What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Say the word “laser”, and your mind may conjure images of high-tech science fiction. Mention using them on the body, and you are sure to shudder. But in recent years, lasers have left the movie theaters and come to the doctor's office, where they are used for everything from correcting vision problems to eradicating skin cancer. Laser hair removal, another technological innovation, is no exception. It works through the destruction of the hair follicle using laser beams directed at the area of unwanted hair. This is a great and proven option for getting rid of unsightly hairs anywhere on the body; whether your face, back, bikini area, or even your toes.

Ridding yourself of unwanted hair is as easy as a visit to the laser center, which may be a doctor's office or a spa-like facility where trained technicians can have you hair free in less time than it takes to drive there. A reputable center will assess your skin tone and probably perform a test on a small area to see if your skin is going to react positively to the laser hair removal treatment. You see, laser hair removal tends to work best on people whose hair is darker than their skin; if the converse is true, then the laser could possible change the pigment of the surrounding tissues. This happens, though rarely, because many of these lasers work by first targeting the thing responsible for color of skin and hair: melanin. If the skin is dark, it is because there is an excess of melanin, and the laser could possibly zap this, too.

However, laser hair removal has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and since that occurred, a flurry of lasers have entered the market. As with any procedure that alters the appearance or function of the body, there are minimal risks. But the benefits—remaining hair free or at least being rid of the coarse, dark hairs that plague you—far outweigh the unlikely risks involved. Nevertheless, a spot test to ensure the laser is the right option for your hair removal needs is a sign that you are being treated by a professional. This is a key factor in your decision to have the hair removed with lasers; be wary of a laser technician that does not appear to be the utmost professional. Remember, this is a lasting decision about your body, so you want the best possible outcome.

Ultimately, laser hair removal is a safe, proven method of ridding the body of unwanted hair. Whether you suffer from stray, stubborn hairs on the face or from a medical condition that causes excessive hair growth, the use of lasers to liberate yourself from the fuzz is definitely an option worth exploring. And over time, you may just realize it has saved you time and money, as you will be released from the constant upkeep involved with other, temporary hair removal options. No more razors, waxes, bleaches, or tweezers—laser hair removal will relieve your hair woes and leave your skin silky, supple, and smoothly hairless.