Do you have hair in places that bother you? Perhaps you want to thin and contour hair in certain areas. While there are several methods to try, many people find that laser hair removal works best for them. Would it be the right choice for you? Here are a few of the most common questions people have about laser hair removal. Check the answers and see if this is an approach you’d like to pursue.

 

Who’s a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

 

In the broadest sense, most people who are over a certain age are candidates for laser hair removal. Many professionals will only treat individuals who are at least in their teens. Some may make exceptions, provided that parents or guardians provide consent.

 

If you’ve had a bad experience with other types of hair removal, such as severe skin irritation, laser hair removal stands a good chance of being a viable solution. That’s because there’s no abrasive action to irritate the skin. When the treatments are chosen and administered by a professional, you’re less likely to experience anything other than some slight redness for a short time after each session.

 

There are some situations in which professionals will discourage this approach, at least for a time. A woman who’s pregnant will likely receive a suggestion to wait until after the child is born and she is no longer nursing. Patients who want to remove hair that’s close to the eyes may be encouraged to try a different approach.

 

What are Some of the Reasons Why People Seek Hair Removal?

 

People may seek laser hair removal for a variety of reasons. One of the primary reasons is to improve appearance. Patients of varying genders sometimes don’t want hair under the arms, on the back, and along the neck because they don’t care for the way it looks. In the case of men, they may prefer to remove hair from the chest in order to show muscle definition to better advantage.

 

At times, the underlying reason for the treatments may have more to do with time management. The candidate does not want to spend time shaving, waxing, or otherwise dealing with hair in certain areas. Along with saving time in the morning, there may be some benefits in terms of hygiene. Without the hair present, the candidate finds it easier to keep that part of the body clean.

Can Anyone Administer the Treatments?

 

Ideally, only trained personnel should administer laser hair removal treatments. That means a doctor or other medical professional. While a few others may be trained, their work is conducted under the care of a medical professional. The setting may be a clinic, a doctor's office, or a beauty care clinic. In all cases, only trained professionals should provide this service.

 

One of the reasons has to do with knowing what type of treatment to use. Many people are surprised that there is not a single type of laser treatment designed for everyone. In fact, the earliest treatments in the late 1980‘s were considered appropriate for only certain clients. A professional can assess the patient and identify the right solution.

 

Does the Skin Type and Color Make Any Difference?

 

The hair color is not the only factor that determines what kind of treatment will provide the best results. Skin type and color is also considered. That means the treatment that’s right for patients with dark hair and fair skin is different from the ones used for people with gray, blonde, or light red hair and darker skin. A professional can determine the right approach based on these characteristics. Doing so helps to minimize the risk of scarring, burns, and other problems that can result from the wrong approach.

 

Along with color, there’s the skin type to think about. Do you have oily skin, dry skin, or skin that’s fairly hydrated? That’s something the professional will take into consideration when selecting the right approach to removing that unwanted hair.

 

Is the Hair Removal Permanent?

 

Laser hair removal is effective in terms of thinning hair over the long term, but it does not prevent the hair from coming back. The good news is that it will take some time for any hair to return. You could find that instead of shaving or waxing every week, you only need to come in for laser treatments two or three times a year after the initial series.

 

Will I Feel Any Discomfort?

 

Many patients feel no discomfort during the removal process. Some do report mild tingling during and for a short time after a treatment. There may be mild redness for a few hours afterward. Depending on how your skin reacts to the treatments, the professional may recommend that you take an over the counter product designed alleviate discomfort.

 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

 

A lot depends on the area where you want treated, the coarseness of the hair, and the type of skin that’s present. On average, a patient could need five to six treatments. A professional can provide a better estimate after evaluating the patient.

 

Would you like to learn more about this approach to getting rid of unwanted hair? Schedule an evaluation today. It won’t take long to determine if the treatments will work for you, how many are needed, and what sort of results you can expect.