Laser Hair Removal Guide: Expert Insights & Top Tips

 There was a time when body hair removal simply involved burning with hot wax, razor burn, or horrible threading appointments every several weeks. But now, technology has invaded the conversation, and it is using lasers. 



Laser hair removal (LHR) is an activity that has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. As the 2023 report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says, more than 1.1 million Laser Hair Treatment procedures have been conducted in the U.S. alone, which is a 30% increase compared with 2018. The boom in metro cities in India has witnessed dermatology clinics reporting a 40-60% rise in Laser hair removal queries since COVID, as self-care became the centre stage. 

What is the reason, then, that we are becoming so obsessed with laser-based smoothness? Can it be as safe and effective as it claims itself? How much should you really know before the lasers smooth out your skin? 

Laser Hair Removal treatment is a medical procedure that involves using beam focus light (lasers) to damage and destroy the hair follicle, which in turn results in limited hair development. The science behind laser therapy for hair removal is that it is easy yet effective. Light is then emitted by the laser, which is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) of the hair. This light energy gets transformed into heat, which destroys the hair-producing follicles. The result of undergoing this laser hair treatment procedure is less regrowth, finer strands and, after a sufficient number of sessions, long-term smoothness. Another thing that should be mentioned is that Laser Hair Removal does not kill the hair instantly. It makes the hair thinner, it also slows hair growth and eventually, hair is finer, lighter, and astoundingly sparser. 

Laser hair removal treatment is approved by the FDA, clinically tested and is quite safe in general in the hands of trained professionals with high-quality equipment. Nevertheless, not every single type of skin and not every hair texture reacts in the same manner. Previously, lasers did not work so well on darker complexions because increased melanin in the surrounding skin absorbed more of the laser energy, but new technologies (such as the

Nd: YAG laser and diode lasers) have become safe on a wider range of skin tones. The possible laser hair removal side effects can be mild and short-term: 

● Swelling or redness 

● Mild irritation 

● Transient colorations 

There are no serious complications expected; however, complications are possible when done by inexperienced hands or unscrupulous salons. 

What is the Number Of Sessions Required? 

It is not a single-time event. Laser hair treatment is not a race; it is a process. Depending on the area treated, most individuals would require 6 to 8 sessions with a frequency of 4 to 6 weeks between each session. The life of the hair occurs in cycles, during anagen (growth phase), lasers become most effective, and not all of the hairs are simultaneously in anagen. You might require touch-ups after every 6-12 months following your first sessions. It includes being patient, but after you get to see those results, you can not wait that it was well worth the wait. 

In What Areas Should It Be Treated? 

Not to mention, it is no longer limited to legs and underarms; laser hair removal is conducted almost everywhere. Some treated zones are: 

● Face (upper lips, chin, jaw) 

● Underarms 

● Full Brazilian or bikini line 

● Limbs, hands and feet 

● Back and chest (a special favourite of the male) 

● Straight to the abdomen, shoulders, and even knuckles (or so exact) 

It is, however, not recommended close to the eyes, e.g. eyebrow, because of the danger that it may cause injuries to the eyes also. 

Pre-Laser Do’s & Dont’s 

Pro tips on the preparation: 

DO’s:

● One day before your session, shave (no waxing or threading). 

● Do not go out in the sun and do not tan (both natural and artificial) for at least 2 weeks. 

● Wash the treated skin well, no makeup or creams or deodorant on the day of laser therapy for hair removal. 

● Let your technician know what medications you are taking, especially any photosensitive medications. 

DONT’S: 

● No plucking or waxing 4 6 weeks before (you do not want that follicle gone, as the laser needs something to hook into). 

● Prior to your appointment, do not use retinoids or strong exfoliants 3 to 5 days before. 

● Avoid caffeine, which may cause the skin to be sensitive. 

Treatment Aftercare 

You could be a bit grumpy after your skin has its first laser hair treatment date. Here are the ways to make it happy: 

● Use aloe vera gel or a cold compress to treat redness. 

● You should not take hot showers, go to the sauna, or exercise vigorously for 24- 48 hours. 

● Apply a minimum of SPF 50+ on places that are exposed (yes, even inside a room). ● Do not pick, scrub, or aggravate the area, and allow the dead hair to come off within a period of 1-3 weeks. 

● Your skin has had a glow-up; now you just need to wait a little longer to get rewarded. 

Professional Advice to Get the Best 

This is what dermatologists and laser therapy for hair removal technicians from the best dermatology hospital in Delhi want you to realise: 

1. Staying Consistent is the Key 

Missing sessions = longer results. Follow the program your technician is recommending.

2. Visit Only Certified Clinics 

You should always seek a certified dermatologist or a laser hair removal treatment specialist. Do not buy cheap products; your skin is not a hot deal. 

3. Skin Type 

Lasers will affect various skin tones more efficiently. For example: 

● Alexandrite laser: Suitable for light to olive skin 

● Diode laser: Flexible, works across most skin tones 

● Nd:YAG laser: Safe with darker skin tones 

● Ask your provider: What device is he using and why? 

4. It is Not Painless, but it is bearable 

The majority term it as a rubber band snap or warm prickly feeling. It depends on the parts you want; it's done, but the bikini line can make you cringe just a bit. Numbing creams are provided in most clinics. 

Body hair is normal, and shaving it (or not) is a 100% personal choice. However, should you be fed up with razor nicks, ingrown hairs, or trips to the salon taking away some of your precious time, then laser hair removal treatment is like night and day. That means that, with expectations down to size, a good regimen of skin treatment, and an expert of your choice beside you, you can enjoy weeks, even months, of silky smoothness. It is not about being perfect, it is about getting your time, about getting your skin and about getting your glow. So, when you start to think about breaking up with your razor, perhaps it is high time to let the laser hair removal treatment speak. For a thorough laser hair removal treatment and advice, book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today.

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