Is Laser Hair Removal Right for Me? And is it Worth It?

Unwanted hair has been a nuisance for both women and men for as long as history is recorded. For the last several decades of those years, laser hair removal has been available as a long-term solution for dealing with said hair. 

Yet, with laser hair removal services being as ubiquitous and popular as they are, many of us are still skeptical about this method for achieving smooth skin. Why is that? Perhaps the cost may be a consideration for some, which begs the question, is laser hair removal worth it?

Read on to learn more about laser hair removal, how it can help you get rid of unwanted hair permanently, and why it’s most definitely worth the investment. 

What is Laser Hair Removal?

In a nutshell, laser hair removal refers to using energy devices (such as diode laser or IPL) to target and eliminate undesired hair growth on any area of the body. The goal with laser hair removal is to eliminate the hair permanently, or at the very least, for several years.

The premise behind laser hair removal is simple. Heat energy is used to seek out and damage the melanin inside the hair bulb, which is located in the hair follicle. Once this is accomplished, hair stops growing and eventually, over time, the treated area becomes hair-free.

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?

If you ask the millions of people who have successfully gotten rid of their pesky hair, they will undoubtedly tell you that it was worth it. Below are the top 5 reasons why laser hair removal should be your first consideration for removing those stubborn hairs once and for all.

1. Long-term results that are often permanent. Not many hair removal methods can claim this one. Imagine never having to shave or wax again? Being hair-free isn’t just about having smooth skin. For many people it’s about the freedom of not having to worry if their legs or bikini are beach ready. Is hair poking out of their t-shirt. Or whether their underarms need attending to before wearing that sleeveless dress. 

2. Time is money, and you save both! If you’re concerned about the initial investment to buy a package of laser hair removal sessions, consider this: a lifetime of waxing appointments really add up. You can end up spending ten times (or more) to maintain your hair-free body, and waxing prices are constantly going up. So you can expect to spend even more in the future. 

3. Then there’s the matter of your time to consider. A typical visit to your waxologist can take a big chunk out of your day. Imagine how much time you’d be saving not having to waste hours driving to and waiting for your appointment, and of course the time spent in treatment. Saving this amount of time every 6-8 weeks over many years can be very liberating to your schedule and wallet.

4. Let’s talk about the unpleasantness of waxing or shaving. With waxing there’s pain, and a lot of it, particularly in the sensitive areas. They still haven’t invented pain-free waxing whereas lasers have become more and more comfortable over the years. They’re also much quicker too. So you’re in and out of your laser appointment in a flash. Another big pain with waxing or shaving is ingrown-hair. This happens when hair gets curled up inside the hair follicle (instead of growing normally) and gets infected. Laser hair removal essentially eliminates this problem as there’s no hair growing in the first place.

5. The smoothest skin you’ve ever had. Your unwanted hair will be gone, of course. But that’s not actually what we mean here. If you have very coarse, dark hair then you know that with shaving, even with waxing, the hair follicle is always visible. This gives the area a permanent ‘6 o’clock shadow’ appearance. After undergoing a certain amount of laser hair removal sessions, the hair follicle closes up completely and  no hair grows. The result is baby-smooth skin that looks like there was never any hair to begin with. It’s a beautiful feeling that pleasantly surprises many clients. 

   
   

How to Get Started and What to Expect

Now that you’re convinced that laser hair removal is worth it, what are the next steps? The first step is to make an appointment with an experienced laser technician for a consultation. This is necessary to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment.

The ideal scenario for successful hair removal with laser is dark hair and skin that’s on the lighter side. If you fall outside this range, however, don’t worry. The latest, highly sophisticated devices on the market these days can safely and effectively treat many more skin types than before.This means chances are pretty good that even with a darker skin tone, laser hair removal can work for you.

The number of sessions you’ll need varies from person to person. If you’ve never had laser hair removal before, you should expect to undergo anywhere from 6-12 sessions initially to achieve satisfactory hair reduction. Also be prepared to have some maintenance treatments performed every now and then as new hair can occasionally grow.

A big bonus is that undergoing treatment is very comfortable these days. Many devices have cooling tips and other advanced features that minimize pain and discomfort. You’ll feel a warm “snapping” sensation as the laser passes by, and there may be some residual warmth and tightness in the area for several hours after. For this reason it’s not advisable to be exposed to the sun or excessive heat. By the next day, you’ll be able to resume all your normal activities. If you work or spend a lot of time outside in the summer, you may want to consider starting laser hair removal treatment in the fall or winter.

Sessions can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the area(s) being treated. You’ll be asked to schedule appointments 4-6 weeks apart and it’s strongly advised to be diligent with attending treatments. This will ensure that all the hairs in their anagen growth phase will be targeted, increasing your ultimate success and satisfaction over the long term.  

We invite you to book your complimentary consultation at Spotless later to get started with laser hair removal today.