Ready to say goodbye to itchy razor bumps and irritated skin after your monthly waxing appointments? Laser hair removal treatments are an easy, quick and generally a comfortable method of providing a significant reduction in unwanted hair on the upper lip and chin, face, legs, back, armpits, chin and bikini line. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon elaborates, “We can treat just about anywhere on the body with laser hair removal treatments. During my 25+ years as a practicing board-certified dermatologist, I have offered laser hair removal to my patients and even conducted some of the very first studies on the efficacy of laser hair removal.”
Laser hair removal is reliable, safe and effective, but is it permanent? We’re sharing everything you need to know before trying laser hair removal, including:
- What is the hair growth cycle and how does laser hair removal affect it?
- Are you a candidate for laser treatment for hair removal?
- What can you expect during a laser hair removal session?
- How can you care for skin after laser hair removal?
What is the hair growth cycle and how does laser hair removal affect it?
The hair cycle can be divided into four phases: the anagen (or growth) cycle, the catagen (or transition) cycle, the telogen (or rest cycle) and the exogen phase (or shedding) cycle.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, expands, “The anagen phase is the longest phase in the hair cycle, where the hair follicle works to produce the hair strand. Interestingly, this phase varies depending on where the hair emerges from. For example, the anagen phase of a hair from your scalp lasts longer than a hair that sprouts from your eyebrows.” The anagen phase typically lasts anywhere from three to five years, but it can be longer.
The catagen phase lasts around ten days, and during this time, growth slows down significantly as the follicle shrinks and separates from the hair strand. The telogen phase, which lasts about three months, is considered the resting phase where the hair follicle remains dormant and hair growth stops. The hair sheds away and makes room for any new hair that will replace it during the exogen phase.
Laser hair removal works best during the anagen phase of hair growth. During this phase, the hair follicles are the richest in melanin, which is what lasers target for hair reduction and removal. Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Laser hair removal uses an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (also known as melanin) in the hair. This light converts to heat, which damages or destroys the hair follicle to prevent or slow hair growth.”
Are you a candidate for laser treatment for hair removal?
The best candidates for laser hair removal are men or women with coarse, dark hair and a lighter skin tone. Due to the nature of how the light targets the melanin in hair, blonde hair, grey hair, fine hair and people with darker skin tones don’t typically achieve the same results. Additionally, you shouldn’t have any existing skin rashes, infections or open wounds visible in the areas where you are having your skin treated with laser hair removal.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger emphasizes how important it is to only receive laser hair removal under the direction of a board-certified dermatologist, stating, “In the hands of an unskilled practitioner, laser hair removal can cause scarring, burns or color changes in the skin. Additionally, dermatologists and their skilled staff are best equipped to fully examine your skin and hair as well as take into account your medical history and any additional risk factors like medications and pre-existing conditions that might affect your candidacy for laser hair removal.”
What can you expect during a laser hair removal session?
Your first step in any laser hair removal treatment should be a consultation to determine if laser hair removal (and how many approximate sessions) will help you achieve the results you want.
If you decide to proceed with laser hair removal, there are a few things you should know first.
- Discontinue waxing, plucking or electrolysis at least four weeks before your first hair removal treatment.
- Stay out of the sun before laser hair removal. Sunburned or tanned skin increases the risks of complications following laser hair removal—and should also be avoided regardless.
- You can shave or trim the hair before laser hair removal but don’t pluck the hairs completely. In order to work, the laser must be able to target a hair follicle.
During your appointment, you will wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes. If necessary, we will provide numbing agents to ensure you feel comfortable. A laser hair removal treatment can last anywhere from ten minutes for smaller areas like the upper lip to an hour or so for larger areas like the back or legs. During the treatment, you may feel the sensation of a rubber band snapping on your skin. After treatment, skin may have a slight, temporary reddish appearance (like a mild sunburn) and may feel irritated. You may also notice small bumps around the hair follicles in the treated area which are also temporary. After your laser hair removal session, you should be able to return to your daily activities immediately.
While laser hair removal treatment may provide some immediate results, it’s not a one-and-done procedure. Most patients require a series of five to seven treatments ideally spaced out over eight to twelve sessions to fully target hair in the anagen growth cycle and provide optimal results. Some hair regrowth can occur and you may need touch-ups to maintain your hair removal.
How can you care for skin after laser hair removal?
Immediately after treatment, you can use ice packs or a soothing aloe vera gel for comfort. It’s also important to be vigilant with sun exposure in the weeks after a laser hair removal treatment. If you must be in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, cover your skin and seek shade between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. An all-mineral sunscreen is great for protecting skin on the face or body, shielding you from sun damage and sunburn with 20% zinc oxide.
Want to know if laser hair removal is right for you? See our laser hair removal before and after results, or you can book a one-on-one virtual consultation with one of our board-certified physician assistants, Jackie Gaffney and Shea Perillo, online today. During this consultation, our team will discuss your concerns, answer any questions you may have and develop a treatment plan. If you’d like to speak to a cosmetic coordinator directly, you can call us at (402) 334-7546.