How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Hair can grow in many areas of the body, including the legs, back, underarms, and face. If you’re like many people, you may be tired of using traditional methods of hair removal, such as plucking, shaving, or waxing, to get rid of unwanted hair. Unfortunately, these methods are time-consuming, and the hair always grows back. 

People who are tired of unwanted body hair may turn to laser hair removal in an effort to get rid of it. This FDA-approved procedure can help to eliminate hair at the follicle level, reducing the amount of hair that you have in the treated area. Over time, continued laser hair removal treatments can prevent hair from growing back. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal involves using light energy to damage or destroy hair follicles. It is approved for use on specific areas of the body, including the legs, back, underarms, and face. For the best results, people generally undergo multiple laser hair removal sessions on the areas they wish to treat. To maintain results, yearly sessions may be required.

Laser hair removal does not always completely eliminate hair. However, hair that grows back is generally much finer. Certain areas of the body may require more sessions, depending on the amount of hair in the region. Continued laser hair treatment sessions may eliminate body hair altogether. 

How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

For the best treatment results, we recommend that you stop waxing or tweezing any hair that you want to remove for between two to six weeks before your appointment. However, you may continue shaving the area to be treated.

This allows the facial hair to get to a certain point of growth so that the laser can target any melanin in the hair bulb. If the hair is not allowed to get to that point, the laser may be less effective.

Within a day of your appointment, shave the area that will be lasered with a new shaving blade. This will allow the laser to better locate the follicles that it will target.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

You may wonder, is laser hair removal safe? Before undergoing a laser hair removal procedure at Spa West, you’ll speak with one of our trained staff members to determine whether you are a good candidate. 

We’ll ask you for your medical history, any medications you may be taking, and the goals you are seeking to obtain by undergoing treatment. During the consultation, you’ll be able to ask any questions that you may have. We’ll make sure you have all of the knowledge you need to prepare for your appointment. 

What Is the Procedure for Laser Hair Removal?

Treatment using laser hair removal may take up to an hour, depending on the size of the area. Areas of the back or legs commonly have lots of hair, so they may take a full hour, while a few hairs on the face may just require a few minutes. 

Which laser we use depends on your skin type, your hair thickness, and your personal goals that you are seeking to achieve. You’ll be given eye protection so that the light used doesn’t damage your eyes. A cooling device will be applied to help protect your skin and allow the laser to penetrate the hair follicle area.

During the actual treatment, the laser will emit a beam of light designed to damage the hair follicle. Since each individual follicle must be treated, this requires a high level of concentration. If there are numerous follicles, the procedure will take some time to complete.  

What Happens After Laser Hair Removal Is Completed?

After the procedure, it’s common to have a slight feeling of warmth on your skin. We’ll advise you on how to best care for the treated area following laser hair removal during your initial consultation. You may need multiple sessions with the laser to obtain optimal results.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

To achieve the best results, most people need to schedule multiple sessions of laser hair removal treatments. To maintain your results, you may require follow-up procedures. Each treatment results in more damage to the hair follicles, leading to less chance of hair growing back. If it does come back, it will be much less noticeable.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

There are a number of advantages to having laser hair removal, including:

Cost-Effective

Laser hair removal treatments can be highly cost-effective. Once you’ve undergone the necessary number of sessions, you likely won’t need to spend money on waxing treatments, shaving cream, or razors. You’ll have a smooth feeling on your skin that lasts over time. 

Precise

Since laser hair removal targets the individual hairs right down to the follicle, it is more precise than many other available options. This results in more optimal results. Through repeated sessions, you’ll be able to target the hairs you are seeking to get rid of. 

Effective

Laser hair removal is considered to be a highly effective treatment. Most individuals can obtain the results they are looking for by simply undergoing three to seven sessions, depending on the area treated. The results are long-lasting, and annual maintenance can help ensure that the hair doesn’t come back.

Considering Laser Hair Removal in Westlake, OH?

At Spa West, we offer laser hair removal treatments for those who are seeking to get rid of hair that they are tired of shaving, tweezing, or waxing. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced providers, contact us today!