You've probably heard about how lots of European women don't give a fig about
underarm hair or hair on their legs. But many other women are not as accepting
of body hair as their European counterparts. And throughout history, women have
been employing various techniques to do this: from ancient Egyptian women's use
of beeswax and sharp implements to eliminate leg hair up to the modern-day
practices of waxing and the use of lasers to achieve a smooth and hairless
complexion. Here, we'll take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of laser
hair removal and whether it's the right path to take for a more hairless you.
Hair is removed via lasers in the following way: a series of low-level laser
beams is targeted at hair follicles (or the root of the hair) in certain areas
of the body. The hair then falls out and new growth is discouraged. Here are
some of the reasons for the popularity of laser hair removal:
- Long-lasting results. The laser beams zoom in on hair follicles, either
destroying them or significantly disabling them. Thus, hair is a lot slower to
grow back and in some cases, they don't grow back altogether. And any hair that
grows back tends to be finer, thinner, and less visible. Imagine the time
savings you could realize. Finally, freedom from regular bikini waxes,
leg-shaving, and facial hair-plucking!
- Broader and more convenient applications. Laser hair removal technologies and
equipment have evolved in such a way that it is now possible to treat broad
areas of the skin - such as the back and legs - in addition to localized areas
like the skin above the upper lip and around the nipples. There is a wide
variety of laser hair removal gadgets and equipment to suit individual cases.
- Increased safety regulations. Hair removal via laser is a process approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, the techniques used must meet
stringent regulations. In addition, individual states themselves are issuing
criteria that laser hair removal cosmeticians must comply with in order to
practice their trade.
Laser hair removal may seem like a godsend to many a woman, but she would do
well to remember that it is not a "one-size-fits-all" sort of technology. Like
most other cosmetic procedures today, it does have its disadvantages, the
following of which are just a few.
- Slower results for dark-skinned or tanned women. Laser hair removal procedures
are most suitable for individuals with light-colored skin and dark hair because
the laser beam targets dark material. Dark skin pigmentation can prevent lasers
from reaching the hair follicles more rapidly. Evidence also shows that the
lighter a woman's hair color, the less efficient the technology is in
eliminating those problem hairs.
- Laser hair removal treatment costs. It takes several sessions to rid a body
part of hair, and each session costs on average $300 up to $1,000. It really
depends on how much hair needs to be removed and the type of lasers used. Some
clinics' laser hair removal prices are calculated on a "per-pulse" basis and
several hundred laser pulses may be needed to remove hair in just one area.
Also, because hair grows in cycles, it's almost a sure bet that repeat sessions
will be needed to ensure that all unwanted hair is removed - which translates to
more cash out of your pocket.
- Potential side effects or no effect at all. All cosmetic procedures carry a
risk of adverse effects, and laser hair removal is no exception. Patients have
complained of first- and second-degree burns, blisters, and lesions. Others have
noted that patterns of hair regrowth are patchy and unpleasant to look at. And
still others have inexplicably experienced insignificant or no hair loss at all,
despite their being ideal candidates for the procedure.
Laser hair removal is just one of the wonders of modern dermatology, technology
that can make a woman look more beautiful in the shortest amount of time and in
the safest way possible. Although procedures like this are constantly changing
and improving, you shouldn't just rush blindly into it. It's important to
consult your dermatologist and conduct your own research to determine whether
you'll be getting the maximum benefits that medical laser techniques can offer.