The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Between 5 and 10% of women experience excessive hair growth. This is known as hirsutism. Shaving and waxing can only get you so far. 

You will eventually have to deal with prickly hair. Sometimes, waxing hair can make it come back darker. Laser treatments are a much better option.

A dentist in North Eastham and West Harwich, MA, can help with this procedure. But what are the benefits of laser hair removal? What should you expect from the procedure?

Keep reading and learn more about it below.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatments?

The main benefit of laser hair removal is that it eliminates the need to shave or wax your hair. Laser hair removal is not a permanent hair removal treatment. It is instead a hair reduction treatment. 

This treatment damages your hair follicles. As the follicles get more and more damaged with every session, it will be harder for them to produce hair. The follicles will still produce hair but at a much slower rate. 

The treated follicles can take several weeks to produce any hair. The hair that is produced will also be different. It should be much thinner, softer, and lighter. 

Many people end up with hair that is so fine that it is unnoticeable. This eliminates the need to shave it. It is so soft that you don't feel it either. 

Several laser treatments are needed to achieve this effect. The exact number of treatments you need will depend on the type of hair you have. If you have very thick and stubborn hair, you may need six or more treatments. 

If your hair is not very dense or dark, you may only need a few sessions. Another benefit of laser hair removal is that it has almost no side effects. It is a very safe procedure. 

You might only experience some redness in the treated area. The treated skin will also be sensitive, so it is important to stay out of the sun. The treatment is not very painful. 

Some people describe the laser as feeling like a rubber band flicking against the skin. It is significantly less painful than waxing or using a tweezer. Another great thing is that you won't have to waste time maintaining your hair anymore.

The Details

Instead of spending much of your free time shaving or waxing, you can focus on more important aspects of your life. After your sessions are finished, your hair growth should be very minimal. Your hair will no longer be a major issue. 

You might need to go in for a touch-up treatment once a year. This will ensure that your hair remains fine and unnoticeable. The treatments should not last very long. 

The exact length will depend on what area you are getting treated. If you are treating your face, it might only take half an hour. If you are treating a large area like your legs, arms, or chest, it may take a few hours. 

Yet another benefit is that the laser is good for your skin. It is particularly good at reducing acne breakouts. This allows you to have healthy, glowing skin and almost hairless skin. 

Opting for laser treatment options can save you money too. This might seem confusing since the cost of each session is quite expensive. But in the long run, you will save money. 

This is because you won't have to waste money on razors or waxing strips anymore. Once you're finished with your laser sessions, you'll only need to get touch-up sessions once a year. The rest of the time, maintaining your hair will be unnecessary.

What to Expect from Laser Hair Removal

This is a very simple procedure. Some people are better candidates than others for laser hair removal. If you have light skin and dark hair, you will be a very good candidate. 

But if you have dark skin and dark hair, this may be a problem. This is because the laser works by detecting dark pigment known as melanin. If your skin is also dark, the laser might not detect your hair or might burn your skin. 

People with light hair and light skin won't be good candidates either. This is because there won't be enough pigmentation in your hair for the laser to detect it. When you go in for your appointment, your laser technician will likely give you some numbing cream. 

What You Need to Know

The cream will numb the feeling of the laser. You will still feel it, but it will be far less painful. To further lessen the discomfort, the technician will apply some cooling gel to your skin. 

This reduces the heat you feel from the laser too. When you feel a zap from the laser, this is a sign that the laser is burning up whatever hair might be in your follicles. It is also damaging the follicles. 

Be sure that you shave the treatment area before you go in for your appointment. The treatment may take between 15 minutes and a few hours. It depends on the size of the area. 

Afterward, make sure you stay out of the sun. Any redness should go away in a few days. 

All About Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are very helpful for permanently reducing excess hair growth. Once you get your hair treated, it should grow back much thinner and finer. This will reduce your need to shave or wax since it will be so unnoticeable. 

To learn more about how it works, check out the services we have to offer.