Laser Hair Removal – What you should know
Having unwanted hair can be the cause of embarrassment and discomfort, but one does not always have the time or fair warning to remove these unwanted hairs. Laser Hair Removal is an effective manner of reducing hair on a long-term basis.
How does hair grow?
The follicle or root of the hair is underneath the surface of the skin. Blood vessels at the base of the follicle nourish the hair allowing it to grow. Hair grows rather quickly, on your head it grows at a rate of 12 to 15 centimeters a year. Elsewhere on your body the hair growth cycle is similar but only lasts for about a month before the cycle starts again which is why this hair never grows very long. Fortunately as soon as a hair grows past the surface of the skin it is dead, so as the cycle starts again a new hair will take its place but on the body the hair will not grow as long as it does on the head.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
A semi-permanent means of removing unwanted hair. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the hair. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light which in turn damages the follicle which retards any future growth.
Why you should consider laser hair removal – the advantages
- The effects are longer lasting, that is why it is considered semi-permanent
- The risk of ingrown hair is dramatically reduced
- Large areas can be treated at a time
- Laser hair removal is one of the fastest hair removal methods
- This method of hair removal can be used on large area of skin such as the back and legs
- Laser hair removal is considered to be one of the less painful methods of hair removal
What to expect
- Because hair growth differ from person to person the results of a laser hair removal session may also differ
- As the laser zaps the hair follicle with light in order to disrupt growth, a stinging sensation may be experienced (it is manageable and should be over fairly quickly)
- You may experience a slight rash or bumps on the skin or a bit of itching, all of which should clear up in a day or two
- Occasionally more than one session will be necessary