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Getting rid of unwanted hair forever is a tempting idea. No need to grab a razor every two days or wait until your hair grows to the desired length to sign up for sugaring or waxing. Laser hair removal will help to solve the problem of excess vegetation almost forever. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this procedure.
What is laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a method of hair removal due to the targeted destructive effect of light radiation on the hair follicle. Just one procedure, which takes from 5 to 20 minutes, can remove up to 25% of unwanted hairs. Effective, isn’t it?
What is the principle of action? A laser is a device that emits a concentrated beam of light with a high energy density. When hair is removed, the follicles become the target. The laser beam is “focused” on the hair pigment or microscopic capillaries that nourish the follicle. It acts at a given depth and does not damage neighboring tissues. As a result, the follicle is first strongly heated and then destroyed.
Laser hair removal devices differ in the type of lasers. Their main difference from each other is the wavelength of light. The larger it is, the deeper the penetration and the higher the efficiency. The following types of lasers are commonly used in cosmetology.
Ruby laser
Removes only dark hair on light skin, it does not cope with light hairs.
Alexandrite laser
At one time, he replaced the ruby laser in laser installations, which was used in cosmetology until the beginning of the 725st century. Unlike its older brother, the alexandrite laser generates light with a wavelength of 694 nm versus XNUMX nm for ruby. Gives maximum results on light skin, without tanning, but does not remove light hair. In addition, without the use of a cooling nozzle, the procedure is quite painful.
Diode laser
The wavelength is 800-900 nm, which allows you to remove hair even on tanned skin. And although the diode laser cannot get rid of gray hair, it does an excellent job with light hair.
Neodymium laser
The wavelength is rather high, 1064 nm. Laser beams affect not only melanin, but also coagulate (seal) blood vessels. In other words, with a neodymium laser, you can deprive the hair of nutrition, which leads to the death of the follicles. But it is worth noting that such lasers are rarely used for hair removal. The main front of their work in clinics is the elimination of the vascular network on the face.
ELOS hair removal
With the help of this technology, the hair is affected in two ways at once – light and current. The laser beam heats the hair, and the electrical impulse hits the hair follicle. At the same time, the depth of exposure reaches 5-6 mm compared to 4 mm with conventional laser hair removal.
Today, laser hair removal is considered one of the most effective methods of getting rid of excess hair.
Types of procedure
Contact
The essence of the method is that at the end of the nozzle there is a lens that is in contact with the skin. The purpose of this lens is to additionally focus the laser beams on the hairs, thereby increasing the efficiency of epilation.
Contactless
These lasers do not come into contact with the skin. The nozzle is fixed on a special stand, and only the beam touches the skin.
Indications and contraindications
If you want to solve the problem of excess body hair once and for all, you need laser hair removal.
The indication for laser hair removal is the desire to permanently get rid of excess vegetation on the body (or face). It is important to understand that in some cases this procedure is contraindicated. Here is a small list of the most common taboos:
pregnancy;
wounds, burns and other skin lesions;
skin diseases in the acute stage;
skin hypersensitivity;
allergy;
colds and viral diseases;
phlebeurysm;
diabetes;
hypertension.
Pros and cons of laser hair removal: expert advice
In addition to the obvious advantages of laser hair removal, there are also disadvantages. You should know about them in advance.
Despite the fact that many have heard about laser hair removal, not everyone decides to undergo a course of procedures. Reasons range from fear to cost. Compared to the same waxing or sugaring, laser hair removal cannot be called a cheap way to get rid of hair). We decided to make a short list of the pros and cons of laser hair removal.
Advantages
Painlessness
Gone are the days when laser hair removal was considered a very painful and unpleasant procedure. All modern devices are equipped with powerful anesthesia systems, ranging from freon (microfreeze, which is used during a flash) and ending with contact cooling, blowing, vacuum. Ask the studios if there are such attachments.
Security
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure. The laser beam acts on the hair and its follicle without affecting neighboring tissues.
saving of time
Laser hair removal is a quick procedure. To remove hair on the legs, it will take no more than 30 minutes, in the bikini area – 5-10 minutes, on the face – 5 minutes. The laser beam does not act on a single follicle, but on a certain area of the skin at a very high speed – from 3 to 10 flashes per second.
Stability of the result
To completely get rid of excess hair, it will take from 2 to 15 procedures. It all depends on the place where the hair is removed, and individual characteristics.
Improving the condition and quality of the skin
It has been noticed that after laser hair removal, the quality of the skin improves significantly, as a pleasant “side effect” it receives a rejuvenating effect. The laser beam eliminates spider veins, reduces pigmentation and wrinkles in the affected area.
Disadvantages
You should not sign up for epilation immediately after a vacation at sea.
Selectivity of influence
The success of laser hair removal largely depends on the color of the hair and skin. Unfortunately, the procedure is less effective for fair-haired, red and gray hair – the lighter the hair, the worse it reacts to the laser beam.
One treatment is not enough
After the first procedure, the hair will not disappear. Those hairs that were in the sleep stage at the time of epilation will begin to grow. It will take several sessions to completely get rid of excess vegetation.
Ban on tanning
Laser hair removal should not be performed on a tanned body. If you have just returned from a vacation, it is worth waiting 3-4 weeks and making an appointment only when the skin brightens.
How does laser hair removal work?
The procedure is carried out on special equipment.
After a visual inspection, the specialist adjusts the temperature and power of the beam. These parameters depend on the color of the hair, as well as their thickness and direction of growth.
Before the procedure, you must wear protective dark glasses so as not to harm your eyes.
The duration of the procedure depends on the treated area.
A moisturizer is then applied to the skin.
It is worth noting that you will not see an instant wow effect after the procedure. Damaged hairs will disappear gradually over several days.
Skin care after the procedure
With proper care after the procedure, as a rule, there are no complications.
Having decided on laser hair removal, it is important to remember that the length of the hairs on the body should be in the range of 2-4 mm. After the procedure, try to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, do not shave your legs and bikini area, and constantly treat your skin with a moisturizer. Creams specifically tested for use after laser hair removal are not all that common, a sensible choice is cosmetics that are suitable for sensitive skin care.
Cream deodorant for sensitive skin and skin after epilation Bocage Déodorant, Lancôme
The soft texture of the cream gently cares for the sensitive skin of the armpits, including after epilation.
Moisturizing body milk Lait Corporel Body Milk, Biotherm
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
It has a very light and non-greasy texture, perfectly moisturizes and restores the skin’s protective barrier.
Melting body milk with oat milk, Garnier
Soft moisturizing and comfortable care will definitely come in handy for the skin after the procedure. Oat milk is known for its emollient, soothing properties.