Laser Hair Removal: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Megan Halloway
You've probably heard about how lots of European women don't
give a fig about underarm hair or hair on their legs. But many
other women are not as accepting of body hair as their European
counterparts. And throughout history, women have been employing
various techniques to do this: from ancient Egyptian women's
use of beeswax and sharp implements to eliminate leg hair up to
the modern-day practices of waxing and the use of lasers to
achieve a smooth and hairless complexion. Here, we'll take a
quick look at some of the pros and cons of laser hair removal
and whether it's the right path to take for a more hairless
you.
Hair is removed via lasers in the following way: a series of
low-level laser beams is targeted at hair follicles (or the
root of the hair) in certain areas of the body. The hair then
falls out and new growth is discouraged. Here are some of the
reasons for the popularity of laser hair removal:
- Long-lasting results. The laser beams zoom in on hair
follicles, either destroying them or significantly disabling
them. Thus, hair is a lot slower to grow back and in some
cases, they don't grow back altogether. And any hair that grows
back tends to be finer, thinner, and less visible. Imagine the
time savings you could realize. Finally, freedom from regular
bikini waxes, leg-shaving, and facial hair-plucking!
- Broader and more convenient applications. Laser hair removal
technologies and equipment have evolved in such a way that it
is now possible to treat broad areas of the skin - such as the
back and legs - in addition to localized areas like the skin
above the upper lip and around the nipples. There is a wide
variety of laser hair removal gadgets and equipment to suit
individual cases.
- Increased safety regulations. Hair removal via laser is a
process approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). So, the techniques used must meet stringent regulations.
In addition, individual states themselves are issuing criteria
that laser hair removal cosmeticians must comply with in order
to practice their trade.
Laser hair removal may seem like a godsend to many a woman, but
she would do well to remember that it is not a
"one-size-fits-all" sort of technology. Like most other
cosmetic procedures today, it does have its disadvantages, the
following of which are just a few.
- Slower results for dark-skinned or tanned women. Laser hair
removal procedures are most suitable for individuals with
light-colored skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets
dark material. Dark skin pigmentation can prevent lasers from
reaching the hair follicles more rapidly. Evidence also shows
that the lighter a woman's hair color, the less efficient the
technology is in eliminating those problem hairs.
- Laser hair removal treatment costs. It takes several sessions
to rid a body part of hair, and each session costs on average
$300 up to $1,000. It really depends on how much hair needs to
be removed and the type of lasers used. Some clinics' laser
hair removal prices are calculated on a "per-pulse" basis and
several hundred laser pulses may be needed to remove hair in
just one area. Also, because hair grows in cycles, it's almost
a sure bet that repeat sessions will be needed to ensure that
all unwanted hair is removed - which translates to more cash
out of your pocket.
- Potential side effects or no effect at all. All cosmetic
procedures carry a risk of adverse effects, and laser hair
removal is no exception. Patients have complained of first- and
second-degree burns, blisters, and lesions. Others have noted
that patterns of hair regrowth are patchy and unpleasant to
look at. And still others have inexplicably experienced
insignificant or no hair loss at all, despite their being ideal
candidates for the procedure.
Laser hair removal is just one of the wonders of modern
dermatology, technology that can make a woman look more
beautiful in the shortest amount of time and in the safest way
possible. Although procedures like this are constantly changing
and improving, you shouldn't just rush blindly into it. It's
important to consult your dermatologist and conduct your own
research to determine whether you'll be getting the maximum
benefits that medical laser techniques can offer.
About The Author: Megan Halloway is a cosmetologist
specializing in hair removal. Read her most recent report "The
Basics of Hair Removal: A Guide to Which Method is Right For
You".
http://www.hair-removal-options.com
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