Tired of painful waxing or electrolysis sessions and the discomfort of shaving? For some years now, a more effective and less restrictive solution has been supplanting traditional methods: laser hair removal. Although more costly, this alternative has many advantages that make it well worth the effort. Definitions, advantages, operating principles and contraindications... This article tells you all about laser hair removal!
Laser hair removal: definitions and principles
Laser hair removal is a treatment method based on hair removal at the root. It involves removing the hair follicles from the epidermis by thermo coagulation, leaving skin perfectly soft and smooth. Also known as "permanent hair removal", the laser method permanently eliminates up to 90 % of hair from the treated area.
Depilatory lasers fall into two categories:
- The photomechanical device
This type of laser device uses pulsed light to resonate with the hair pigment. The strong vibrations generated damage the hair bulb, preventing regrowth.
- The device with thermal properties
The thermal laser emits infrared rays that target the melanin concentrated in the hair. It then transforms these rays into heat beams to destroy the entire follicle.
Why undergo laser hair removal?
This modern hair removal technique is very popular today, not least because of its permanent nature. Above all, it's an excellent way to save money in the long term, because compared to waxing or electrolysis, it doesn't involve permanent treatment.
With each successive session, the hair becomes thinner and eventually stops growing back. And while the cost of a single session is somewhat expensive, laser hair removal gives you fast, effective and, above all, permanent results, which saves you money.
Laser hair removal also saves precious time. Try calculating all the hours you spend each week or month on hair removal, and you'll immediately see the difference. What's more, with the new technologies we're using, large areas of the body can be treated in record time (usually less than an hour).
Tired of the cuts, irritations and ingrown hairs that keep your skin from looking its best? With laser hair removal, you can say goodbye to these unsightly and uncomfortable inconveniences. No more wondering whether or not you've had a chance to wax. Put on your favorite dresses and wear your bathing suits with peace of mind!
Who can benefit from laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is not suitable for everyone. For women, the ideal age for this treatment is between 20 and 60. Before this age, hair growth has not yet matured, so the risks are particularly high. For men, this hair removal technique is recommended from the age of 25 onwards, in order to achieve satisfactory results.
There are also contraindications to laser hair removal. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are strongly advised against laser hair removal. This is also the case for individuals with any ongoing dermatological conditions, or suffering from photodermatosis and skin tumors.
Be aware that special precautions must be taken before starting a laser hair removal session. In France, laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure in its own right. For this reason, laser hair removal can only be performed by certified dermatologists.
The right steps to take for laser hair removal
As mentioned above, you'll need to take a number of precautions before you can undergo laser hair removal. The first condition is to avoid tanning before hair removal. Tanning loads the skin with melanin, which is likely to absorb the laser beam during treatment. This often results in skin burns, so stay vigilant.
Make sure you haven't waxed before your session. Otherwise, the laser won't be able to target the point that permanently destroys the bulb. As a result, your session will have no effect on the areas concerned.
Finally, be sure not to take any photo-sensitizing drugs on the day of your laser hair removal session. In fact, they make the skin ultra-sensitive to light, which can present certain risks during hair removal. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor for advice on the different types of medication to avoid during your treatment.
Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal
These days, a wide variety of questions are being asked by aesthetic treatment enthusiasts. To help you learn more about laser hair removal, here are the most frequently asked questions:
What type of skin is suitable for laser hair removal?
This method of hair removal can be used on any skin type, provided the device used is of good quality. The choice of device will depend above all on the color of your hair. Your esthetician will use this criterion to select the ideal laser device and the appropriate wavelengths.
How many sessions does it take to see results?
On average, it takes several spaced sessions to remove hair from a given area. You'll need to wait eight weeks for thighs and other areas with long hair regrowth. For sensitive areas such as the face, armpits and bikini line, four weeks are sufficient.
Are there any side effects?
Normally, laser hair removal presents no risk of side effects. Each session is simply followed by a slight inflammation or pinkness of the skin that lasts one or two days at most. All you need to do is take the necessary precautions, and these will disappear rapidly.