Information, Articles and Tips for Female Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal for Women

Laser hair removal is an option many women are taking to remove unwanted hair. It is gaining popularity, with many clinics available.

Lasering is a form of "epilation", which is removal of the hair below the skin, and therefore it is longer lasting.

Just to clarify, "depilation" is removing hair above the skin, like shaving.

Permanent laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal cannot yet be classified as a permanent hair removal method. It is a recent development and as such it has not yet built up enough history and case studies for it to be classified as a permanent hair removal method. What can be stated is that it does perform a permanent reduction of hair growth, with the stress being placed on reduction.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

It is a procedure that applies a beam of light through the skin, in order to remove unwanted hair. The beam of light targets the "melanin" (the dark pigment in hair). The beam then hits the follicle (where the hair grows) destroying it.

Laser hair removal works best on dark hair over light skin. Laser clinics do have options to graduate the laser to accomadate the types of skin and color of hair, but as a general rule light hair, blonde, white, light borwn or red, are not good subjects for lasering. It is best to try out over an area of the body when visiting a laser hair removal clinic as some of the older laser machines are not adjustable.

Where to Apply Laser Hair Removal.

Hair laser removal has achieved a lot of popularity where the typical places are on under arms, legs, upper lip, cheeks and bikini lines. It can be used on larger areas, with longer treatments and higher expense. Lasering for hair removal requires various sessions.

Important Facts on Laser Hair Removal.

Best results are over light skin and dark hair.
You should be supplied with goggles to avoid accidental exposure to the light beams.
More than one session is needed.
Hair regrowth does take longer, but it cannot yet be classified as a permanent hair removal system. It is hair growth reduction over a period of time and these periods are longer and longer between sessions.
You should avoid hair removal for a period of three weeks before a laser session.

Recommendations for Post Treatment Period.

Avoid activities that can cause perspiration as this can cause skin irritation
Avoid skin exposure to sun light for several weeks, including sunning booths. Use sun blocking creams.
Do not use other hair removal methods.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The laser emits invisible light that penetrates the skin without damaging it and is then absorbed by the pigments of the hair follicle. The laser light is selectively absorbed by the follicle and so damages it and impairs its ability to produce a hair. The laser light is absorbed by pigments in the hair follicle and so damages it with heat while respecting the surrounding skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Laser hair removal is an effective method that has proved itself. The laser is a medical device and so needs to be tuned to the skin of each patient for an effective treatment. the procedures must be followed for a safe treatment.

Who Performs Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal should be performed by a qualified technician, by a doctor or a competent assistant under supervision.

What Methods Of Hair Removal Are There?

Shaving
Shaving is the easiest method, it is tedious and must be carried out almost daily.
Waxing where warm or cold wax is applied, allowed to solidify and then pulled of, together with the hair. This ancient method must be repeated every two weeks, there is a risk of burns, ingrown hairs and infection if the wax is not disposable.
Tweezing
Using tweezers to pluck hairs is a good alternative for small areas of the body. The manual methods of hair removal include a risk of ingrown hairs.
Hair Removal Depilatory Creams
Creams, gels or lotions are effective and safe if properly used. There is a risk of caustic burn if the application is left on too long.
Electrolysis Hair Removal
Until a few years ago, electrolysis was the only method for a permanent elimination of unwanted hair. The doctor applies a very fine needle into each hair and electrifies it. The method is effective, but very long and tedious, treatment often continues for several years.

Is Laser hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal requires various sessions, partly because hair grows in stages and individual hairs will be at different stages at different times. There is permanent growth reduction as after each session more hair is treated. The non-growth periods will be longer and longer. Overall, after several sessions of laser hair removal, hair removal is virtually complete.

Can Anyone Receive Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Some skins require specific precautions or using a special laser (dark or black skin). Clear or white hairs are not affected by current laser hair removal.

What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

It is imperative that you protect yourself from the sun in the weeks before laser hair removal as a tanned skin will "confuse" the process. Remember it works on color differentiation. Patients who take medication should check with their doctors as in some case they could be a reaction to the light.

The treatment area must be shaved three days before the meeting.

What about After A Laser hair Removal Session?

You should apply a moisturizer after application. Sun exposure is contra-indicated.

What Are The Possible Disadvantages Of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe treatment, but side effects, usually temporary, are possible. Adverse reactions include possible skin burning for darker skins or if you have a suntan. When the device is set according to the color of the skin to be treated no adverse reaction should occur.

Is Laser Hair Removal Unpleasant?

The treatment involves a series of pulses that are accompanied by a tingling and mild burning. We can compare the sensation to that of the treatment that we feel if we take a beating with a rubber band. Most patients tolerate this treatment without anesthesia. Patients who wish to can request a topical anesthetic cream. Within minutes after treatment, the skin of the treated area becomes moist and patients have the sensation of a sunburn for a day or two.

How Long Does A Session Of Laser Hair Removal Last?

Each pulse of laser hair removal treats a surface about two inches square that contains a dozen hairs. The duration of the laser hair removal sessions varies depending on the area you want to be treated. Hair removal of small areas, such as lip or bikini line, takes a few minutes, while treating a large area like a leg or a thigh, requires twenty to fifty minutes.

How many laser hair removal sessions are required?

The number of sessions required depends on several points, the most important is the location of the area to be treated according to the sex of the patient. Furthermore, the hair that is in a resting stage were not affected by the laser. In general, it takes three to six treatment sessions, but it also depends on the amount of hair and the degree of depilation desired by the patient. Some areas (back and face in humans, for example) may require prolonged treatment whose duration can not be determined in advance.