The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal

Is laser hair removal the right solution for you?
We can probably all agree on one thing – there are certain areas of our body where we just don’t want to have hair!
There are countless ways to remove hair – shaving, waxing, tweezing, wax strips, at-home IPL devices, or professional lasers. The method that suits you best is, of course, something everyone must choose for themselves. In this article, however, we would like to show you the advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal.

The fastest option is shaving, but after just a few days, you may need to start again. Depilatory creams dissolve hair within a few minutes, but be prepared for an unpleasant smell. If you prefer a more thorough hair removal method, you can use wax or sugar paste, which pulls the hair out from the root. While the hair will take longer to grow back, this method is painful, and the skin may itch afterward.
In any case, every hair removal method has its advantages and disadvantages, and so does laser hair removal.
Before we dive into that, let’s first explain what laser hair removal actually is and how it works.

Laser hair removal – How does it work?

You won’t believe how simple the whole process is.
Two main factors are responsible for hair growth – the hair follicle and stem cells. Both are the foundation of all the hair and follicles on your body. When you heat them to 60 degrees, they die, and the hair will no longer grow in that spot.
This process is called photothermolysis. During this process, light energy is converted into heat, which destroys the hair follicles.
It’s similar to when you’re wearing a black t-shirt in the sun. You feel much hotter than if you were wearing a white shirt. It’s basically the same thing.
Dark colors absorb more light, which is why a black t-shirt heats up more in the sun.
In laser hair removal, the sun is the laser, and the hair is the black t-shirt. The hair absorbs the light from the laser and heats up to the necessary temperature, which destroys the follicle and stem cells. All of this happens in just 0.003 seconds. So, it is really very quick, effective, and safe.

What are the advantages?

• After 6 treatments, you will get rid of 85% of the hair. The hairs that remain on your body will be so thin and light that you will hardly notice them with the naked eye.
• The treatment can be performed on both the face and the body.
• Laser hair removal is no more painful than waxing. Those who have undergone it say that waxing is much more painful. Laser hair removal has been described as mildly uncomfortable or like a “rubber band snap.” However, it can sometimes be more painful due to other factors (menstruation, incorrect device settings, unreported sun exposure).
• It is not expensive. Although it may seem otherwise, compared to other treatments – even shaving – it is much cheaper in the long run.
• You save time. A 2013 study also found that women spend approximately 59 days of their lives shaving.
• Hair removal is possible throughout the entire year. Certain precautions need to be followed – three days before and after the treatment, avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area and use sunscreen with at least SPF 50.

What are the disadvantages?

• It is a process that can take about a year. However, real results require several sessions (ranging from four to eight, depending on the treated area and age). Between each treatment, you typically have to wait six weeks, so the entire process is time-consuming.
• It is not entirely safe for all skin types. Although technology has advanced, people with darker skin have a higher risk of burns. On the other hand, hair removal is very safe for people with lighter skin types.
• If performed by unqualified staff, the laser could cause hyperpigmentation or burns on the skin. Be cautious when choosing a place for your treatment. Sometimes it is worth paying extra for safety and quality.