum. Such comfort significantly affects the cost of the procedure.
The manipulation is performed exclusively by a highly qualified specialist. Any analgesic cream can become an analogue of the nozzle, which will allow you to painlessly use a diode or alexandrite laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
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Is there a danger and harm to health
Laser hair removal (whether it is harmful to do the procedure depends on the individual characteristics of the body) when carried out by an experienced craftsman, strictly in accordance with the technique, does not harm health. Violation of technology, neglect of contraindications, improper choice of power or color type of the skin can lead to complications.
Possible consequences:
- Skin burns of varying degrees.
- Folliculitis (occurs when there is a violation of the technology of the procedure, in patients prone to excessive sweating, the likelihood of an ailment increases when visiting the pool between sessions of electro-hair removal).
- Hyperpigmentation (people with dark or tanned skin).
- Allergy (skin rashes provokes skin care cosmetics, cooling cream).
- Exacerbation of herpes.
- Moles present in the treatment area can degenerate into tumor formations, benign or malignant.
During pregnancy or lactation, laser hair removal can cause dry skin, peeling and itching. Hormonal changes increase the likelihood of hyperpigmentation, growth of neoplasms and scarring. The effect of laser beams on the fetal nervous system has not been fully studied.
Contraindications
Laser hair removal (whether the procedure is harmful, depends on many factors) requires a consultation with a doctor. Before giving preference to laser hair removal, it is worth familiarizing yourself with contraindications. They are the same for men and women, and for all areas subject to hair removal.
There are relative contraindications, which can be avoided in some cases, only after consulting a doctor, or after eliminating the causes, and absolute ones – a complete ban on hair removal.
Relative:
- Pregnancy (in the equipment manual there is no direct prohibition on carrying out the procedure during gestation, but cosmetologists advise to refrain from extraneous influences on the body during this period).
- Lactation period (there is no direct prohibition, but hormonal changes in a woman’s body can significantly reduce the percentage of the procedure’s effectiveness, up to a complete lack of result).
- Tanning (hair on highly tanned skin is more difficult to remove, due to low contrast, the likelihood of unpleasant consequences increases).
- Acute and chronic diseases of the epidermis (there is a chance of exacerbating the situation).
- Moles (these are pigmented areas of the skin that in no case should be exposed to a laser, otherwise they can begin to grow or degenerate into tumors of a different nature). If necessary, they are removed.
- SARS (worth the wait for recovery).
- Scratches, bruises, bruises, burns.
- Benign tumors.
- The tendency to form scars or scars (if the irradiation power is incorrectly selected, keloid scars may remain on the skin).
- Varicose veins at any stage.
Absolute:
- Cancer of any kind at all stages.
- Diabetes at all stages.
- Acute forms of herpes.
- Fluffy and gray hair (hair removal will not be effective).
- Strong fresh tan of natural, artificial nature, or dark skin.
- Individual intolerance may also occur.
How often do
Laser hair removal does not give 100% efficiency in 1 session. This is explained by the action of the laser only on actively growing follicles. Sleeping hair follicles remain intact. The cyclical growth of hair determines their alternate presence in the phase of rest or growth.
For each patient, the time between procedures may vary, so holders of thick coarse hair are forced to resort to services more often, and thin hair grows much slower.
The following time steps are recommended on average:
| Procedure | Time interval between procedures (weeks) |
| 1-2 | 6-8 |
| 2-3 | 8-10 |
| 3-4 | 10-12 |
| 4-5 | 12-14 |
| 5-6 | 14-16 |
| 6-7 | 16-18 |
| 7-8 | 18-20 |
The number of procedures also depends on the area of hair removal. Facial hair is much softer than the groin, and can be removed more quickly. An important role is played by the level of androgen (male hormone). With its high concentration, it may be necessary to regularly repeat the procedure 1-2 times a year.
Average number of procedures for different zones:
| Plot | Number of sessions |
| Face | 4 |
| Armpits | 6 |
| Hands | 6 |
| Back | 6/8 (women / men) |
| Stomach | 6 |
| Bikini zone | 8 |
| Hips | 6 |
| Legs | To 10 |
Some hair cannot be removed at all.
Most of the human hair follicles are laid in the dermis (deep layer of the skin), where the pigment of the shaft and blood vessels become targets for light beams. A small percentage of hair (not in all people) is laid in the hypodermis – the subcutaneous fat layer. The laser does not reach such a depth, therefore, single hairs that do not respond to the skin continue to appear on the skin.
Does it hurt
Laser hair removal (is it harmful to use this method, the doctor will tell you), subject to the technology and methodology of the procedure, does not bring severe discomfort, pain is minimized.
It all depends on the individual pain threshold of a person, but most women who have undergone the procedure describe the sensation as a slight tingling or a single burning sensation. Many felt extremely warm. Sensations intensify if the hair is thick, thick and black.
How to prepare
The first procedure is always preceded by the preparatory phase. At least 128 hours before hair removal, but more often in a week, a patient is tested for laser sensitivity of the skin. If there are no negative reactions, the date of the procedure is assigned.
Before hair removal, you need to carefully shave the epilated area so that the hairs do not exceed
3/32 inch on the day of the procedure. The shorter the hair length, the better the result after the procedure. Before the session, you also need to cleanse the skin of cosmetic and care products (creams, cosmetics, deodorant).
You can not use an antiperspirant when planning epilation of axillary cavities on the day of the procedure and the next 3 days. The foot spray on the day of hair removal should be excluded, especially if exposure to the skin of the fingers is carried out.
How is it done
Doctors do not use a general anesthetic for hair removal. As an exception, a pain relieving cream is applied. To protect the skin, a moisturizer with aloe extract is used. Additional protection is a special cooling nozzle of the laser manipulator.
Before turning on the device, the doctor and patient wear safety glasses designed to protect the pupils from light flashes of the laser. The device is individually configured for each, taking into account the sensitivity, serial number of the procedure and skin phototype. Settings may differ for different skin areas (bikini and armpit area are much more sensitive than legs).
With the installation turned on, the doctor begins to drive the skin over the skin with a manipulator that creates narrowly focused light beams.
After the specified areas have been exposed to the manipulator, an antiseptic is applied to the treated skin and a cold compress is applied. The procedure can take from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the area of the skin to be treated. Part of the hairs is burned instantly. The rest fall out within 2 weeks. from the day of hair removal.
Cost
The cost of laser hair removal is calculated based on several pricing factors:
- Scope of hair removal. This is the most significant factor. The larger the area of the epilated area, the higher the cost of the procedure.
- Work specifics. Despite the fact that the bikini area, for example, is small in size, the cost of the service will be higher due to the complexity of work, high sensitivity of the skin and a lot of time.
- Course duration. The number of necessary sessions is calculated by a specialist based on the individual patient data (thickness and density of the hairline, hair growth stage). The stiffer and thicker the hair, the longer the course will take.
- Anesthesia. The use of anesthetic cream will affect the cost.
Often salons offer discounts to visitors. This may be a bonus for the first visit, for attracting a friend. Some salons reduce prices for individual services when ordering several at the same time, for example legs + bikini.
What can not be done after the procedure
Between the procedures, doctors categorically prohibit sunbathing. An ultraviolet study increases dryness and sensitivity of the skin. In conjunction with the dehydrating effect of the laser, it is likely that the skin is too dry, with all the ensuing consequences.
Ultraviolet rays also stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in reduced contrast between the skin and hair. This reduces the effectiveness of the next hair removal session, and the course as a whole. More procedures may be required.
After the first procedure, experts recommend that you refuse to visit saunas, baths and pools to prevent inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis).
If crusts occur at the sites of hair removal, it is worthwhile to refrain from their mechanical removal. After healing of the skin, they will disappear on their own, otherwise scars or hyperpigmented areas may remain.
Skin care after the procedure
Restore and soften the skin after the procedure can be fast enough with regular use of creams and lotions on the treated areas. Burns and redness should immediately be treated with healing agents, such as Bepanten or Panthenol. Any form of drugs (spray, cream, ointment) will do.
Before leaving the premises during the summer period, it is imperative to apply skin-free areas of hair where epilation was performed, sunscreen. For effective protection against ultraviolet radiation, it is worth using products marked SPF-30. This is the optimal level of protection against negative consequences.
Myths about laser hair removal
- The laser promotes the formation of tumors. Laser hair removal (is it harmful to use the procedure, the doctor will tell you) has skin tumors in the list of contraindications, however, the oncogenic wavelength of ultraviolet radiation is 320-400 nm, there are none in the laser radiation spectrum. Much more likely to stimulate the growth of skin formations when visiting a tanning bed.
- After the procedure, the hair becomes larger and tighter. This is only part of the truth. After the second procedure, active germination of sleeping bulbs can be observed. This is the effect of synchronization when the body tries to make up for the loss. After the third procedure, the number of sleeping follicles significantly decreases, hair grows less often, thin and in small quantities.
- Photoepilation is more effective than laser. In fact, these are 2 devices that use the same principle of influence on melanin. The photoepilator appeared first, and the laser apparatus was invented much later. The most innovative is considered a diode laser. It has much higher efficiency and lasts longer.
- Not everyone is exposed to the laser. The luminous flux in the skin is looking for a target – melanin in the hair shaft or follicle. If it is not there is no effect. Gray hair and a fluffy hairline that does not contain pigment are not susceptible to laser exposure. If the laser does not affect black or dark enough hair, you need to conduct examinations. Most often, hormonal failure occurs in the body, one of the symptoms of which can be hard, tightly colored hair on the face. With a second procedure after treatment, the effect will manifest itself.
- Laser hair removal is expensive. The cost of services in this area of cosmetic services has not changed significantly for about 10 years. To estimate the cost of regular shaving, it is worth calculating how much money is spent on shaving machines, foams or shaving gels, hair scrubs and skin care creams. The amount, when converted to 10 years, will be impressive. Comparing it with the cost of laser hair removal for the same period, you get a small difference and much less trouble.
Laser hair removal is an effective method of combating unwanted vegetation on the body, but before resorting to the procedure, it is worth consulting a doctor to avoid possible harm to the body.
Interesting videos about laser hair removal, its effectiveness and possible harm
Pros and cons of different types of hair removal:
