When it comes to getting smooth skin that doesn’t require constant plucking or shaving, there is no doubt that laser hair removal remains one of the best options people explore. The problem is that despite its popularity, there are some myths and misconceptions surrounding this procedure. These tend to discourage individuals from using hair removal machine.
Do you know that some misconceptions about laser hair removal create unrealistic expectations? In this article, we will aim to reveal some of the most common myths about laser hair removal. In the end, you can decide whether this treatment is ideal for you or not.
Laser hair removal overview
This is a cosmetic procedure that is popular for epilation and depilation. Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for removing unwanted hair in your body. It differs from conventional depilation methods that remove hair from the surface. For instance, laser treatments tend to target those hair follicles that are beneath your skin.
Laser hair removal involves using concentrated light beams by a trained aesthetician or dermatologist to damage hair follicle. The goal is to prevent hair growth in such areas in the future. Although it is not permanent when compared to electrolysis, laser treatments can ensure hair growth is reduced over time.
The 10 Common Myths on Laser Hair Removal
Myth #1: The procedure is painful
This is another outdated myth about laser hair removal because intense pulsed light (IPL) and modern laser therapy technologies have recently advanced. Therefore, the procedure is now very comfortable with minimal pain. The melanin within your hair follicle is what this treatment procedure targets, thereby reducing hair growth without leading to discomfort.
Many people don’t consider this process as painful. Furthermore, most laser devices are built with cooling mechanisms. They can help to soothe your skin to ensure you’re comfortable. It is important to note that the experience tends to differ among people.
For instance, some people may feel severe pain due to some medical reasons. This doesn’t mean the procedure is generally painful as it isn’t. If you have any medical condition, discuss it with an expert first before undergoing this treatment procedure.
Myth #2: It can work for everyone
If you must know, this myth or opinion isn’t entirely accurate. For laser hair removal to be successful, certain factors must be considered. For instance, there must be a contrast between your hair color and skin tone. This procedure targets your hair’s pigment; thus, it is very effective if you’ve dark hair and light skin.
If you have light hair or a dark skin tone, the results of this procedure may not be significant. This is because there is no contrast, which can eventually cause you to experience hyperpigmentation. People with sensitive skin can experience adverse reactions. Only undergo a phototherapy treatment after consulting a dermatology expert.
Myth #3: It causes skin damage
Again, this myth lacks any scientific proof. Technologies like diode lasers, Nd:YAG, and Alexandrite have been designed with safety in mind. They tend to target melanin in your hair follicle. Don’t worry, as the surrounding skin tissue will not be damaged.
Some people may indeed experience side effects such as minor pigmentation or redness. However, note that these are temporary. Thus, they don’t show any sign of permanent damage to your skin.
You should always sign up with a trained aesthetician or dermatologist while planning to undergo this procedure. Such can help to reduce any side effects on your skin further. Also, don’t forget to follow treatment instructions (before and after).
Myth #4: It can cause cancer
This is another myth that is not supported by any scientific evidence. Laser therapy makes use of light wavelength to target as well as destroy the hair follicle. In this process, your skin will not be harmed. Diode lasers, Nd:YAG and Alexandrite are some of the most popular lasers used for this procedure. When they emit light, such is absorbed by your hair follicles’ pigment and eventually gets destroyed.
It is crucial to note that these lasers emit non-ionizing light. Thus, it doesn’t have enough to cause cancer in your body. Although there might be pigmentation changes, such aren’t permanent. Also, they are not linked to cancer development.
Myth #5: It is only for certain body parts
This is false because laser treatment can be applied to all body parts. It covers the underarms, arms, legs and even more sensitive areas like the face, bikini line and areola. If you are suffering from a condition like hirsutism or excessive hair growth, this technology can help.
Work with a certified and qualified dermatologist to ensure the procedure is safe and successful. If you have sensitive skin, such an expert will make all the necessary settings to ensure you don’t experience any side effects.
It doesn’t matter which part of your body it is to be carried out on. This is because laser hair removal can prove to be a very effective solution.
Myth #6: It is only for women
The truth is that laser hair removal isn’t a gender-specific procedure. It is also popular and effective for men seeking ways to eliminate unwanted hair. It works by targeting the melanin inside your hair follicle through concentrated light. This can help in destroying unwanted hair without causing any damage to your skin.
Other methods include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and electrolysis for removing hair permanently. All of these are not meant for women alone. A professional Laser Technician renders customizable services that care for the needs of men and women who may want to undergo this procedure.
Myth #7: It is too expensive
This myth needs to look at the long-term cost-effectiveness of laser hair removal. Typically, traditional methods such as waxing and shaving require regular upkeep. However, laser therapy tends to bring a permanent solution. Although the initial sessions may be expensive, they differ from what will be spent on temporary solutions.
There is no doubt that dermatology has advanced, making laser hair removal technology more affordable and accessible. Apart from that, it is ideal for sensitive skin (with the help of phototherapy techniques) and can address concerns such as hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you can save money in the long run through this procedure because it’s a permanent solution to excessive hair growth.
Myth #8: It causes ingrown hairs
Again, this is an unfounded myth that has discouraged many people from undergoing laser hair removal procedures. Remember that laser hair removal is phototherapy in dermatology. It can reduce the chances of ingrown hairs occurring.
It’s different from waxing or shaving, which are known to cut surface hair or have it pulled from the root, causing the hair to grow again after some time. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicle.
This process can prevent hair from growing in such areas. Even when they grow back, the hairs are finer and won’t become ingrown. If you have sensitive skin that is vulnerable to hyperpigmentation, technologies like Diode lasers, Nd:YAG and Alexandrite can help. Instead of causing ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can provide a permanent solution.
Myth #9: It is not safe for darker skin tones
This is one of the false beliefs about laser hair removal that has made headlines over the years. Dermatology has made significant progress in recent times. This is evident in phototherapy technology, whereby laser hair removal has proven safe for various skin tones. Today, different wavelengths can be adjusted on modern lasers, enabling them to target your hair follicle.
With this, a problem like hyperpigmentation, which can be linked to darker skin, will be nonexistent. Based on your type of skin (including sensitive skin), a dermatologist will select all the appropriate settings and protocols. With proper care and consultation, laser hair removal is safe if you have a dark skin tone.
Myth # 10: It Is Permanent After One Treatment
It is ridiculous to believe that laser hair removal is perfect after only one treatment session. With this procedure, the hair follicle will be damaged to ensure hair growth is reduced. However, you must know that hair growth is in various stages – anagen, catagen, and telogen. The first laser therapy session can target hairs in the “anagen” phase. For the hairs to be removed, multiple treatment sessions will be required.
People usually require about 6-8 sessions to see tangible results. Of course, laser hair removal can permanently reduce hair growth. However, such cannot happen after one treatment session. The human hair growth cycles are complex. Therefore, you must consult a dermatologist or aesthetician before concluding the required treatment sessions.
Laser Hair Removal Myths Exposed – Let’s Wrap Things Up
From the above, it is evident that most misconceptions people have about laser hair removal are untrue. It is a technology that will improve as the years go by. Therefore, it is recommended that you start considering how to take advantage of its benefits. This is because laser therapy is better than the conventional ways of removing hair from the body.