Permanent Laser Hair Reduction- Is It for Me ?

It tickles your curiosity when you read or hear about permanent freedom from waxing and shaving by the use of Laser. To bridge the awareness gap, in this article i have tried to answer all the questions that people ask me before starting the laser sessions-

Q) Is it permanent hair reduction or removal ? 

A) Although the results achieved in most cases are excellent and satisfying, its a reduction in density and thickness of body hair that is stable for a long time. 

Q) Is laser the right option for me ?

A) Laser is a worthy option for you if anything on the list below bothers you-

• Ingrown hair
• Allergy- redness or red bumps after waxing.
• Waxing gives smooth skin only for upto 3 days after which the hair starts growing out again, and you have to live with it till the next waxing session. 
• You find waxing messy and painful
• Inconvenience to take out time for waxing/shaving everytime you want to attend a social event.

Q) How does Laser hair removal work?

A) Pulses of highly concentrated light are emitted from the laser into the hair follicles. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light and damages the hair roots.

Q) How many sessions are needed?

A) 6-8 sessions of Laser hair removal are needed, placed 1 month apart, which is the time required for dormant or sleeping hair to come to the growing phase of hair cycle, so that they can be attacked by the laser. 

Q) I am a little apprehensive of laser. What is the procedure? Is it painful ?

A) There is nothing to be scared of when you are getting laser done by a certified dermatologist or under their supervision, at a good center that has a US FDA Approved laser machine.

The procedure is-

1. Treatment area will be shaven.
2. You will be made to wear protective eye shield.
3. Gel is applied and Laser is done- It feels like a rubber band being flicked against your skin multiple times. Some people experience it as heat.
4. Slight redness may occur on the treated area for 30 minutes. Applying ice helps in faster recovery.

Q) What precautions are needed before and after Laser hair removal.

A)

• Stop shaving, plucking, waxing the hair 6 weeks before Laser session

• Limit sun exposure 6 weeks before and after laser session

Q) What are the side effects of laser?

A) Side effects are extremely rare if done by a trained doctor or therapist using a good machine. Redness, blistering, scarring may occur in rare circumstances, which can be managed by the dermatologist. 

Q) What is the cost of laser hair reduction ? I see a lot of offers and variations.

A) A full face laser at a certified clinic with a Good FDA approved machine will cost somewhere around 5000 Rs. Do not get wooed by very cheap prices unless you are very sure about the machine being used and results achieved. 

In comparision to the other modalities available, Laser is definitely a safer, long-lasting, cost saving, more affective and efficient option for getting rid of face and body hair.