Laser hair removal should not be used for patients with dark skin
However if your skin pigmentation is of a similar colour to your hair the laser energy may be absorbed by the skin causing burns. Therefore dark skinned patients should not use this type of hair removal process and tanned patients should wait until the tan has faded. Also laser hair removal will not be as effective on hair without pigment (white or grey), blonde hair or red hair.
Laser light is pulsed
The laser light that is used to remove the hair is pulsed. This is because the laser needs to be on for a enough time to destroy the hair follicle but you do not want the laser on too long so the surrounding skin is damaged. During the laser hair removal treatment you may hear a ticking noise, this will be the laser pulsing.
Medications can cause photosensitivity
When you have the initial consultation you should be asked a series of questions about medications that you take. You should be asked to stop taking medications like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or even supplements such as niacin and vitamin E. Medications like this can cause your skin to be photosensitive. To be on the safe side the practioner should carry out a test on a small area of skin first just in case you have a bad reaction to the laser hair removal process.
Are there any hair removal systems that I can use myself at home?
There are a few products that you can use at home such as the TRIA laser. The TRIA laser hair removal system can be used on all areas of the body except around the eyes (as with all laser hair removal treatments). This may be cheaper than visiting a trained practioner but Australia Prices does not have any accurate data to say whether the TRIA system is as effective as a laser hair removal treatment.
What are the claims for hair reduction?
Some people can have a significant amount of long term hair removal or even permanent hair reduction. However "100% permanent hair removal" and "guaranteed 0% re-growth" cannot be true for everyone as some clients do not respond well to the laser treatment. However I would say most people will experience some long term hair reduction.
How painful is laser hair removal?
Most people will tolerate the pain of the laser. However ask the practioner about methods of minimizing the pain. One popular method of pain reduction is to apply a thick layer of a lidocaine containing cream that you can get from pharmacies 45 minutes before the laser treatment.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost for having laser hair removal treatment can vary depending on where you live. However cost should never be the deciding factor.
What questions should I ask my laser hair removal clinic?
Here are a few questions you can ask your laser hair removal clinic
1. Which laser do they use and can they explain how the laser removes hair?
2. How many patients have you treated? What kind of results can I expect?
3. Are consultations and initial test treatments free?
4. Who will carry out the hair removal treatment and are they certified?
Never have laser treatment around the eyes
You should never have laser hair removal treatment any where near the eyes as the laser beam penetrates deep into the skin. Use traditional methods of laser hair removal such as tweezing, waxing or electrolysis.
Laser hair removal is only effective on short visible hair
The laser hair removal process is effective only on short, visible hair. Therefore 2 to 3 days before the hair removal procedure the area to be treated should be shaved and then allowed to grow to a stubble.
Further information
Check out the different lasers, how the hair growth cycle works, the history of laser hair removal laser hair removal terms, links to other websites and a laser hair removal video showing an actual laser hair removal treatment.
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