Laser hair removal is not for everyone. The absolute requirement is
that one's hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Additionally
very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin
and are not ideal candidates. Tanned patients with light hair are not
candidates. Tanned patients with dark hair should wait until their tan
fades before they are treated. Lastly the treatment cost should be
within reach of the patient. Laser hair removal, although much less
expensive than electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, and
generally costs over $1000 in total for most anatomic areas.
Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer
treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained.
People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more
sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of
the laser center. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each
patient.
Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is easier to treat. Coarse
dark hair responds the best to laser treatment. Light hair is more
difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat.
Multiple treatment sessions are required, and results are variable.
Blonde or red hair usually contains pheomelanin, which absorbs laser
energy less avidly than the eumelanin pigment which is present in black
or brown hair.
Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where there is excess hair.
The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest,
periareolar, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, vagina and legs.
It is impossible to predict the exact result a patient will achieve
with laser hair removal, especially with regard to how many sessions a
given individual will require. Many of the hair removal clinics which
guaranteed results have gone out of business. Like most reputable
medical practices, the most established laser hair removal practices do
not guarantee results.
Advantages of laser hair removal
Some consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or
permanent hair reduction. Considered safe if performed properly. Laser
hair removal can be great for large areas like the back, arms and legs.
Re growth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture. Great if
you are light skinned, and have dark body hair. Some clinics offer
written warranties. If you experience any re-growth of hair in the
treated area within the specified guarantee period, you can make an
appointment with the clinic issuing the guarantee to receive additional
laser treatments to the treated area, free of charge.
Disadvantages of cheap laser hair removal
Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results.
Response rates have not been established. Re growth rates have not been
accurately established and cannot be predicted due to numerous
variables. Generally not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and
red or blonde hair. If you have a darker skin tone, or you tan, cheap
lasers must be used very cautiously. Improper treatment can cause
burns, lesions, skin discoloration lasting several months, or
patchy/patterned re growth. Can be expensive. Some find treatment
painful.
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