August 28, 2009
A Closer Look At Laser Hair Removal
Are you tired of dealing with hair removal on a daily basis? Are you looking for a more permanent method that is safe and effective? Then you should consider laser hair removal. It is one of two methods which can bring about long lasting results with minor side effects. It is convenient and takes very little commitment on your part but there is some information you need when deciding if this is the method for you.
But knowing how to get rid of hair is only one side of the equation. The other is learning where the hairs come from in the first place. That way you can learn how the different hair removal techniques work. All hairs grow out of follicles. Follicles are special parts of the skin which pack cells together to form hairs. Hairs are made from dead cells even though they are said to "grow". Hairs that are thicker are made from a larger number of cells.
What are Lasers Made Of and How Do They Work?
A laser is a concentrated beam of light. Since light comes in different colours (think of a rainbow) lasers do as well. They can be aimed at the skin and will target the hair follicle. Since dark colours absorb light and heat the darker hair follicle can be heated and damaged without hurting the skin around it. When the follicle is damaged it cannot pack together the cells and hair loss occurs. This is how light can be used for hair removal.
There is more information that you need to be aware of than simply how the process works. There are factors which you should be taking into consideration when deciding whether it is a viable option for you. If you are looking for a quick solution for hair control you may find that laser hair removal is not an option. Because the technique takes several rounds of treatment and they must be spaced some time apart, then this method may be more of a commitment than you are interested in.
Experience is also a critical factor in choosing who will perform the hair removal. If you are dealing with someone who lacks experience the chances of unwanted side effects can increase. You may find that the number of treatments needed may also increase which can increase the price you are paying.
What Are The Advantages of Laser Hair Removal?
There are several advantages to undergoing laser hair removal. The first is that the hair removal is extremely long lasting. It is much longer than any other method except for electrolysis. As well, because the follicle is damaged the hair removal can be less painful than it can be with methods such as waxing.
If ingrown hairs form, laser hair removal can be very effective in treating the condition. Ingrown hairs occur when one of two things happens. Either the hair continues to grow under the skin and does not break through or it will actually begin to grow back into the hair follicle. They can become quite sore and pus often forms around the hair. There is usually a lot of bacteria present as well. With laser hair removal, the hair can be easily located under the skin and there is no chance of introducing bacteria into the area through the use of unsterilized tools.
The Negatives to Removing Hair This Way
You should also look at the drawbacks to any technique when deciding which you will use. Learning about these will help you make an informed decision and watch for any potential side effects that may develop.
Laser hair removal works by targeting dark matter and heating it. This means that if your hair is light coloured it will not work for you. Hair removal works best when the hairs are dark and coarse. If you have very fine hairs as well you will find that this process does not work for you.
Because there is heat involved in the process there is always the chance that the skin around it will also be heated up to an uncomfortable degree. When the hair removal is taking place it can be quite common to use a cooling method such as gel, cool air or a spray. Other side effects can include the formation of white spots on the skin, acne or swelling that can occur around the follicle.
If after looking at all of the information and considering the different hair removal alternatives you may decide that laser hair removal will work well for you. If this happens you should look for a person who is experienced in the technique to make sure that it is as comfortable and effective as possible.
Filed under Beauty Products by Guest Author
