Laser Hair Removal Makes You a Smooth Operator

If you're considering hair removal, this article will give you a few things to consider before you go ahead with the process. Hair removal on legs and the bikini area can be done with great success for the most part. But, before you sign up for costly treatments, you should consider some facts about the hair removal process. Laser hair removal and facial hair removal is costly. Lasers and pulsed light's work best on people with light skin and dark hair. The new devices that have been created to work only on dark-skinned people or with light hair are working out to be only partially effective. There's a new device on the market that uses intense, pulsed light combined with radio frequency to treat women with blonde or gray hair, but it is only about 50% as effective as other types of lasers.

If you have dark skin, laser hair removal can cause discoloration unless you use a specific machine created for dark skin. Lasers use pulse light to break down and target the dark pigment in your hair referred to as melanin. Lasers target the melanin in dark skin, which can cause discoloration. Hair growth progresses in three phases, growing, resting and shedding. Lasers and pulsed light target hair in the growth phase.

Your hair goes through a cycle and usually falls out within 10 to 14 days. Use a mild exfoliate in the shower on the 10th day, as this will help exfoliate your skin and remove hair. Several follicles are targeted at once when you use light and lasers, so they allow you to treat large areas of skin. Electrolysis hair removal takes years and many many visits to be successful and is usually carried out on the back or legs. Laser hair removal on these areas usually takes sessions under two hours. It's tremendous for treating the back, arms, shoulders and chest. Be careful when you select your hair removal specialist. Laser hair removal is usually only effective on dark hair and is good for the upper lip and chin. If you have blonde hair that needs to be zapped, you're advised to use electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.

You have to be patient with your hair removal sessions as it can sometimes take four to six sessions or more spaced four weeks apart to see a 70% to 80% reduction in hair growth. If you're serious about getting hair removed, consider having treatments done once a year for a couple years at least. Unfortunately, laser hair removal is not guaranteed and works better on some people than others. You're not going to know for sure where the regrowth is going to occur and in some people regrowth will occur after several months or years while others never have to worry about shaving again. It all depends on the individual.

As a rule, the average experience is a 70% to 80% reduction in hair growth over a 4-6 week course of treatment. Laser technology has come a long way over the past few years and success rates depend for the most part on the individual. Some may find that electrolysis is more effective in laser hair removal. The best way to prepare yourself is to determine first what type of pulsed light machine will be used and you'll probably be told either to shave the date of your treatment or few days before. Consult with your aesthetician before the session. As far as pain is concerned, pulsed- light laser hair removal feels like a rubber band popping against your skin. Some machines perform differently and not every zap hurts. Some areas, like a lower leg hurts more than others such as the thighs. You're advised to take couple of ibuprofen an hour before your session. Other experts advise that you numb your skin about 20 minutes before the session begins with the spray or cream containing 4 percent lidocaine. Keep in mind that salons that advertise discounted procedures are sometimes not the best places to go, especially if they have to resort to a discount to get customers.

Do your homework before signing up for hair removal services and use only a dermatologist or licensed technician. As far as the pocketbook is concerned, remember that laser hair removal is not cheap. The fee structure is generally based on what body part you treat and can run anywhere between $200-$2,000 a session, not including taxes or tip. Do your homework. Consult with others and seek out good service providers and you'll do well when it comes to hair removal.