When the weather starts getting warmer, and it's time to sport your short skirts, shorts, dresses, and bikini, many women start to think about laser hair removal, but this usually isn't a good idea. This is because you'll need to undergo a series of laser hair removal treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve optimal results. In fact, the average time it takes to see results is three months, and the results keep on getting better after that. If you begin your laser hair removal treatments in the fall or winter, by the time the warm weather arrives, you'll have achieved up to 90% permanent reduction in hair growth. Two additional reasons it's better to start laser hair removal in the autumn or winter include:
  • Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and pale skin. So if you're tan, the effectiveness of treatments significantly decreases. If your skin is tanned, then the setting on the laser needs to be reduced, rendering it less effective. During the fall and winter months, there is less chance your skin will be exposed to the sun.
  • What's more, after each laser hair removal treatment, you'll need to keep the targeted areas of your body out of sunlight. It's obviously easier to do this during the colder months since you'll be wearing more clothing anyway.
Want to learn more about laser hair removal and what it can do for you? Then read on!

The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal

You're probably wondering how laser hair removal works. We're here to fill you in: Laser hair removal uses laser light pulses that selectively destroy hair follicles by targeting the melanin in them. The follicle's pigment absorbs the laser's light pulse, damaging the follicle enough to significantly slow down hair regrowth. Since the lasers target melanin, coarse, dark hair and light skin combinations tend to respond best to treatment. Clients with darker hair and darker skin and lighter hair and lighter skin combinations can still achieve desirable results with the Nd:YAG laser. The Nd:YAG laser has a longer wavelength and better pigment selectivity than other lasers used for hair removal, meaning that it can penetrate hair follicles more precisely, leaving the surrounding skin tissue undamaged.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Yes! Laser hair removal technologies, such as the Cynosure, work on nearly all skin types and tones. The only exception to that rule is red or grey colored hair. Why? Because laser hair removal technology can't differentiate those colored hairs from the surrounding tissue. Since laser hair removal works by preferentially targeting the melanin in hair follicles, clients with high-color contrasts, such as those with dark hair and light skin, tend to respond best to treatment. That being said, laser hair removal options still exist for other hair and skin color combinations. Clients with light hair and skin, for example, can achieve good results by first dying their hair a darker shade before a laser hair removal procedure. For clients with darker skin and hair, lasers such as the Nd:YAG laser can eliminate unwanted hair. The Nd:YAG laser has a longer wavelength, and is highly sensitive to all color and melanin. This means it can more precisely penetrate hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue.

Your First Laser Hair Removal Session

The length of a laser hair removal procedure depends on the size of the treatment area, meaning a session can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Before the actual laser hair removal session, you'll be given protective eye gear and an elective topical anesthetic. Once the session begins, you'll feel a stinging sensation, indicating that the laser has been activated. The actual session involves a series of laser pulses that results in a prickling and burning sensation. But don't worry; the pain isn't too bad. In fact, it's similar to that of a rubber band snapping against your skin. After the laser hair removal session is over, you may experience temporary swelling and redness. Most clients can resume their normal activities. It's important, however, that you avoid direct sun exposure. You should also wear sunblock with a high SPF for several weeks afterward. Though complications are rare, they can still happen. The most common complications include blisters, swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are also possible, but rare.

Laser Hair Removal Gets Results

There's no question that laser hair removal works. It's the preferred way to remove hair because it's safer and more permanent than other methods such as waxing, plucking, shaving, and electrolysis. Laser hair removal is so effective that most clients experience permanent hair loss after an average of three to five sessions. But you'll have to undergo multiple laser hair removal sessions to obtain maximum results because only hair in the anagen--or active--stage of hair growth can be successfully treated. What's more, laser hair removal is the only proven method available for easily and painlessly removing hair from large areas of the body, including the back, chest, legs, and face.

For All Your Laser Hair Removal Needs

LaserAway is proud to offer the most service options of any national skincare provider. We hire only the most highly trained staff experienced and certified in administering laser and other dermatological procedures. What's more, we use only innovative techniques and cutting-edge laser technology. We aim to make your experience comfortable, enjoyable and satisfying. Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Then schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by emailing LaserAway.com or calling the staff at LaserAway at (888) 965-2737. LaserAway looks forward to making sure you never have to shave or wax again.