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Wax strips, an epilator or a regular machine are good tools for depilation (getting rid of hair for a short time). However, the choice of perfectionists is laser hair removal. The procedure helps to solve the problem of excess vegetation, if not forever, then for a very long time. We tell the whole truth about laser hair removal.
What is laser hair removal?
Of all the possible ways to deal with excess vegetation, it is laser hair removal that has been in the top of the most popular procedures for a long time. The course of laser hair removal is quite expensive, but the result, as a rule, justifies all expectations.
How does laser hair removal work?
It is quite obvious that with the help of laser radiation. The word “laser” itself is an English abbreviation, which in translation means “amplification of light through stimulated emission.” The range of these light waves is 700-800 nanometers, and they are perfectly absorbed by melanin, a pigment that is found in the hair shaft and in its root, the hair follicle. As a result, the laser literally burns it out, but the skin cells do not suffer, because they cannot absorb such a powerful light flux – the beam of rays acts only on the hair root.
Usually, 15-20 days after the laser hair removal procedure, the hair shaft with the dead follicle simply falls off, leaving no chance for further growth.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal
However, it will not be possible to get rid of hairs with this method the first time. The effectiveness of laser hair removal depends on many factors. But the most important thing is the number of follicles in the growth phase, they are the first to be hit. To completely get rid of the excess, you will have to do several procedures every two to three weeks, it is during this time that the dormant follicles enter the active phase. You will have to remove hair with a laser until the roots of all hair are destroyed. This may take 5 to 10 sessions. But the result will be exactly what you expected – completely smooth skin without a hint of unnecessary vegetation. This is evidenced by the photos before and after laser hair removal. And all this for at least 5-10 years.
Laser hair removal: pros and cons
Obvious advantages
Long lasting effect: 5 to 10 years, new hairs usually do not grow.
Versatility. Any part of the body is suitable for laser hair removal: arms, legs, bikini area, armpits, face. The only place not recommended for processing is the eyelids.
Speed. The time of the procedure depends on the area being treated, but it is usually carried out quickly, taking an average of 10 to 30 minutes.
Accuracy and safety. The laser beam acts precisely on the hair. The probability that he will touch the skin nearby is zero.
But there are also disadvantages
Going to the procedure, it is worth considering the color of the hair. After all, what is laser hair removal? This is an effect on the melanin pigment, so light, gray and red hair are the least susceptible to destruction.
To completely get rid of unwanted hairs, one or even two procedures are not enough. You will be able to evaluate the effect of laser hair removal in about a year with a frequency of one procedure every three to four weeks (everything is individual and is associated with the phases of hair growth).
If you have just returned from the sea coast and the body is covered with a beautiful tan, you will have to wait until it fades.
Types of laser hair removal
Lasers in cosmetology use different ones, their effectiveness is related to the wavelength of light, the power of light pulses. How laser hair removal is done and what the result will be depends on the device. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Ruby laser hair removal
Beauticians began to use the ruby laser even before the start of the 694s, its wavelength is XNUMX nm. It was his fault that a strong opinion arose that laser hair removal is necessarily painful. The ruby laser procedure is really painful. In addition, it removes only dark hairs on light skin, and light vegetation does not lend itself to it. Whether it makes sense to resort to it is up to you, but we believe that this is not the best option for laser hair removal in modern realities.
Epilation with alexandrite laser
The wavelength of the alexandrite laser is 755 nm. Its main drawback is that it does not work perfectly with dark skin and blond hair. Quite painful without a cooling cap. For beginners, we would not recommend this type of laser.
Epilation with a diode laser
Great option for hair removal. The wavelength of a diode laser is 810, and sometimes 900 nm. It copes with very hard and light hairs, but not with gray hairs. A big plus of such a laser is that the device is usually equipped with cooling units, which makes the hair removal procedure completely painless.
Epilation with neodymium laser
Today, neodymium laser is considered to be perhaps the most powerful, it has found many applications in cosmetology. The wavelength is 1064 nm. Interestingly, this type of laser does not kill the hair follicle, but cuts off its nutrition through the blood vessels, that is, it simply destroys the capillaries.
ELOS epilation
The essence of this type of hair removal is the combination of two types of exposure: light and electric current. While the beam heats the hair, the current hits the follicle with a precise movement.
Qool hair removal
The main difference between Qool hair removal and other types is that the laser does not heat the skin during the procedure, for which the method was called “cold hair removal”. A slight tingling that occurs during laser hair removal in particularly sensitive areas is practically not felt due to powerful cold blowing. The method is remarkable in that it can be used even in the intervals between sunbathing, but it is better to discuss this with a beautician in advance. Nevertheless, abusing ultraviolet light against the background of a course of laser hair removal is not a good idea.
How to prepare for laser hair removal?
Preparing for laser hair removal is not difficult. It is only necessary to take into account a few important points.
A couple of weeks before the procedure, you should stop tanning and use sunscreen on exposed areas of the body (intended for laser treatment).
If you are taking anticoagulants, be sure to check with your doctor.
Now about the length of hair for laser hair removal: just before the procedure, the hair should be shaved to minimize the risk of damage to the skin around the burned hairs.
It is better to schedule the procedure a week after the end of menstruation in order to minimize possible pain. The experience of Healthy-Food editors shows that modern hair removal lasers are practically painless.
Mentally prepare for the fact that you will not see the result from laser hair removal immediately.
How is laser hair removal performed?
We will describe in detail, step by step, how laser hair removal works.
Before the procedure, the specialist should ask in detail whether you are taking any medications, how long you have been sunbathing, whether you go in for sports, to make sure that the procedure will not harm you.
Then you undress and lie down on the table.
Special dark glasses are put on your eyes.
After the examination, the doctor adjusts the device: depending on the color of the skin, the thickness and color of the hairs, he sets the required temperature and adjusts the power of the beam.
The laser treatment begins. The duration of the process depends on the treated area: armpits, area above the lip – about 5-10 minutes, bikini – 15-20 minutes, shins – about 30 minutes.
After epilation, the skin is moisturized with a gel, lotion or cream.
How to take care of the skin after laser hair removal?
Avoid showers and baths on the day of hair removal.
For a few days after laser hair removal, you should not visit the sauna.
Use a high SPF sunscreen between epilation sessions.
After a shower, be sure to apply soothing and moisturizing products to the skin.
Here are some of our recommendations for choosing the right moisturizing and soothing skin care products.
Lipid-restoring balm for face and body Lipikar Baume AP + M, La Roche-Posay
Soothes the skin, reducing the feeling of dryness and restores the lipid barrier. The Aqua Posae Filiformis component in the balm regulates the natural microflora.
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
It has a fairly light non-greasy texture, perfectly moisturizes, restores and strengthens the skin.
Moisturizing body milk with bifido complex and aloe vera, Garnier
The bifido complex in the milk optimizes the water balance of the skin and strengthens its natural protective barrier. Aloe moisturizes and soothes.
Spray that accelerates the restoration of the skin barrier, Cicaplast Spray B5, La Roche-Posay
Spray based on thermal water, panthenol and madecassoside restores the skin after aesthetic procedures, including after laser hair removal.
How long does laser hair removal last?
If we talk about how long laser hair removal lasts, then the forecasts are the most optimistic. After a course of treatments (usually 5 to 10), the hair stops growing. And when individual hairs appear, you can go for a correction.
Experts say that this effect will last a long time. Active growth can begin no earlier than in 5-10 years. Everything is individual.
Summary results
Is laser hair removal forever?
The effect of laser hair removal lasts for many years if you have completed a full course of procedures and go for correction on time (removing single hairs).
Are there any contraindications for laser hair removal?
Yes, just like any other cosmetic procedure. We list the main ones:
wounds and cuts on the skin;
skin diseases;
viral and infectious diseases in the acute stage;
pregnancy;
diabetes;
neurological diseases.
Why is the result not noticeable after the first procedure?
The laser beam burns out only those hairs that are in the active growth phase. Its effect on dormant follicles does not apply. That is why not one, but several procedures are required: when the sleep phase of the hair follicles is replaced by the active growth phase, the hairs will be ready for removal.