No matter how you repeatedly remove your unwanted hair, you would probably prefer to avoid it. Temporary hair removal is a waste of time and money, but you can put an end to the cycle. Laser hair removal stops follicles from growing new hairs, giving you long-lasting smooth skin. With advances in technology, laser hair removal works for more hair and skin tones than ever before.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal stops hair growth by targeting and damaging your hair follicles. It works using pulses of laser energy that heat and deactivate the regenerative portion of the hair follicles. The laser energy actually targets the roots of your hairs that grow inside the follicle. The melanin pigment contained in the bulge portion of the hairs absorbs the laser energy, heating the hair root and causing damage to the follicle. Treated follicles will no longer grow hair.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on All Skin Types?
Some people think that laser hair removal only works on certain skin and hair types. Fortunately, laser technology has dramatically improved, and newer lasers are more precise in targeting hair roots without affecting darker skin tones. Laser hair removal can now treat almost all skin and hair types. However, those with darker skin should be especially careful in choosing an experienced provider for their safety, and make sure the practice has the appropriate laser for their skin type. Krauss Dermatology has extensive experience performing hair removal on types 1-4 skin with the Diode laser. Type 4 skin includes asian, hispanic and middle eastern skin types. Type 5 and 6 skin is better treated with the Nd-Yag laser which is safer for skin with heavy melanin content. Unfortunately our practice does not have an Nd-Yag laser.
Another important consideration for laser hair removal is hair color. People with the strongest contrast (light skin and dark hair) will experience the best results. Those with very light blond, red, gray, or white hair are not good candidates for laser hair removal. These hair roots do not contain enough melanin pigment for the laser to target.
Is There Any Downtime After Laser Hair Removal?
You may experience minor redness or sensitivity in the treated area that can last a day or two. Laser hair removal requires no downtime. However, it will make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun, so avoid exposure and use strong sun protection. You can apply makeup to the face immediately after treatment to cover any visible redness.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Do I Need?
The number of laser hair removal treatments you will need depends on several factors. The most important factor is your hair’s natural growth cycle. You have a combination of active and resting hair follicles at any given time. Resting follicles do not contain a hair root and are not affected by treatment. Most people benefit from four to six treatments for their desired hair removal. You may need an occasional maintenance treatment to address any stray hairs.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about laser hair removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology. Call us at (781) 416-3500 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.