Laser hair removal is a popular practice for eliminating unwanted hair. While many have taken the plunge, others still hesitate. We address six common misconceptions that are widely circulated about this method of hair removal to help you see things more clearly.
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Laser Hair Removal: Separating Fact from Fiction.
Summary
- 1. Laser hair removal is a painful procedure
- 2. Laser hair removal does not work for everyone
- 3. Laser hair removal is expensive
- 4. Laser hair removal is not permanent
- 5. Laser hair removal is dangerous
- 6. Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Sources
Published May 18, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
1. Laser hair removal is a painful procedure.
The assertion that laser hair removal is painful is a misconception that discourages many people from trying the technique. Like all other hair removal methods, it is clear that laser hair removal does cause some discomfort.
The intensity of the perceived discomfort depends on the sensitivity of the patient and the area to be treated. The thinner the skin, the more unpleasant the sensations, especially in the bikini area.
However, there are techniques designed to reduce the sensation of burning. The use of cool air flow and numbing cream are, in particular, common practices.
Following the session, it is also recommended to hydrate the skin and absolutely protect it from the sun. To do this, Typology offers you the body moisturizing cream with 10 ingredients, 99% of which are of natural origin. To protect yourself from the sun's UV rays, choose one of our body sunscreens, one with a SPF 30 and the other with a SPF 50.
2. Laser hair removal does not work for everyone.
True. Laser hair removal is indeed a practice intended for everyone, without distinction of sex, or skin color. However, it does not work on blonde, very light, or even white hair, because these simply lack melanin and the laser is not sensitive to it.
The claim that it is unsuitable for darker skin tones is incorrect. Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin types, provided that the appropriate device is used. In fact, this is why this method of hair removal requires a certain level of knowledge.
In order to identify the appropriate laser technique and intensity for your skin tone, institutes typically conduct a preliminary diagnosis where your phototype is determined. This classification categorizes individualsbased on their skin's reaction to UV rays from the sun. There are six types, ranging from the lightest to the darkest. Once the individual's phototype is identified, professionals can determine the type of laser to use, the number of sessions required, the cost of the service, and so on...
Caution! Laser hair removal is not recommended for individuals suffering from skin diseases (herpes, lesions, infections...), as well as those under photosensitizing treatment (roacutane, cortisone, antibiotics…).
3. Laser hair removal is expensive.
Indeed, budget also influences whether laser hair removal is accessible to everyone or not. At first glance, it is clear that this technique is expensive. You should expect to pay around 150 to 180 euros per session for half-legs, 60 to 80 euros for underarms, and 50 to 130 euros for a classic or full bikini line.
However, laser hair removal can be considered a long-term investment. Ultimately, this practice costs about the same, or even less than regular purchases of wax strips or waxing sessions at a beauty salon.
4. Laser hair removal is not permanent.
Yes and no. Laser hair removal is typically done over 5 to 8 sessions to eliminate even fine hairs. In principle, it is a permanent technique. However, there are certain exceptions. The hormonal fluctuations can affect the operation. Indeed, hair may reappear in cases of pregnancy or during menopause.
Furthermore, it is also recommended to only resort to this technique for women over the age of 20 - 25, once the menstrual cycle has stabilized. For men, 30 years is theage that is ideal to undergo laserhair removal. Below these ages, it is possible that the hair may not have reached its maturity and could therefore easily regenerate.
5. Laser hair removal is dangerous.
Yes and no. Indeed, if improperly calibrated, laser hair removal can lead to depigmentation and skin burns. Therefore, proper machine settings are essential to prevent skin injuries.
However, at this time, no research has demonstrated a relationship between laser hair removal and melanoma or skin cancer. The exposure to the laser beam occurs for a short duration and presents no danger.
6. Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
True. Even though laser treatment poses no risks to fetal development, it is not essential to the patient's health during pregnancy. Moreover, due to hormonal fluctuations associated with this period, laser hair removal during pregnancy can promote the appearance of varicose veins and hyperpigmentation, and even cause burns and scars.
As a precautionary principle, it is preferable to postpone sessions until after childbirth.
Sources:
I. Catoni, J.R. Manciet, Laser and Lamp Hair Removal, Cosmetology and Aesthetic Dermatology, (2017).
Dr. Bernard COHEN, Laser Hair Removal, (2011).
Piyu Parth Naik, Laser Hair Removal - Mechanisms and Complications, Clin. Pract. (2021)
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