Laser Permanent Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a technique for permanent hair removal that has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years. After being introduced as a hair removal method in the 1990s, the FDA approved the laser for permanent hair reduction. Recently, the laser has started to become one of the most frequently used methods of permanent hair removal, largely because it is a very fast procedure. A laser works via a pulsating beam of intense light that targets the hair with a focused ray of intense heat. This heat causes the hair follicle to go into a resting phase where it does not produce additional hair. Since the laser specifically targets dark matter, this technique is best for people with dark hair and may be ineffective for people with very light colored hair. In general, the laser creates quite a lot of heat, which can produce a stinging sensation when applied to the skin. Fortunately, many laser companies are now using cooling techniques with their lasers that make the stinging sensation completely disappear. You can also use a topical anesthetic if you are concerned about any discomfort.

Here are some of the basics about laser treatment for permanent hair removal:

Generally 3-7 treatments are needed for complete results - the lighter your hair is the more treatments you will need
Each treatment should be spaced apart by 4-6 weeks
Each treatment costs $100 or more - prices vary a lot by area of the country and even from salon to salon. I would highly recommend searching online for sales before making an appointment
Each treatment takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on the size of the area being treated. A smaller area like the underarms should be very fast - 15 minutes max.

What to expect during an individual treatment:

Before beginning, you will be given goggles to wear
The laser technician might also apply a topical anesthetic before the treatment begins. This is generally not necessary because the pain is almost non-existent in most cases. However, if you have very sensitive skin you might want to pursue this option.
The laser technician will hold a hand-held laser to your skin. The part of the device that actually touches your skin is pretty small - probably about the size of a half dollar.
When the laser is activated, a beam of heat will damage the hair follicle
The treatment is pretty fast compared to other methods of permanent hair removal like electrolysis

What to expect after a treatment:

There is virtually no downtime with a laser treatment so you can immediately return to you daily activities (as long as they do not involve intense sun exposure on the area that was treated)
There may be a small amount of redness following a treatment, but nothing too noticeable
Avoid sun exposure on the treated area for a week or two following the treatment
Handle the treated area gently for a week following the treatment - no waxing, no strong exfoliation, etc.

Lilly Adair is a beauty addict that has tried numerous beauty products over the years. For more information about hair removal techniques that are permanent, please visit the hubpages.com/hub/Permanent-Hair-Removal-Guide permanent hair removal laser guide or this article about hubpages.com/hub/Electrolysis-Permanent-Hair-Removal electrolysis permanent hair removal.