Women have struggled with excessive hair and hair removal problems for centuries. There are many ways to remove the hair such as shaving and waxing but they are mostly temporary methods and the effect only lasts two weeks or less. Hair growth is normal but it is undesirable for most women as they grow on the areas such as underarms, legs, chest, back and bikini area. Hence, women are now seeking permanent hair removal methods to get rid of these unwanted hair forever. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are the best methods to remove hair permanently but there are a couple of things that all women should know about these permanent hair removal methods. So, without further ado, here are the permanent hair removal tips you should know before signing up for this method!
1. Laser hair removal is not for everyone
For those who have light coloured hair, laser hair removal is not recommended because it only works on pigmented hair. Laser hair removal uses pulsed light to break down the dark pigments in hair so light blond or white hair are unlikely to be removed. Hence, the best candidates are usually people with darker hair than the surrounding skin.
2. Higher risk of injury for dark skin
As lasers target the melanin that pigments the skin in the hair, darker skin requires better laser device to distinguish between melanin in the hair and melanin in the skin. Tanned skin is not recommendable as well because the brown pigment is more likely to absorb the laser, leading to discoloration of your skin.
3. Plan ahead
Just like everything else, the hair removal treatment must be plan ahead first as it takes multiple treatments that can take several months to complete the whole process of permanently remove hair. In fact, you have to let the hair grow for at least 2 weeks prior to laser treatment.
4. Correct treatment
It is important to make sure that you receive the right treatment from the doctor with the correct devices being used. The lasers must be the best for your skin and you must discuss the risks of the treatment before doing the treatment. The wrong treatment can cause discoloration and scarring on your skin.
5. Increase in hair growth
Ironically, although these methods can remove the hair permanently, laser hair removal can cause increase in hair thickening and darkening. This is because the lasers used are wrong and has low energies that stimulate the hair growth. The correct lasers must be used during the treatment to prevent further hair growth.
6. Laser hair removal is less painful than electrolysis
Electrolysis destroys the cell responsible for hair growth by inserting a tiny needle that slides down into the hair follicle. They tend to leave a tiny scars but they will heal unnoticeably. Compared to laser hair removal, laser hair removal is less painful as the laser only explodes the hair follicles that feels like an elastic band being snapped against the skin.
7. Formation of keloids
As permanent hair removal methods might causes the tiny wound on your skin, keloids are formed when the wound is healing. This is due to the overgrowth of scar tissue and keloids are usually firm but fleshy and can grow even beyond the wounded skin area. The wounds are most likely to be formed during electrolysis so it is important to take care of the wounds after the treatment.
8. Risk of hyperpigmentation
As laser hair removal targets the melanin within the deep layers of skin, women with darker complexions will find the area where hair removal has taken place was darkened. This is because the melanin production increased in response to the laser heats. The darkened spots will slowly fade naturally and unlikely to return.
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis may have minor side effects on your skin but they are the safest and the most effective ways to remove hair permanently. Do make sure you go to a credible and trusted hair removal center with trained professionals!
Source: Livestrong
