Watching back now, we all laugh as Sarah-Jessica Parker’s character Carrie couldn’t believe her Brazilian left her well and truely hairless. California had moved into the ‘bare-down-there’ trend, something many men and women do to this day. But, with most hair removal methods, hair grows back. That was until Laser.
Technological advancements brought laser hair removal into the commercial market, a new way to remove unwanted hair, permanently. Although more costly than heading to your usual wax, the draw-card has always been – fewer treatments, quicker appointments, costing less overall. After years of shaving, waxing or ignoring both, the draw card of a more permanent solution has seen many flock to laser clinics.
So, how does laser hair removal work?
The Laser is a machine that removes the hair by a process called selective photothermolysis. A concentrated laser beam, emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin, also know as pigment, in the hair. That energy is then converted to heat which in turn, damages the hair follicle.
Will hair grow back?
Will hair grow back?
Although laser hair removal is advertised as a permanent solution, it isn’t infact, permanent. Multiple treatments are required, sometimes up to 10, however maintenance sessions might be required depending on your hair growth. It can take two to three weeks post laser before you see results, granted you are keeping up with regular appointments, spaced the recomended six weeks apart.
Whether hair is removed permanently is influenced by;
- the colour and thickness of the hairs being treated
- the colour of your skin
- the type and quality of the laser used, and
- the competence and training of the person operating the laser.
What are the side effects of laser?
Goggles are essential during the treatment process. This protects the eye to avoid injury.
Immediately side effects are; experiencing some pain during the treatment, especially during the first session. There will be less pain in following sessions, so long as you are getting them at regular intervals. You may experience the feeling of heat from the area treated, as well as some redness and swelling for the first 24 hours. It is recommended you don’t use any deodorant or products in the area, avoiding the sensitive skin.
Seriously side effects that may occur are blisters, skin pigmentation or permanent scarring. These are worst case scenarios, and are unlikely to occur however it is important to consider. These generally occur in people with suntan where the laser settings have not been adjusted. Alternatively, this can occur when patients are taking medications that affect their skin’s response to sunlight.
What does laser cost?
The price is all dependant on the area being treated. Most clin cs offer bundle packages for popular areas such as underarm and Brazilian. Although an individual laser session can be more costly than waxing or replacing your razor, the ultimate benefit is saving both time and money in the long run.
Trends change, and with them, the trend for how much hair we want. Will all of us be flocking to laser clinics to avoid appearing like a bear during winer change the ever changing trend? Or will those who stuck with the razor be laughing all the way to their next wax?
Words: Georgia Rose Images: Pinterest