A laser is a light. Objects absorb and reflect light to varying degrees. The darker the object, the more light it absorbs.  Consequently, the more light an object absorbs, the warmer that object becomes. This heat damages the hair follicle.

Melanin is the naturally occurring pigment-creating compound found in skin and hair. Due to the absorption properties of light, the best results for laser hair removal are seen in people with dark hair and fair skin. When laser hair removal first became available to the public, only people with dark hair and light skin were able to take advantage of the virtually painless hair removal technique. Technology has advanced since then, and there are now lasers that can help people with darker skin tones remove unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal is called “permanent” and some consumers will remove unwanted hair forever. Some consumers will experience long term hair removal, meaning after several successful treatments the consumer should enjoy months or years of limited or no hair growth. The consumer’s hair type and skin type will affect the outcome. A consultation with a laser hair removal professional can provide realistic outcome expectations.

Regardless of the skin type and hair color, laser hair removal will usually take four to six treatments to achieve optimum results. Laser hair removal is virtually painless; however, some consumers report a stinging sensation at the time of treatment. A cooling tip on the handheld laser device, cooling sprays, cooling gels, and/or local anesthetic help reduce this stinging, but most consumers tolerate the sensations of treatment very well.

There are minimal risks to laser hair removal, and it is considered a safe procedure. Eye protection is used during the treatment as a precaution. Some hairs and hair follicles may prove to be resistant to treatment. This can result in incomplete hair removal. Hair that grows back is typically finer and lighter in color and can usually be treated again. Darkening or lightening of the skin at the treatment site is a small risk and is typically temporary. Scarring and blistering of the skin occur very rarely and typically at the hands of a poorly trained technician. The risk of scarring associated with proper laser hair removal is lower than the risk of scarring seen with tweezers or electrolysis. Often there is some temporary redness at the site of the procedure that will fade in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Before and after the treatment, it’s best to avoid tanning. A properly trained professional can help reduce all these risks.

Laser hair removal can be a relatively inexpensive and highly effective way of getting rid of “bad hair.”  Examining options and researching providers will lead to great results.