Money down the drain: why laser hair removal has no effect


What results can girls get by resorting to laser hair removal? This hardware method is very fashionable and allows you to permanently remove unwanted hair on the body. However, you should first know what the pros and cons of laser hair removal are, whether there can be consequences after use, and whether everyone is allowed to use it.

Progressive laser removal of unwanted hair

Is laser therapy dangerous, what could be the consequences?

Laser treatment is considered not only one of the most effective, but also one of the safest medical and cosmetic techniques.
Laser hair removal does not harm the body, but only if all the rules of the procedure are followed and possible contraindications are taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of a salon that provides services for removing unwanted hair and an epilation specialist: often unsuccessful results of a cosmetology session are directly related to the inexperience of the specialist performing the procedure. Before starting laser hair removal, the master must correctly determine the characteristics of the client’s skin and select the desired treatment technique, set the device to the appropriate mode and apply a sufficient amount of cooling agent to the skin area

Complications after an hair removal session also occur if the specialist’s recommendations regarding care of the treated area after the procedure are not followed.

Before starting laser hair removal, the master must correctly determine the characteristics of the client’s skin and select the desired treatment technique, set the device to the appropriate mode and apply a sufficient amount of cooling agent to the skin area. Complications after an hair removal session also occur if the specialist’s recommendations regarding care of the treated area after the procedure are not followed.

The most common side effect of laser therapy is burns. This often happens due to improper preparation and incorrect execution of the procedure. Thus, burns on the skin can occur when hairs longer than 3 mm are removed, the operating mode of the laser device is incorrectly selected, or due to sunbathing before and after hair removal. There is also such a procedure as laser nose correction.

You may also be interested in information about what contraindications exist for laser biorevitalization with hyaluronic acid and how such a procedure is carried out.

If the skin is hypersensitive and the recommendations for caring for the treated areas of the body are not followed after hair removal, another side effect may occur – burning and pain. As a rule, unpleasant sensations go away on their own after some time, but they bring a lot of discomfort.

The video contains information about therapy:

But how laser cleaning is carried out and what you should pay attention to during the procedure is described here. Despite the many advantages, laser hair removal has a whole list of contraindications and, moreover, is not always harmless to the body.

However, in most cases, the negative results of the procedure are associated with an incorrect approach to its implementation. Experts agree that with sufficient preparation, hair removal performed by a qualified specialist using modern high-tech equipment and compliance with all necessary recommendations, the risk of side effects after laser hair removal is minimal

Despite the many advantages, laser hair removal has a whole list of contraindications and, moreover, is not always harmless to the body. However, in most cases, the negative results of the procedure are associated with an incorrect approach to its implementation. Experts agree that with sufficient preparation, hair removal performed by a qualified specialist using modern high-tech equipment and compliance with all necessary recommendations, the risk of side effects after laser hair removal is minimal.

Properties


Laser hair removal procedureUsing laser hair removal, you can quickly and painlessly remove excess hair.
Laser hair removal has pros and cons when it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair. Today there are many modern techniques for carrying out this procedure. However, many of them are painful and have short-term results. What are the advantages of laser hair removal, and what aspects can cause a refusal of the method? The pros and cons of the procedure are described in more detail below.

Maybe

Cons of laser hair removal

Ahhh After laser hair removal, the hair did not fall out
. The main disadvantages are ineffective work with light and vellus hair. Gray-haired specimens lacking pigment are difficult to treat.

Ideal patient

Numerous studies have resulted in a portrait of the “ideal patient” for hair removal. This is a man with fair skin and dark, coarse hair.

Dark skin and light brown hair are not a reason to refuse this procedure. This is a reason for a cosmetologist to use an adequate type of laser emitter. Thus, it is believed that the diode emitter copes well with coarse hair. Alexandrite performed well when working with dark skin.

Sometimes a doctor works with only one type of emitter and shows good results when working with different types of hair and skin. This is how a highly qualified specialist works, who easily adjusts the device to the individual characteristics of the patient.

Restrictions

Despite the fact that the procedure for removing unwanted vegetation is low-traumatic, it has contraindications:

  1. Oncological diseases.
  2. Any skin infections in the acute stage.
  3. Ischemic disease.
  4. Hypertension.
  5. Varicose veins in the treated area.

Relative restrictions are the states:

  • pregnancy;
  • lactation;
  • hormonal disorders or taking medications containing hormones.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's hormonal status changes. For many people, hair growth slows down significantly. However, this time is not the best for a laser therapy session. Vegetation at this time may react inadequately to radiation and not give the expected result.

If there are hormonal disorders, any cosmetologist will be against performing procedures before visiting an endocrinologist.

Complications

Side effects from laser therapy with the right approach are short-lived. Most go away on their own, without medical intervention.

Burns and scars

They occur very rarely. Causes:

  • non-compliance with the rules of preparation for the procedure - sunbathing and sunbathing are not allowed a month before treatment;
  • medical error - the use of excessively aggressive radiation.

Paradoxical hair growth

There are reports of cases where laser hair removal caused the opposite effect - increased hair growth. But this effect was observed only in women with dark skin. There was a change from thin vellus hair to darker and coarser hair. Additional procedures remove this vegetation.

Change in pigmentation

Long-term changes in pigmentation are unlikely. Occurs only in patients with dark skin types.

Laser emitters are effective not only in the field of hair removal. They have proven themselves well in a series of other cosmetic procedures. Skin rejuvenation, laser resurfacing, cellulite treatment, scars, skin diseases and vascular disorders - this is an incomplete list of problems that cosmetic laser complexes successfully treat.

Despite the presence of side effects and the inability to work productively with gray and blond hair, laser hair removal occupies a leading position in the cosmetology environment. Speed, efficiency, relative painlessness and long-lasting results - these are the main advantages of this procedure

Types of lasers for hair removal

There are several types of lasers that are used in cosmetology centers. Their main difference is in the wavelength, on which the final result and the ability to obtain the desired effect depend.

  1. Diode laser. Wavelength – 810 nm. Universal type of laser. It is used on any skin type not only to remove unwanted hairs, but also to soften coarse hair (treatment of hirsutism).
  2. Alexandrite laser. Wavelength – 755 nm. Used on blond and red hair, and also used when working with sensitive skin. By the way, this is the laser used to remove tattoos.
  3. Neodymium laser. The wavelength is 1063 nm, there is infrared light in the laser beam. Ideal for epilation of dark hair, especially on dark skin. In addition, this laser is used to remove scars and acne.
  4. Ruby laser. The wavelength is 694 nm. It is used to remove dark hair on light skin tones. It is also used to get rid of excess pigmentation, as well as to remove tattoos applied with rich colored inks.

Disadvantages of using laser

Pros and cons of lip shape correction with hyaluronic acid

There are also disadvantages to such high technology as laser hair removal, and there are many of them. The indisputable disadvantages include its high cost.

Not everyone can easily afford to shell out several thousand rubles for one procedure. After all, you won’t be able to save money once and leave the salon looking beautiful.

It takes one to three weeks for hair to fall out; transformation does not occur immediately after the intervention.

In addition, laser hair removal only actively affects growing hair. Dormant follicles have virtually no pigment, and the laser will not affect them. The proportion of such follicles is usually about two thirds.

This means that more than half of the bulbs will remain untouched and after some time you will have to go to the cosmetologist again. But even during the second visit, only part of the hair will be in a growing state.

Therefore, to completely remove them, at least 5 procedures will be required if they are done with an interval of 1.5-2 months. Simple multiplication allows you to estimate the real cost of this method of getting rid of hair. Obviously, not everyone can afford it.

Life between laser hair removal sessions also has its own characteristics. Firstly, you should not sunbathe for at least a week before exposure.

Moreover, tanning in any case reduces the effectiveness of the procedure, since it reduces the contrast between hair and skin color. The same ban applies for three weeks after. The rule is dictated by safety reasons: the skin should not be overloaded.

In addition, under the rays of the sun, hair growth is activated, and the visible result of a trip to a cosmetologist can disappear right during the holiday.

However, even outside the sunny beaches, the life of a woman who decides to have laser hair removal has its own characteristics. While waiting for the next session, growing hair cannot be pulled out, waxed, or lightened.

This greatly reduces the quality of life and makes it impossible to go to the pool or water park. But you will have to live in this mode for at least six months!

Laser hair removal also has other disadvantages. For example, its painlessness is widely advertised, but this is a bit of an exaggeration.

The skin's sensitivity to certain effects varies from person to person, and some, especially sensitive women, may experience tingling sensations during laser treatment.

There are even sissies who can perform this procedure only with anesthesia.

Another slight exaggeration regarding laser hair removal is the statement about the complete absence of any after-effects.

Redness of the body area after treatment, as well as tissue swelling, are not uncommon. It may take several hours or even several days for this phenomenon to disappear.

Therefore, urgently running to a cosmetologist three hours before an important beach party is, to say the least, unreasonable.

And even those with not too sensitive skin will have to treat it after exposure with a nourishing cream so that it does not look painful.

Is this method effective for blondes?

You can find literally opposite reviews about the effectiveness of laser hair removal.

Some were delighted with the amazing results after their first visit to the cosmetologist, while others claim that they wasted their money in vain. Who is right? Surprisingly, both.

The changes observed after laser hair removal directly depend on skin color, and brunettes are unlikely to be able to agree with blondes on this matter.

The bulb is heated due to the presence of melanin in the hair, a dark pigment that absorbs light. But not everyone has it.

Obviously, the more pigment, the darker the hair. This means that heating of the follicle will occur only in those with dark hair.

Blondes, light brown and red-haired women are likely to waste time and money; the laser exposure to their undyed hairs will neither heat nor destroy the hair follicle.

Thus, laser hair removal is an excellent remedy for those with dark hair and not too dry and sensitive skin.

Moreover, in order for the result of communication with a cosmetologist to bring only joy, it is necessary to attend to the issue of getting rid of unnecessary vegetation in advance.

In addition, it is useful to tune in to the fact that an amazing result will not be achieved immediately, and prepare for several months, or even a whole year, to endure some inconveniences and from time to time spend a small amount of time and a significant amount of material resources on this procedure.

Disadvantages and contraindications of laser hair removal

As mentioned earlier, for ideal laser hair removal you need a contrast between light skin and dark hair. This way you will protect your skin from the action of the laser, which will be aimed exclusively at the melanin in the hair. By the way, it is not yet possible to remove blond hair on fair skin - the procedure will not have any effect, but will only create favorable conditions for burns.

Of course, such a wonderful and effective procedure cannot be cheap. Prices for one zone can be several times higher compared to the price for sugaring or waxing. But if you remember that hairs can disappear forever, then there are more reasons to spend such large sums.

There is such a thing as “vellus hair”. Such hairs are soft, barely noticeable and do not stand out too much against the background of the rest of the tougher mass of hair. So the laser is not able to remove them - you will have to come to terms with the fact that the barely noticeable “fuzz” will remain with you, but will not bring much discomfort.

Improper hair removal technologies and the incompetence of the technician can lead to negative consequences on the skin: redness, bruising, burns and swelling. Therefore, when choosing an hair removal studio, be careful.

Advantages over other hair removal methods

Why is laser hair removal so popular and how is it good against other methods - electrolysis, sugaring and waxing?

Sugaring

Sugar hair removal has no contraindications or side effects. Despite this, it is ineffective against laser. Here are the benefits of laser hair removal:

  • Compared to sugaring, laser hair removal is almost painless;
  • removes coarse hair well, which sugar cannot handle;
  • has a long-term effect.

The main disadvantages of bioepilation are severe pain and a high risk of ingrown hairs. Laser removal does not produce such effects.

Electrolysis

Until recently, electrolysis was a very popular procedure. Indeed, the color of vegetation and skin does not matter for its implementation. It is effective on any hair - gray, blond and vellus.

However, this is where the advantages of electrolysis end. Laser hair removal:

  • does not give so many side effects;
  • non-invasive procedure;
  • much less painful;
  • the risk of scarring during laser hair removal is minimal;
  • no traces of hair removal are visible after just a week.

What is laser hair removal based on?

Laser removal of unwanted vegetation is based on the ability of certain structures to selectively absorb light energy. Such a target for hair removal is the pigment present in the skin and hair that gives them color. This is melanin.

Melanin and features of laser radiation

An important feature of laser radiation is its monochromaticity. This is the ability to generate radiation of a strictly defined wavelength.

Why is it important? The fact is that in addition to hair melanin, hemoglobin, vascular formations, water molecules and even melanin found in human skin can act as centers for absorption of light energy

What happens to the hair follicle

During laser treatment, the follicle is destroyed due to a combination of three processes:

  1. Thermal destruction.
  2. Mechanical destruction.
  3. Photochemical change.

When exposed to radiation, hair melanin instantly absorbs light energy and converts it into heat. The hair heats up along its entire length and literally “melts.” But this is just the beginning.

In parallel with the thermal effect, the hair follicle is subjected to mechanical destruction. This occurs due to the fact that energy enters the hair follicle in a series of short pulses. They create an acoustic shock wave, which breaks the pigment.

The third component of the harmful effects of radiation on hair is the formation of free radicals, which damage the vessels that feed the follicle and complete the destructive process in the hair follicle.

Rules for laser hair removal

According to those who have done laser hair removal at home, a positive effect can only be achieved on hair whose length is from one to three millimeters.

Before you begin removing body hair, you need to tune in to the right mood, otherwise you will be in pain, as your subconscious sends appropriate signals to the cerebral cortex.

Before and after the procedure, you should not use products that contain alcohol, oils or fragrances, otherwise you risk getting burns.

Those who have purchased this installation are not recommended to use tweezers, a regular epilator, or wax as auxiliary means, since the laser will not be able to affect the area where the follicles were removed, so the effect of the procedure will be at a low level.

If you need to get rid of hair urgently, use special creams or standard razors. This way you can always stay in shape, even if you are far from home and do not have the opportunity to use the device.

Those with dark skin or those who have recently sunbathed will have to apply special lightening creams and masks a month before hair removal.

If you don’t have this option or you simply don’t want to wait long, it’s better to go to a salon where they will select the right procedure for you based on your skin tone.

Also, specialists working in such establishments are required to give you recommendations on how to care for the treated area so that no consequences arise after such stress on the body.

At home, hair removal while tanning is contraindicated, as you can get a serious burn.

Please note that for those who have not done this procedure before, slight redness may appear on the skin, which will soon disappear. Until the swelling or irritation goes away, those who have done hair removal should not use a washcloth or sponge, otherwise you will only worsen the situation

Until the swelling or irritation goes away, those who have done hair removal should not use a washcloth or sponge, otherwise you will only worsen the situation.

If you feel pain after hair removal, apply soothing products (gels, lotions) to the treated area. Also, a regular cold wet towel or ice wrapped in a thin cloth will have an analgesic effect.

If even after a couple of days your redness does not go away or if burns, scars, rashes appear and it hurts to touch your skin, consult a doctor immediately.

Which method is better?

Don't know what is the best method to choose to get rid of unnecessary hair on your skin? Try each one and then you will find the most optimal option for yourself.

Flaws

Along with obvious advantages, the procedure also has a number of disadvantages. Laser will not be able to remove hair that is too light or vellus, which has little melanin. The procedure will not have an effect on people who are too dark or black, since there will not be enough contrast to focus on the follicles. The radiation parameters and type of laser should be selected taking into account the characteristics of the skin. The Alexandrite laser, for example, covers 4 common phototypes, so it will suit most patients.

Laser hair removal can only be performed by those who have no contraindications. It is better to avoid exposure to light radiation in the following cases:

  • Individual intolerance.
  • Acute infections (including herpes).
  • Open injuries (wounds, abrasions).
  • Dermatological pathology (psoriasis, eczema, etc.).
  • Malignant neoplasms.
  • Varicose veins.

Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, with decompensated cardiac pathology, diabetes mellitus and mental illness. Among the contraindications to the procedure, it is also worth noting the presence of blond and gray hair, a fresh tan no more than 2 weeks old. And after the procedure, you will have to exclude or minimize sun exposure for the same period (avoid visiting the solarium, use SPF 50 sunscreen).

Among the disadvantages, one can note the need to repeat laser hair removal, i.e. the course effect. However, many cosmetic procedures have similar features, because their effectiveness is determined by the regularity and number of sessions performed. The cost of laser hair removal is also quite high, but taking into account the high efficiency and the possibility of complete hair removal, the price seems quite reasonable.

Many who have decided to remove hair in a particular area want to know what the pros and cons of laser hair removal are. The main advantage of the procedure is its high efficiency with a sufficient level of comfort. Among the specific disadvantages, it is worth noting the dependence on hair and skin color. All of these features will allow you to decide on the optimal method for removing unwanted body hair.

Features of the procedure

The benefits and harms of laser hair removal depend on proper preparation for the procedure, application of recommendations for the procedure, as well as taking into account all contraindications and side effects. When choosing this method, the question still remains: is laser hair removal forever or not? This information is a promotional ploy for many companies. A course of procedures will significantly reduce the number of hairs, especially since their growth will be slowed down in the future. However, it is impossible to completely stop the process of formation of such vegetation.

Indications

Most often, laser hair removal is performed for cosmetic purposes. Excessive hair on the face and body usually brings discomfort because it does not look aesthetically pleasing. The desire to get rid of excess hair appears not only among women, but also among men. In addition, there are such anomalies as hirsutism and hypertrichosis, when women begin to grow hair in androgen-dependent areas. In the first case, this condition is caused by exceeding the norm of androgens - male sex hormones, and in the second - as a result of taking hormonal drugs or the presence of certain serious diseases.

There are other indications for the procedure:

  • Irritation after shaving or other methods of hair removal;
  • Ingrown hair;
  • Professional requirements, most often among athletes.

The areas for removal are usually as follows:

  • For women – face, legs, abdominal area, arms, armpits, bikini area;
  • For men - chest, back, arms, neck, ears.

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Contraindications for

Laser hair removal is not possible in all cases. In addition to blond hairs, there are a number of other contraindications and side effects to the session, namely:

  • Diabetes;
  • Oncological diseases;
  • Allergy;
  • Varicose veins at the site where removal will be carried out;
  • Aggravated stage of herpes;
  • Skin diseases;
  • Violation of skin integrity and the presence of moles;
  • Predisposition to keloid scars;
  • Colds and viral diseases;
  • Tan acquired less than 2 weeks ago.

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Laser hair removal during pregnancy and lactation is prohibited. A woman experiences hormonal changes, changing her sensitivity. In addition, other negative consequences are possible, for example, increased dryness of the skin, irritation and flaking of the skin. Pregnant women are more likely to develop age spots under laser exposure. In addition, there is no accurate information about the effect of the procedure on the baby’s nervous system.

Laser hair removal for hormonal disorders is not contraindicated. In this case, the effectiveness will be significantly reduced, and more procedures will be required to completely remove hair. Is it possible to have them during menstruation? During this period, you should refuse the session. Firstly, the pain threshold decreases, which means the procedure can become painful, and secondly, the sensitivity of the skin increases, which can cause allergic reactions?

At what age can you do laser hair removal? Laser hair removal is not recommended until adulthood. This is due to unstable hormonal levels in adolescents. At the same time, it is allowed to do it from the age of 13-14 with the permission of the parents and after consultation with a specialist.

Preparation for the procedure

To maximize the results and reduce the risk of side effects, you should complete certain preparations before the procedure:

  • Do not use other removal methods for a month in advance, with the exception of shaving;
  • It is advisable not to sunbathe 4-6 weeks before the procedure;
  • To exclude the manifestation of herpes, you should take antiviral drugs a couple of days before hair removal;
  • If you have dark skin, you need to apply whitening creams one and a half to two months in advance.

How is the procedure done?

Depending on the area of ​​the area and the hair itself, the procedure can last 5-40 minutes. Epilation of the upper lip usually takes place the fastest, with results visible within 5 minutes. At the same time, it will take about 40 minutes to remove hair on your legs. Before the session begins, the specialist applies an anesthetic cream if necessary. This is not necessary as often, since lasers have a special cooling system with an analgesic effect.

Be sure to wear special protective glasses during the procedure. They are necessary not only for the master, but also for the client. To remove hair, a specialist treats the entire area with unwanted hair with laser flashes. After finishing, there is often a slight redness of the skin, but after 15-30 minutes it goes away.

Watch the video to see how the laser hair removal procedure is performed:

What happens to hair after laser hair removal? The effect of the ray on the follicles leads to hair loss. However, this does not happen immediately, but only after 7-10 days. This process only applies to those hairs that were in the active growth stage during the procedure. When is the best time to do laser hair removal? There are no special recommendations on this matter; a laser can be used at any time of the year. The main thing is to prepare for the procedure in advance, exclude sunbathing after the session for 1-2 weeks, and also reduce water procedures for three days.

Side effects and consequences

Many people wonder whether laser hair removal is harmful to health, whether the procedure is dangerous and what complications can be avoided. In general, it is quite safe, however, side effects from laser hair removal cannot be ruled out. First of all, allergies are possible. Usually this condition goes away after a few days. Bruising and swelling may occur as a result of recent sunburn.

It is extremely rare to experience burns after laser hair removal. This is due to a violation of the rules for preparing or conducting the procedure, a malfunction of the device or the absence of a cooling gel. There is no need to worry about laser hair removal and skin cancer; it does not pose such a threat.

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Beauty through current

It is best to remove unwanted hair in specialized places by specialists: aesthetic clinics, beauty salons. Bikini hair removal can permanently save women from the need to constantly shave off their newly grown hair, for example, before going to the beach or an important date, but everything is not as simple and straightforward as it might seem at first glance. After all, first of all, you need to decide which of the modern types of hair removal to choose. And many decide to put themselves in the hands of specialists in electrolysis (electrical discharge hair removal). This procedure is quite unpleasant and, moreover, painful. However, if there are types of hair removal that permanently remove facial and body hair, it is electrolysis. The operating principle is as follows: thin needles are inserted under the skin, at the very base of the hairs, touching the hair follicles, and then an electric current is applied to the needles used for electrolysis. Electric current discharges destroy the follicles. After the electrolysis procedure, hair growth, as a rule, does not resume. Only in a small percentage of cases do hairs appear again. But the procedure is very painful and is not suitable for everyone due to a long list of contraindications for electrolysis: varicose veins, infections, diabetes, various skin diseases, inflammation of the lymph nodes, pregnancy, etc.

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