Do you look forward to bathing suit season with equal parts anticipation and dread? All because you’re blessed with overactive hair follicles, that make shaving or (ugh!) waxing, a far too regular occurrence? If you’ve toyed with the idea of a more permanent solution, you may be considering laser hair removal. Not sure if going under the laser is right for you? Not to worry! We’ve got your back! (…and legs, bikini line, etc.) To help you on your quest to becoming the ultimate smooth operator, we’ve rounded up some of the pros and cons of laser hair removal.
What is laser hair removal?
During laser hair removal, a laser targets the pigment cells in the hair follicle and zaps it down to the root. The follicle is burned and hair growth is drastically reduced.
Pros:
1. No parts are off limits
“You can have laser hair removal performed anywhere on your body. Legs, bikini line, under-arms and even your face.
2. You can take it
…the pain, that is. Most people describe the pain level as moderate and no worse than waxing. The pain level also decreases with every treatment.
3. Fast and precise
The procedure is super-fast and the laser can target several hairs at once. People often see results in as little as three sessions.
Cons:
1. Not an option for every skin tone
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the follicle. So, it works best on patients with dark hair and lighter skin. Darker-skinned patients should be sure the facility they choose has specific lasers for darker skin.
2. Sensitivity to sunlight
If you’re a sun-worshipper, you’ll need to skip the sun worship six weeks prior to treatment and directly after. The process can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and can discolor tanned skin.
3. Semi-permanent solution
Unlike the most permanent form of hair removal, electrolysis, laser hair removal is a semi-permanent solution. It does a great job of limiting hair growth. And the hair that grows back is much finer and lighter. But it doesn’t completely eliminate it.
If you do decide to take the plunge of laser hair removal, be sure to choose a qualified electrologist. And if you’re more than a little passionate about beauty and skincare, maybe you should consider a career as an electrologist!
If you’re interested in learning more about a career making people look and feel great, check out the programs at Boca Beauty Academy. Boca is training the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals in skincare, esthetics, cosmetology, and more! Call us today to schedule a campus tour or click here to request more information.