Body Hair Removal Article

Laser Hair Removal and Me: Common Questions

What is laser hair removal and what is in it for me? This article presents an introduction to how laser hair removal works, and answers some common questions that people contemplating the procedure have.

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a technique for removing unwanted hair. Using red and infrared lasers, pulses of energy are directed towards the hair. The melanin pigment in the skin and hair is targetted, and when hair follicles receive the energy, it is converted into damaging and disabling heat. The treatment removes growing follicles, but leaves dormant hair, meaning that subsequent treatments are required to satisfactorily remove hair.

Is laser hair removal treatment appropriate for me?
Laser hair removal treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Because the melanin pigment is targeted, those with darker skin than hair are less likely to receive good results, since the skin will absorb much of the energy from the laser beam. As such, candidates with dark skin are not ideal candidates for treatment. Similarly, tanned candidates should wait until their tan subsides before undergoing treatment.

How much does laser hair removal treatment cost?
It should first be noted that four sessions are generally recommended to achieve adequate results. Further, treatment costs depend upon the size of the area to be treated. As a general guide, a reputable treatment clinic can be expected to charge around $500 per session, although treatment of small areas only will be less than this. For total treatment, one can expect to pay around $2000. Naturally, this figure should only be used as a guide.

Which areas of the body can be treated?
Generally, unless there are contraindications, any part of the body can be treated, with the exception of the area around the eye. The areas most receptive to treatment are the face, armpits and bikini line, and the least responsive are the back, legs, arms and scalp.

Does laser hair removal work permanently?
Several newer lasers have been shown to reduce hair permanently, with the FDA approving several lasers for this purpose, with several more applications pending. Results are additive, however, with additional treatments resulting greater hair reduction. It is not possible to accurately predict the efficacy of laser hair removal treatment on a case by case basis; it is especially difficult to predict how many treatment sessions a particular individual will require. Thus, you will find that the most reputable hair removal clinics will not guarantee results.