The Facts About Laser Hair Removal: Is It Right For You?

How do you get rid of excessive body hair? Daily shaving is annoying; hair depilatories are messy; electrolysis and waxing are painful. Another option is laser hair removal. But in spite of this beauty treatment’s burgeoning popularity, laser hair removal is not an option for all people. Be sure you know the facts about laser hair removal, before deciding to use this hair removal technique.

Laser hair removal is considered safe when performed by trained professionals. But there are risks linked to this popular hair removal method, too. Some of the newer cosmetic lasers (like those claiming to work on dark skins) are questionable, and some of today’s technicians (laserologists) might be under-trained, if trained at all. Be sure to get a referral from your doctor.

Marketing and aggressive advertising campaigns can make some of these laser hair removal treatments seem valid, when in actuality they might be so new the risks are not yet fully known.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Cosmetic lasers emit a thin beam of light (a specific wavelength) which is used to destroy unwanted hair at the roots; this pulsed intense heat ray kills hair by burning it at its source, the hair follicle. It’s the ray’s burning ability that causes concern among laser hair removal watchdogs.

Burns, both minimal and more serious second and third degree burns, have been reported in the past 5 years, following laser hair removal. But a professional laserologist should know exactly what questions to ask to reduce your chances of getting burned.

Laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure and as with all medical procedures, questions must be asked and answered. Speak to a potential hair removal laserologist first; carefully review the questions they ask YOU. They should at least ask the following: Are you on any medications? Do you use a tanning bed? Have you tried laser treatments before? Have you ever been burned?

In addition, the shade of your skin should be a clear indication to any potential laser hair removal specialist, as to whether or not you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. Cosmetic laser light is attracted by the dark pigment in darker hair, so those people with naturally dark pigmented skin or deep tans should be cautious about laser hair removal. These people have a high risk of being burned because the darkness of their skin, instead of their hair, attracts the laser’s burning rays. A good laserologist will know of this danger, and will advise a potential client accordingly.

The next thing to consider is the advice the laserologist gives BEFORE undertaking any procedure. Does he or she recommend that you stay out of the sun or a tanning bed for several weeks? Do they advise you that some medications can interfere with successful laser hair removal? Do they look at the COLOR of your hair and advise you that the success rate for removing red, blonde, or gray hair can be very LOW?

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Lidocaine. Another issue, when reviewing the facts about laser hair removal, is the use of the pain-control cream, lidocaine. Many people are allergic to this topical treatment and can experience a variety of side effects.

According to news reports, in January 2005, a 22 year old student at North Carolina State University actually died from a lidocaine overdose.

Since then, others have come forward saying they, too, have experienced negative side effects from the usage of prescription-strength lidocaine cream, like blurred vision and labored breathing. Be careful, talk to your doctor.

Lesser side effects (from the actual laser treatment) include a reddening of the skin, swelling and blisters (usually suffered only by people with darker skins). These symptoms will go away over time. However, skin pigment discoloration (dark or light patches) may be lasting side effects. Scarring, which is rare, will also be permanent.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You?

Laser hair removal can be a perfectly safe and satisfying procedure. For most, it can be an effective, error-free procedure that, in the long run, can save money. But it is an expensive beauty treatment initially, and it doesn’t come with a guarantee; hair can grow back, lighter and finer, but it can still return.

Protect yourself by exploring the facts about laser hair removal first, before responding to discount coupons, introductory offers, or free treatments. The modern day craze towards laser hair removal may be just that, crazy. Or it could be a terrific method for freeing yourself from unwanted excessive body hair, permanently. But only once you’ve done the research to find a reputable trained hair removal laserologist.