Last Updated On June 10th, 2020
Most hair removal methods don’t keep our skin hair free for very long. For this reason, treatments such as laser hair removal have become popular. Laser hair removal is considered more long-lasting than other methods such as shaving. However, by long-lasting, we are thinking forever. Is laser hair removal permanent, that is to say, forever hair free?
Laser hair removal certainly offers thorough, immediate results. A powerful laser is used to halt hair production. It should reduce your unwanted hair by around 70-90%. With any hair that remains usually being finer and lighter. Definitely, it is a good alternative to shaving every few days.
What should you expect from laser hair removal?
You can use laser hair removal for long-lasting results in various areas of the body including:
- bikini line
- upper lip
- chin
- underarm
- chest
- back
- shoulders
You’ll need to prepare the area to be treated. Shave the area a day before the treatment. That’s the only prep really required, which is a bonus.
Don’t panic about the thought of huge lasers being pointed at you. It’s actually just a handheld device used on the surface of your skin.
The device uses high-heat lasers beams, which are pointed at your hair follicles. You may also have heard the lasers referred to as intense pulsed light (IPL). The heat from these beams damages your hair follicles. This makes them dormant for a long time. And while they remain in this state, the hair doesn’t grow back.
You can experience IPL hair removal at home with the Philips Lumea.
Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal:
1. Does laser hair removal hurt?
If the thought of heated laser beams being pointed at your skin is a concern, don’t worry! While there is a slight pain from the treatment, you can use some pain-relieving gel to numb the area. It should just feel like an elastic band snapping on your skin.
The treatment will also be over quite quickly. Areas like the upper lip may only take a few minutes. Larger areas like the back might take about an hour.
Afterwards, the treated area may be red and tender with a raised rash for around 24 hours. But again, this shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. You should also bear in mind that your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun. It means avoiding sun exposure or tanning beds for a week after treatment and definitely use a sunscreen.
2. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal will last far longer than shaving, waxing, epilating, tweezing, and threading. This is because these methods simply remove the hair. And, new hair will grow in its place immediately.
The laser method damages the follicle rather than simply removing the hair. This is what produces longer lasting results.
Many ask, “will hair grow back after laser hair removal?” Lasering the hair follicle destroys it, and new hair won’t grow again until the follicle heals. However, once healed, the hair will grow back. You will need to do some form of hair removal for it to be smooth and hair free once again.
3. Who is laser therapy best for?
Anyone can have the treatment; however, it’s generally known that those with lighter skin and darker, thicker hair benefit the most. This is because even if the hair isn’t removed, the laser still lightens the hair colour which can make it less obvious.
The treatment can have side effects. So, be mindful if you have sensitive skin or have suffered reactions before. These side effects can include:
- blisters
- lightening or darkening of the skin
- scarring
- swelling
- bruising
- burns
- other skin reactions
4. How many sessions for laser hair removal do you need?
You will need multiple sessions. When the follicle heals, the hair will grow back. The number of sessions you will need is dependent on how much hair you are looking to remove. It also depends on the thickness of the hair, amongst other factors. Usually, 4-6 sessions are required, and these need to be 4-6 weeks apart.
This means the whole process can take around 9 months to complete. You can expect the hair in the treated area will reduce by 10-30% after the first session. Then, hair reduction will increase with each session until 70-90% hair removal is achieved.
5. How long does laser hair removal last?
The treatment will leave you hair-free from a few weeks to several months. The length of time it takes for your hair to grow back depends on the type of hair you have and the area you have treated.
You may need to have maintenance sessions once or twice a year after the full initial round of treatments. This helps the hair reduced. These sessions ensure the hair follicles don’t heal and the hair, therefore, can’t grow back.
There’s no guarantee laser hair removal will clear all your hair. You may be left with some hair after the treatment. Although generally, the remaining hair is lighter and finer. Some hair will shed after the treatment as well, so do give it a few days.
You could look at electrolysis and needle epilators if you are looking for other long-term hair removal solutions.
Conclusion
So, is laser hair removal permanent? Unfortunately, it is not a permanent solution for removing unwanted hair. However, if you are looking for long-term personal care results, it’s a great solution. It is a treatment that needs little preparation and is relatively simple, quick and painless, Using maintenance sessions will help keep hair at bay longer and will give you the most from your sessions.
If you can’t have it done professionally, you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Read through our Philips Lumea review and find out more.
Have you had any experience with laser hair removal? How did you find it? We’d love to hear more. Do comment below with your experience!