What is Laser Hair Removal: A Complete Guide

Updated on: 08th October, 2023

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles, effectively reducing hair growth over time. It’s a quick, pain-free, and convenient way to eliminate unwanted hair, giving you the silky smooth skin you have always wanted. With advances in technology, laser hair removal is now a safe and effective option for people of all skin tones and hair types.

But do you know how it works, its benefits, and what to expect during the treatment? Don’t worry! Our comprehensive guide will help you to make an informed decision. Keep reading!

Let’s explore!

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that eliminates unwanted hair from various body areas, including face, legs and arms, underarms and even bikini. It uses laser technology to remove unwanted hair from the body. Laser hair removal is a non-invasive alternative to traditional hair removal methods and is often considered a more permanent solution.

The procedure involves exposing the hair follicles to laser light, which damages them and prevents further hair growth. The procedure is considered safe and effective when performed by a trained professional.

Laser hair removal works by shooting a concentrated laser light onto our skin. The pigment in the hair follicles absorbs this light. The follicles then get heated up by this energy, which damages them, preventing them from producing new hair. The laser is carefully calibrated to target only the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.

The process typically involves several treatments spaced out over several weeks, as not all hair follicles are in the active growth phase during a single treatment. After several treatments, the hair growth is significantly reduced and, in many cases, permanently removed.

The number of treatments needed depends on various factors, including hair type, skin type, and the location of the hair.

The type of laser used in laser hair removal can vary depending on the individual’s skin type, hair colour, and the area of the body being treated. Several types of lasers can be used for hair removal.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):

This is not a true laser but uses broad-spectrum light to target hair follicles. It can be used on thick and thin hair but may not be as effective as other lasers for certain individuals.

Diode Laser:

This laser uses an 810 nm wavelength to penetrate the skin, attack melanin in hair follicles, and damage the hair follicles. It is highly specific for dark hair and currently is most recommended for Indian skin tones.

Nd: YAG Laser:

Nd: YAG laser hair removal machine uses a 1064 nm long pulse wavelength, which is considered safest for darker skin.

Alexandrite Laser:

Alexandrite laser uses a short wavelength and is effective for people with light skin tone. But it cannot be used for Indian skin tones.

Ruby Laser:

The Ruby laser hair removal machine is one of the oldest laser hair removal machines, employing a 694 nm wavelength to damage hair follicles and prevent future hair growth.

Laser hair removal is non-invasive, relatively quick and can provide long-lasting results, making it a convenient alternative to traditional hair removal methods. Here are some other benefits of laser hair removal:

Laser hair removal can be a fast and efficient way to remove hair, with some sessions taking as little as a few minutes. This is because the laser can treat a large area of skin in a single session, making it a convenient option for people with busy schedules. However, the actual speed of the procedure will depend on the size of the area being treated and the hair density.

The laser light damages the hair follicles to prevent future hair growth, reducing the amount of hair that grows back after treatment. While the results of laser hair removal can vary from person to person, most people experience a significant reduction in hair growth after a series of treatments.

Ingrown hairs occur when hair grows back into the skin, causing redness, itching, and discomfort. They are often caused by hair removal methods like waxing and shaving, which can cause hair to grow back in an irregular pattern. By damaging the hair follicles and reducing hair growth, laser hair removal can help to reduce or eliminate ingrown hairs, leaving the skin smooth and comfortable.

Laser hair removal is a precise method of removing unwanted hair. The laser light targets specific areas of hair growth and damages the hair follicles to prevent future hair growth leaving the surrounding skin intact. Laser hair removal is an effective method for removing hair in delicate areas such as the face and bikini line, where precision is essential.

Laser hair removal is not completely painless but less painful than traditional methods. Most people complain that they feel a mild pinching sensation or discomfort during the procedure, and usually, the discomfort is temporary and subsides shortly after the procedure. Most laser hair removal clinics use cooling devices or numbing creams that can help reduce discomfort during the procedure.

Waxing or shaving can leave bumpy skin. By damaging the hair follicles and reducing hair growth, laser hair removal can help to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair in the treated areas, leaving the skin feeling smooth and silky.

Laser hair removal can be a long-lasting solution for reducing hair growth, but it usually requires multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain those results over time.

Laser hair removal is a minimally invasive procedure, and scarring is rare. In rare cases, permanent skin colour or texture changes may occur, but this is typically avoidable with proper aftercare and by avoiding sun exposure before and after the treatment.

After a laser hair removal session, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. Here are a few tips for maintenance for laser hair removal:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, or use a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
• Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the treated area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Shaving the treated area can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of infection; therefore, avoid shaving.
• Avoid plucking, waxing, and threading.
• Follow the after-treatment instruction to get the desired result.

Before undertaking laser hair removal service, consult with your dermatologist to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. The dermatologist will assess your medical history, and perform a physical examination, to determine if laser hair removal is a safe and appropriate option for you. They will also discuss the procedure’s benefits, risks, and possible side effects with you.

Here are a few tips to prepare for laser hair removal treatment:

1. Avoid using chemical hair removal methods, electrolysis, waxing, and plucking of hair for about four weeks before the laser hair removal treatment. This is because these activities can remove the hair roots, which makes the laser less effective.

2. Avoid sunbathing and tanning for at least 2 weeks before treatment.

3. Avoid using aromatic herbs, deodorants, or perfumes before and after laser hair removal because these substances can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of skin reactions.

4. Avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, before a medical procedure, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

It is recommended to choose the best laser hair removal clinic, follow your dermatologist’s instructions, and inform them about all your medications and other relevant information for the desired outcome.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair from the body. The laser emits light energy absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicles, damaging them and preventing future hair growth. The procedure is typically performed by a licensed professional in a medical office or clinic.

During the session, the laser is passed over the skin, emitting pulses of light that target the hair follicles. Some people may experience a slight discomfort or tingling sensation, but it is generally well-tolerated. The length of the session depends on the size of the area being treated.

After the session, the skin may be slightly red or swollen, but these side effects usually subside within a few hours. To promote optimal healing, avoiding sun exposure, heat, and certain skincare products for a few days after the treatment.

It is important to note that laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment, and multiple sessions may be required for the best results. The number of sessions needed depends on various factors, such as hair colour, hair density, thickness and the treatment area. However, significant hair reduction can be achieved after a series of treatments, resulting in smooth, hair-free skin.

Laser hair removal is an effective way to eliminate unwanted hair growth with minimal side effects. However, if the procedure is not performed by an experienced dermatologist or post-treatment instructions are ignored, it can cause discomfort. Here are some potential side effects of laser hair removal:

Redness and Irritation: 

These are common side effects of laser hair removal. The skin in the treated area may become red and swollen immediately after the treatment, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few hours. Applying a cold compress and gel pack can help relieve any discomfort.

Pigmentation Changes: 

The laser energy can cause changes in the skin’s pigment, leading to either hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). People with dark skin are more prone to experiencing pigmentation changes after laser hair removal, and they may need to avoid sun exposure and use sunblock to minimize the risk. 

Fortunately, these changes are temporary. These changes will fade away, and your skin will resume its normal appearance.

To eliminate these side effects, choose a reputable and best laser hair removal clinic to perform laser hair removal and follow their post-treatment instructions. Contact your dermatologist immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms after the treatment.

Laser hair removal is considered a long-term hair reduction method, not a permanent hair removal solution. Most people experience a significant reduction in hair growth after several laser hair removal treatments, but some hair may still regrow over time. The exact time the results will last vary from person to person, but generally, people experience smoother, hair-free skin for several months or even years after the final treatment.

It is important to note that laser hair removal only works on actively growing hair follicles and that hair growth patterns and hormones can change over time, affecting the treatment results. Some people may need touch-up treatments to maintain their desired level of hair reduction.