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Shaving isn’t a requirement to feel beautiful, but many people prefer it. Whether you shave your legs, armpits or anywhere else, you don’t need to battle continuous growth with razors forever. Consider trying laser hair removal. It could become your new favorite beauty treatment at a salon or in your bathroom because it’s so effective.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a scientific technique known as selective photothermolysis. A laser targets a specific area of your skin before flashing its light and heat. Your hair follicles absorb the monochromatic or broadband electromagnetic radiation within the laser’s wavelengths. The energy turns into heat, which fries the inside of your hair follicles to slow or stop their growth.
Does Laser Hair Removal Actually Work?
Laser hair removal does work if you use the right equipment and remember certain considerations. First, you likely won’t have total hair removal after a single treatment. Experts found that people have 60%-73.60% hair reduction after their first appointment, so you may need an additional treatment to see the results you want.
You might also need recurring appointments. Some hair follicles might not receive the same wavelength exposure as others, like if they’re beneath a scar or freckle. It can take a period of months before your hair follicles stop growing back.
Additionally, people of color should talk with a dermatologist about their options. More melanocyte activity and higher amounts of melanin act as competitive chromophores, which can result in permanent discoloration in treatment areas. A dermatologist can discuss other options, like laser hair removal with alternative types of lasers.
Average Cost of Professional Laser Hair Removal
The average cost of laser hair removal is $389, but that number changes depending on the treatment. You’ll pay more to get hair removed from both of your legs than around your eyebrows. As the treatment areas shrink, so do the fees.
It’s also important to note that you will likely need at least two appointments to get the results you want. The relatively small cost for your first appointment doubles when you need two treatments. However, you can space out your appointments to have more time to save.
Banish Body Hair at Home
Instead of finding the gentlest razors for your sensitive skin to reduce razor burn, try gentle laser treatments in your own bathroom. It can help you understand the process better and potentially feel more comfortable about contacting a dermatologist. Make sure you get everything you need to keep your skin safe and healthy if you want to try laser hair removal at home.
Braun IPL Hair Removal System
People know the Braun brand for its famous hair removal system. This laser hair removal tool only needs two uses to start showing results. Its skin tone sensor automatically adjustst the laser’s strength to your skin’s unique needs. Use it on your feet, legs, armpits, face and anywhere in between. It’s so quick and easy to use that you can complete a total body treatment in just 10 minutes.
Cooling Gel Packs
Typically, an at-home laser hair removal session ends without any fanfare. You just put your laser tool away and continue with your day. However, you may have some slight redness or irritation if you’ve tried a higher strength in the laser’s setting. If you feel any discomfort, reach for a gel pack that’s been in your freezer overnight. It’ll reduce swelling and irritation so you get instant comfort. Try using a lower laser setting next time to avoid the same issue twice.
La Roche-Posay 70 SPF Lotion
Your skin is going to be more sensitive to light after a laser treatment. The wavelengths have already penetrated your outer layer of skin, so spending time in the sunshine immediately afterward isn’t ideal.
The laser hair removal product you use should indicate how long you should avoid direct sun exposure after treatment within its instruction pamphlet. If you can’t spend that time inside or just want to take an extra precaution, apply a moisturizer with a strong sun protection factor (SPF) rating on any treatment areas that aren’t covered by your clothes.
Laser Hair Removal Video for Beginners
Sometimes it’s easier to try something new if you have a video guide to follow along with. Check out this viral video from YouTuber Jessica Ford if you want a companion along for your new beauty treatment. She walks viewers through how she used the Braun hair removal system to achieve the results she wanted — yes, including a crucial time lapse to show you the before and after results.
What to Expect From a Professional Appointment
If you’d prefer to try laser hair removal options at a local medical spa or dermatology office, prepare for the experience so you know what to expect. First, a technician at your selected office will discuss your goals. They’ll review the areas you want hair removed from and determine if you’re a good candidate. People with very fine hair may not be candidates because the hair follicle isn’t dense enough for the laser.
Once you schedule your appointment, you may need to shave your treatment area before you arrive. It depends on the thickness of your hair in the treatment area. Call your technician to double check if you aren’t sure.
During your treatment, you’ll need to wear protective eye equipment to block the laser from harming your eyes. You might also need to remove certain articles of clothing to make the treatment area easier to access. The length of your appointment will last however long your technician recommends for the amount of hair you want to target.
When to See a Doctor After Laser Hair Removal
You should know when to seek help from your primary care provider if something were to go wrong with your laser hair removal attempts. Watch any treated areas in the hours and days after your treatment. If you develop blisters, swelling or pain that doesn’t go away with ice, contact your doctor. They may need to administer a prescription strength antiseptic cream and burn injury ointments.
Look and Feel Your Best Without the Extra Hair
You don’t have to spend the rest of your life shaving body hair you don’t want. Consider trying laser hair removal at a dermatologist’s office or at home. You’ll simplify your beauty routine, save time in the shower and feel your best without any extra hassle.
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