How To Find Out If Laser Hair Removal Is For You

When laser hair removal procedures were first introduced in the USA over 23 years ago, it didn’t take long for their popularity to skyrocket in the country. Many people have a desire to get rid of their unwanted hair permanently. However, conventional options like waxing and shaving can be costly and time-consuming. Although technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, it’s not the best option for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at the kind of candidate who is perfect for a laser hair removal procedure and what candidates are better off with other hair removal methods.

There are several factors that must be considered while evaluating a candidate for laser hair removal. Let’s look at how hair removal laser technology works – lasers are intense pulsing beams of light that target the melanin content in your hair (melanin is responsible for maintaining hair color). Targeting melanin enables the laser to eliminate hair follicles underneath your skin without causing any damage. However, your skin and hair type can heavily influence the degree to which laser hair removal is successful.

While these procedures may be the most attractive hair removal method you’ll find, they cannot be used on everyone. Let’s take a look at a few factors that need to be considered to ensure that you’re a viable candidate for a laser hair removal procedure.

1. You know that the results may vary, depending on skin and hair type.

People with light skin and dark hair are the top candidate for laser hair removal. However, recent studies have revealed that some people, who may appear to have the right skin and hair type at first glance, may not respond properly to their laser hair removal procedure.

While there’s a lot of ongoing research regarding this subject, the reason behind this remains unknown. The studies conducted so far don’t offer any conclusive evidence either.

Some experts have stated that laser hair removal treatments were ineffective for around 15% of the patients who underwent them.

2. You’ve researched and chosen a quality laser hair removal practitioner

Many states have no regulations to ensure the safety of laser hair removal patients. You may occasionally come across patients online who were administered the procedure by people with zero qualifications.

It’s essential to research the practitioner and his reviews thoroughly before signing up for the procedure.

3. You’ve Got Dark Hair and Light Skin

Laser hair removal treatments target the melanin content in your skin to remove the hair. Melanin lends a darker appearance to the skin and hair, with a higher melanin content causing a darker appearance. The ideal candidates for this procedure are people with dark hair and light skin.

Even if you fulfill these criteria, there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work out for you. However, your chances of success are still pretty great.

If your skin tone is darker than Fitzpatrick Type IV, you still have plenty of alternative options. The Nd: YAG and the Alexandrite laser have been consistently proven to be safe and highly effective for people with a darker skin complexion.

Here is the Fitzpatrick table for reference:-

Skin Type	Skin Colour	Hair Color (darkest)	Eye Colour	Description
1	White or very pale	Blonde	Blue, grey, green	Always burns, never tans
2	Pale white with beige tint	Chestnut or dark blond	Blue	Always burns, sometimes tans
3	Beige to light brown (olive)	Dark brown	Dark brown	Sometimes burns, always tans
4	Light to moderate brown	Black	Brown	Rarely Burns, always tans
5	Medium to Dark Brown	Black	Brownish black	Rarely burns, tans more than average
6	Dark brown to black	Black	Black	Never burns

 

4. You’re looking for a permanent hair removal solution

A laser hair removal procedure is generally recommended to patients who no longer have the patience to use short-term removal methods and shaving and waxing.

Although this procedure isn’t permanent, many scientific studies have shown that it can reduce and remove hair permanently in some cases. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on a variety of other factors.

This procedure is invaluable to people who do not wish to waste time having to use short-term hair removal methods that need to be repeated frequently.

5. You’re Looking to Treat A Large Area

A laser hair removal procedure can be deployed on a bigger portion of the body due to its quick-acting nature. However, electrolysis may fail to achieve similar results as each hair has to be specifically treated, which bogs down the speed and renders it impractical in some cases.

People looking to undergo electrolysis are often asked to undergo a laser hair removal procedure first as it reduces the hair density, thus making it easier and more feasible for the patient to undergo electrolysis later on.

A laser hair removal procedure is not very accurate either. For example, eyebrow shaping cannot be effectively done with laser hair removal. Such treatments are best done through a combination of threading, waxing, and electrolysis.

These procedures are often bundled with payback schemes, which allow people to undergo the procedure without a hefty down payment. While such deals may seem very attractive, keep in mind that you’re going to have to shell out a lot more in interest payments – precious money that can be saved by simply saving up for the treatment commences.

Don’t ruin your finances just for the sake of this cosmetic procedure.

6. Mild Discomfort Does Not Bother You

Laser hair removal procedures aren’t a completely pain-free experience. However, you will be offered pain relievers of some kind that make it a more comfortable experience. For most patients, the pain is nothing more than a mild discomfort.

7. The treatment costs don’t exceed your budget

Laser hair removal is a process that requires multiple removal sessions over the course of a year or more before it is fully completed. It’s relatively expensive, which means that you should only take a decision after taking a very serious look at your finances.

The procedure requires you to spend thousands of dollars for it to be effective. If you’re one of the unlucky ones who don’t respond to the treatment, your finances should be stable enough to ensure you can withstand such a loss.