Getting rid of unwanted hair has usually been a painful or unsatisfactory process. Previously, the only options for removing unwanted hair were smelly hair removal creams, sharp razors, stinging wax or painful electrolysis needles. Now laser technology is being utilized for efficient and long-lasting body hair removal. The laser energy causes thermal injury to the hair follicle, stunting hair growth.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to routine shaving and waxing. This advanced new technology transcends the older, painful hair removal treatments to deliver long-lasting results. Because the laser treats more than one hair at a time, it is possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. After a series of treatments, the laser hair removal leaves your skin looking and feeling smoother and silkier. Best of all, the laser treatments are a safe, fast, gentle and effective.

Laser hair removals do's and don'ts

Do...

•  Do consult a qualified physician. Regulations for laser use have not kept up with the demand and consumers should be cautious of non-physicians practicing these procedures in spas/salons. Only a physician who is board-certified in dermatology or another specialty with equivalent training and experience should perform this procedure or the physician can designate another trained technician to perform a procedure as long as he/she is under the direct (on-site) supervision of the physician. 
•  Do ask questions. What kind of lasers do they use? What kind of training or experience do they have? Can you speak with one of their clients? If the person performing the procedure can’t answer these simple questions, you should walk away. 
•  Do undergo a skin test. If there are any apprehensions as to how the laser may interact with the skin, ask for a skin test to ensure there will be no adverse side effects. 
•  Do ensure the physician has experience with different skin types. People of a darker complexion may experience unusual lightening of the skin if an incorrect laser is used at an inappropriate setting.

Don’t... 

•  Don’t tan before or after a procedure. Tanning prior to a treatment can interfere with the absorption of laser light and may cause unusual lightening of the skin. Artificial tanning lotions should also be avoided because the perceived darker pigmentation may also interfere with the absorption of the laser on the skin causing unusual burns and bumps.. 
•  Don’t seek laser treatments for blonde or white hairs. Since the laser responds to darker pigmented hair follicles, laser treatments are not as effective in treating lighter hairs. Patients with this type of hair should consider other methods of hair removal. 
•  Don’t undergo laser procedures if you take light sensitive medication. Some medications may interfere with laser procedures, making the skin more susceptible to burning and scarring. To ensure that your medication won’t interfere with the procedure, consult a physician before undergoing any laser treatment.