You’re probably tired of constant shaving or waxing and are looking for a way to save time and have smooth skin forever.
This article is written for those of you who are curious about what permanent hair removal is really like.
How to choose the right clinic or center and what to focus on? Not all clinics, centers, or salons offer the same service, even under the same name, and it’s not always worth looking for the cheapest option.
Let’s take a look at that.
1. How to achieve the best results and get rid of hair permanently?
To achieve permanent results – meaning the destruction of all hair follicles – you need to be treated with specific types of lasers, such as:
- Alexandrite
- Diode
- ND-Yag
or
- IPL – which is not a laser, but can be effective.
Before the treatment, it’s a good idea to find out what type of laser they use and its effectiveness.
The effectiveness of the laser depends on its power. The best lasers can remove up to 85% of hair after six treatments, while less powerful lasers only remove 50-60%.
And what is the reason for this?
Less powerful lasers are unable to deliver enough energy in a short period of time, which is necessary to destroy the hair follicles of finer hair.
What happens if you undergo treatment with less powerful lasers?
Basically, nothing. If the laser is not powerful enough, it will burn your darkest hairs and slow down the growth of new, thinner hairs. This is why many people see results after some treatments with less powerful lasers, but only for a temporary period.
Before you decide where to undergo treatment, ask whether they use a medical device or if their device is only cosmetic. Medical devices typically have higher power, making them more effective.
2. How many treatments do you need?
It is not true that you will get rid of hair after just one treatment. If you want to achieve long-lasting results, you will need to undergo an average of 6 treatments. In some exceptional cases, it may be 4 or 5. On average, people get rid of 85% of their hair after 6 treatments. The remaining hair is thin and light. In some areas, treatments may need to be repeated 8-10 times, especially on the face, such as the upper lip, chin, or between the eyebrows.
It is generally recommended to go for a “maintenance” treatment once a year, as there are dormant follicles in the skin that can be reactivated due to hormonal changes.
Why is that?
It’s not the laser’s fault. The reason is the different density of body hair and the anatomy of our skin. Hair follicles are in different growth phases on various parts of our body. Hair can only be destroyed in the so-called anagen phase. – when the bulb is connected to the follicle (hair).
The anagen phase varies on different parts of our body. It lasts the longest on the head, from 2 to 6 years, which is why our hair is longer than body hair. No laser will be able to remove 100% of the hair after just one treatment. Your skin simply won’t allow it.
Don’t go to places that promise permanent results with fewer than 6 treatments. Only in exceptional cases might fewer treatments be enough.
3. How often should the treatment be repeated?
If you want to achieve the best results after 6 treatments, these intervals are the perfect timing for the sessions.
The repetition intervals for each body part vary. To achieve the correct results after 6 treatments, consult with the therapist about the specific intervals for treating each area. Otherwise, you may need to undergo more treatments. If someone offers the same intervals for every area, they may not be considering the anatomy of the skin or are prioritizing their profit over customer satisfaction.
4. How about tanning and hair removal?
With new technology, it’s all possible. We’ve written an entire article about it. You can read it by clicking on this link.
Respect the therapist’s recommendations, and if possible, avoid sun exposure. Be sure to use SPF 50+ protection.
5. How is shaving the treated area handled?
The ideal is to shave 24 hours before the treatment. This minimizes the risk of burns and speeds up the entire treatment process. At least 3 weeks before the treatment, only shaving with a razor should be done. No depilatory devices or waxing should be used. This way, the laser will be able to effectively destroy as many hairs as possible.
Many clinics, centers, or salons may tell you not to shave before the treatment. This is incorrect. During epilation, unshaven hairs are unnecessarily burned, increasing the risk of burns, and the laser’s energy disperses through the entire hair, so the effect on the follicle is not as effective.
6. Do I have to undergo epilation with a doctor or at a clinic?
Definitely not. Laser hair removal is not a treatment that must be performed by a doctor. In most clinics, a doctor will not treat you. However, it is very important that you are treated by a well-trained therapist.
Before the treatment, ask who will be treating you, how well they are trained, and what experience they have. People with good training and a lot of experience are your best choice.