Hair Removal, Laser Hair Removal, Electrolysis, Costs, Side Effects

Will Laser Hair Removal Work Despite Hormonal Imbalances?

September 16, 2010

The presence of excessive hair due to hormonal imbalances is a bothersome condition, and many sufferers become interested in laser hair removal as a way of removing their excess hair. The excess production of androgens (male hormones) is often responsible for the extra hair growth, which can appear in various places of the face and body.

There can be a number of medical conditions why people are experiencing an increase in hair growth, but these conditions are usually related to hormonal imbalances. Some females have a condition called PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which can lead to excess hair growth. Other women suffer from hirsutism, which is a condition that also develops excess hair. Excess hair growth due to hormonal imbalances is more common in women, and although it can also occur in men, it is more difficult to recognize because males are expected to be hairier than women. Hirsutism can be extremely distressing for a woman. More than anything, it is a major cosmetic problem and can also cause psychological issues, such as depression.

There are also a number of other conditions that can increase the male hormones in a woman, but regardless of the cause, what many women with excess hair growth have in common is the desire to remove the hair. And while laser hair removal can achieve excellent results in a healthy person, this may not be the case for someone with hormonal imbalances.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, it would be wise for a woman to determine that the cause of her hair growth is not hormonal. If there are possible symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, such as abnormal growth of hair, a doctor should be consulted to determine the underlying causes before laser hair removal treatments are started.

Someone with underlying hormonal issues causing their extra hair growth probably won’t see good results from laser hair removal until the condition has been cured. The main problem being that new hair will continue to develop no matter how much of the “current” hair is treated by the laser. Medication might be needed to stabilize the hormonal imbalance.

Most practitioners agree that laser hair removal will not be beneficial to someone with hormonal imbalances. Also because it is hard to know exactly how a person with a hormonal imbalance will respond to a laser hair removal treatment. There are cases where laser hair removal has increased the hair in patients with hormonal imbalances, and the reason why is not clear.

While laser hair removal may or may not have a small benefit to those suffering from hormonal imbalances, it is best to wait until the hormonal imbalance is resolved. When the imbalance is under control, laser hair removal treatments can be started and excellent results can be achieved.

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Laser Hair Removal: The Complexity of Treating Light Hair

September 15, 2010

Traditionally, laser hair removal has always been the most effective on dark hair. With the onset of newer, more advanced laser equipment, there is a small chance that laser hair removal can be slightly beneficial even to those with light colored hair, which includes blonde, white and red hair.

In order to understand why light colored hair is difficult to treat, one must understand how laser hair removal works. The laser energy is attracted to the melanin in the hair. Light colored hair does not contain much melanin and, therefore, does not respond well to treatments. Light colored hair is likely to grow back unaffected after a laser hair removal treatment. However, some hair that is light colored could actually contain enough melanin to be treatable, and this is why laser hair removal treatments are not completely out of question for those with light colored hair.

While many laser practitioners firmly believe that laser hair removal only works on dark hair, there is a small amount of people who believe that those with light colored hair do have options. Some claim that the Alexandrite laser hair removal systems, which include “Candela GentleLase”, “Cynosure Apogee” and the “Epitouch”, can be effective on blonde and white hair. And a new hybrid technology called ELOS (Electro Optical Synergy) which is used by the Syneron hair removal systems, and combines laser or light energy with radio frequency, is also believed to be effective by some. Lastly, the “Epilight” device, which uses IPL and not laser, has also been said to have a small benefit in removing light colored hair.

Some claim that a dye can be applied to the hairs that will be treated, which can make the laser hair removal session more effective. The most talked about product in this case is “Meladine” which is a melanin enhancer solution that colors the hair follicle with natural melanin. Meladine is meant to aid the laser in targeting the hairs better, and thereby help clients with light colored hair to benefit from laser hair removal. Though dying the hair could be worth a try, many practitioners have already tried it, and agree that it is of little to no benefit in the process of laser hair removal. Electrolysis is sometimes the only option left in treating stubborn light colored hairs.

Overall, treatment of light hair cannot be expected to be as effective as treatment of dark hair. To find out if your light colored hair can be removed by laser hair removal, go for a complimentary consultation, where the practitioner can evaluate your hair type and discuss your specific options.

Photo via micaelcyancy

Laser Hair Removal – How to Minimize Discomfort

September 13, 2010

Though gentler laser equipments are available today, it is still possible for laser hair removal to cause discomfort or slight pain. As the hair follicles are being burnt, a hot sensation can be felt. This sensation is usually described as a sharp rubber band snapping against the skin. The level of discomfort during a laser hair removal session will also depend on the skin type, density and thickness of the hair as well as which body area is being treated. Individuals with dark skin are extra sensitive because they have additional pigmentation which absorbs more of the laser. Clients with dense hair can also experience more discomfort. However, a positive fact is that after each treatment, the hair usually becomes thinner, which will reduce discomfort. Since pain is individual, what might be tolerable for one person can be excruciating to another. That being said some lasers do cause more discomfort than others.

There are several ways to minimize discomfort during a laser hair removal session. One of the most common ways is to apply a topical anesthetic cream, also called a numbing cream, 30-45 minutes prior to the treatment. A numbing cream can make the treatment more tolerable. Most practitioners usually carry their own specific numbing cream which they recommend. Most of these creams begin to work after ten minutes and are in full effect about half hour later. Cooling the area with ice before, during and after treatment can also help.

Some believe that the newer “Lumenis LightSheer Duet” laser device causes no pain at all during laser hair removal. And that the use of this laser eliminates the need for numbing creams, even on sensitive areas like the bikini line. This laser machine uses suction and a large head which apparently minimizes discomfort. Another laser type that can minimize pain is the “GentleYAG” laser because it delivers a shot of cryogen (freezing liquid) prior to each laser pulse. The cryogen will cool and protect the skin during treatment. Air cooling with a chiller, such as the “Zimmer Chiller” machine before, during or after treatment can also help. Newer laser machines usually do come with a built-in cooling system, but if these newer laser machines are not available to you, a good numbing cream could be the next best choice.

Additionally, over the counter pain medication can be taken 30 minutes before treatment to aid with discomfort. The practitioner can also minimize the pain by reducing the frequency of pulses and lowering the laser setting if the pain cannot be tolerated.

While newer laser hair removal machines result in minimal to no pain, it is definitely possible to experience discomfort when undergoing a laser hair removal session. This is why it is essential to communicate any pain to the practitioner so that he or she can take steps to minimize it. If you do experience discomfort during a laser hair removal session, don’t hesitate to let the practitioner know.

Photo via michaelcyancy

What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal

September 10, 2010

Though there are usually no serious side effects to a laser hair removal treatment, it is still important to know what can be expected. As an immediate result of a laser hair removal treatment, the skin can be red and irritated, much like a mild sunburn. This is nothing to be concerned about and will go away after a day or two. A cool compress or a light, soothing moisturizer can be used on the skin if desired.

After a laser hair removal treatment it is recommended that you wear sunscreen on the treated area, if it will be exposed to the sun, in order to avoid further irritation of the skin. And if possible, try to avoid the sun altogether for about 2 weeks. Tanning must also be avoided. In addition, to avoid any additional irritation, it is best not to shave the treated area until the skin is back to normal.

What can be confusing to some is that after undergoing laser hair removal the hairs are still there. This part of the process is completely normal and nothing to be concerned or disappointed about. The reason why the hairs remain is because laser hair removal does not extract the hairs. It destroys them at the root and it can take some time for them to fall out. They will, however, fall out on their own. After about 10 days the hairs will start to shed and continue to do so in the following weeks. And when the skin no longer feels irritated, a scrub can be used in the shower to gently help the hairs along the way. You should not, however, attempt to pull the hairs out in any way. And it is important not to wax or pluck the hairs after laser hair removal as this will disturb the growing phase. However, it is fine to shave.

As the treated hairs falls out you will enjoy a week or two of not having to shave or wax. However, new hair that is no longer in the resting phase will start to grow in soon after. And hairs that did not fall out will be treated in the next session.

It is essential to understand that, after the initial laser hair removal treatment, the hairs are expected to grow back to some degree, until all hairs have been treated. Additional laser treatments are necessary to treat all the hairs as they go through various stages of growth.

After some time you will notice that the hairs grow thinner or don’t grow at all. And this is the goal in laser hair removal.

Overall, there is very little aftercare involved with laser hair removal. And after a few treatments, you should be able to see a strong reduction in hair growth.

Photo via miss pupik

Top Reasons to Choose Laser Hair Removal

September 8, 2010

There are many different reasons why people choose laser hair removal as their hair removal method. The possibility of permanently removing, or at least reducing, hair is definitely one of many reasons laser hair removal has become so popular.

Improved self confidence is another top reason more people are choosing laser hair removal. Many people, especially women, make sure to remove their unwanted hair before stepping out in public or engaging in intimate acts. With no more embarrassing hair, laser hair removal can definitely improve the self confidence. Laser hair removal can help people feel better, no longer having to second guess themselves when revealing some skin or getting close to others.

The idea of having smooth, flawless skin is also a great reason for choosing laser hair removal. Shaving does not completely eliminate the visibility of hair, as even after shaving there will be some stubble or “shadow”. Laser hair removal can eliminate this unpleasant effect and make your skin visually hair free. Waxing does remove all of the hair, but the hair must be saved so it can be long enough for the next waxing, and this in between stage can be very unlikable. And though laser hair removal might cause more discomfort than shaving, it is definitely less painful than waxing. Anyone who has tried waxing knows how much it hurts, and laser hair removal is less painful in comparison.

Laser hair removal can also save money. While this seems odd at first, as laser hair removal treatments can come off as costly, they can definitely save money in the long run. The cost of other hair removal methods such as waxing, shaving and electrolysis can easily add up. Laser hair removal may seem expensive at first, but over time, money will be saved. In the long run, laser hair removal costs less than other hair removal methods.

The fact that laser hair removal can help save time is another attractive reason. Everyone who shaves, plucks or waxes on a frequent basis knows it is time consuming to do so. This is time that could be better spent doing other things. When you no longer have to spend time removing hair with traditional methods, you will have an abundance of time to spend in better ways.

Laser hair removal can also eliminate ingrown hairs which can cause infections. No longer having to deal with red bumps caused by ingrown hairs is another reason to choose laser hair removal.

While everyone who chooses laser hair removal has their own reason, the possibility of no longer having to worry about embarrassing hair is perhaps the biggest reason of them all.

Photo via doug88888

Laser Hair Removal: Treating Dark Skin

September 6, 2010

Until recent times, laser hair removal was not recommended for dark or tanned skin. In fact, laser sessions could cause unpleasant side effects in dark skin, such as blistering, scarring, and discoloration. Today, laser hair removal is available for those with dark or tanned skin, but it is still important to understand why dark skin is sensitive to lasers and why caution is necessary.

Lasers are aimed to target the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. However, the main concern is that the laser cannot make a difference between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin. This makes it problematic because the melanin in the skin can absorb the light that should have been absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. And dark skin absorbs more light than what is needed. This makes it more likely that the skin will be burnt or damaged as a result of the laser treatment. In other words, if you have dark skin, the concern is that the pigments in your skin will absorb too much of the laser’s light, which can result in side effects. This explains why darker individuals who have undergone laser hair removal treatments in the past have had negative experiences.

Those with dark skin are fully able to be treated with laser hair removal today, however, when treating dark skin, it is necessary to use lasers that produce the longest wavelengths of light. This is because melanin absorbs short wavelengths of light, and the ability of melanin to absorb light reduces as you go to longer wavelengths, thereby minimizing the risk to dark skin. In other words, some lasers are able of decreasing the ability of the skin to absorb light. This is what makes the laser hair removal process safe for those with dark skin.

While laser hair removal can now be efficient for darker individuals, it is of utmost importance to know that not all lasers are safe for dark skin. There are only a few lasers available on the market that can safely treat dark skin. The Nd:YAG laser is a good example of a laser that can efficiently remove hair on dark skin. It has the longest wavelength of all lasers: 1064 nm (nanometers). Specifically, the brand names “GentleYag” and “CoolGlide” are two of the best Nd:YAG lasers available today.

With the advancement of technology, people with dark skin are now definitely among those who can enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. However, laser hair removal practitioners who deliver the treatments must perform with great care and have training and experience in treating dark skin.

Photo via Celeste Jetcity

Which Laser Machine is Best for Hair Removal?

September 3, 2010

There are many different laser hair removal machines available today, and many would like to know which laser type is simply the best. Though the answer to this question will depend on your specific skin and hair type, there are certainly a few favorites among today’s laser hair removal practitioners.

The Lumenis LightSheer, which is a diode laser, is considered “the gold standard” by many practitioners, and has excellent results with many different skin types. This top-of-the-line laser hair removal machine is FDA-approved and its improved technology requires fewer procedures, and gives some of the best results that are possible today. This laser is so highly regarded that many practitioners doesn’t mind using it on themselves or on family members.

The LightSheer Diode Laser System offers powerful technology as well as both short and long pulses to safely and effectively treat all skin types, including tanned skin. The LightSheer Duet laser is an updated version of the regular LightSheer Diode laser. The LightSheer Duet is a huge progression for laser hair removal: it is much faster and the comfort level is significantly better, it has vacuum-assist technology and an increased spot size. The LightSheer duet can treat backs and legs comfortably in only 15 minutes, without anesthetics and gels. The treatment time is reduced by up to 75%. The LightSheer family of diode laser systems represents some of the best lasers that are available today.

The Alexandrite laser is another excellent laser type favored by many laser hair removal practitioners. The Alexandrite Laser comes under brand names such as the Candela GentleLase and the Cynosure Apogee. With its larger spot size and higher repetition rate, the Alexandrite laser is one of the fastest hair removal lasers available, and is suitable for rapid treatment of large body areas. Some practitioners believe that the absorption of light by melanin, the pigment found in hair, is closest to the wavelength of the Alexandrite laser and that it is by far the best laser for people with fair skin.

The Nd: YAG laser is another popular hair removal laser, especially for treatment of dark and tanned skin. The long pulsed Nd:YAG laser, such as the cynosure elite and the candela GentleYAG is best for darker skin types. The Cutera CoolGlide or the Sciton ProFractional are two other popular brands of this laser type. The Nd: YAG lasers have a long history of safety and effectiveness on all skin types, and can treat different types of hair as well.

While there is no laser that works for every skin and hair type, it is safe to state that the Diode lasers, followed by the Alexandrite and Nd: YAG lasers are the best and most popular lasers for hair removal available today.

Photo via BOB008

Choosing the Right Laser Hair Removal Clinic

August 31, 2010

With laser hair removal being one of the most popular cosmetic procedures of our time, it only makes sense that there would be an increase in the amount of beauty clinics who offer this treatment. If you are considering laser hair removal, it is of utmost importance to make sure that you are receiving professional treatment, since an inexperienced practitioner could potentially harm your skin.

In the process of choosing the right laser hair removal clinic it is essential to ask a variety of questions in order to gather as much information as possible. A good place to start is to ask how long the clinic has been in business and how many laser hair removal treatments they perform on a regular basis. The more, the better. As a steady stream of customers means they are doing something right to stay in business.

When it comes to the clinics practitioners, ask about their medical degree and experience level. Ask what kind of certifications and training they have. Find out where each of the practitioners received their training, how long they have been performing treatments and how many treatments they have performed. Find out which lasers they are using, as well as the quality of their hair removal equipment. Also ask if the practitioners have treated other patients with a skin and hair type similar to yours. The practitioner’s experience is the key to a successful laser hair removal treatment.

If the clinic guarantees permanent hair removal, you should probably find another clinic. It is not possible to have permanent hair removal with laser hair removal, but you achieve hair reduction. Beware of any clinic that guarantees permanent hair removal.

The consultation is your chance to ask questions about the practitioners experience and training, and evaluate the clinic as a whole. You can also ask about side effects, test patch availability, and insurance policies.

If you have dark or tanned skin you will need to find a laser hair removal clinic that offers laser treatments with a laser that is suitable for your skin type.

You also want to make sure that the clinic is in a convenient location to you, and that they are not closing anytime soon, so that you can receive all the treatments you will need over time.

Though it might be tempting to choose the laser clinic with the lowest price it may not always be the best idea. Ineffective treatments may have you return more times, and could cost you more in the long run.

A professional laser hair removal clinic has practitioners that are educated, trained and certified in performing laser hair removal and will be happy to answer all your questions, as well as offer you a free consultation.

Photo via ol slambert

What Areas Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal?

August 27, 2010

Unwanted hair growth may appear on many different areas of the face and body and is frustrating for both men and women. Laser hair removal is considered safe and effective for nearly all areas of the face and body. Just about any area of the body that is covered by hair can be treated with lasers.

Areas that can be treated with laser hair removal include: face, upper lip, chin, neck, chest, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, legs, arms, stomach, back, shoulders, nipple area, pubic area, buttocks, hands, fingers, sideburns, ears, feet, toes and even the vertical hair line bellow the bellybutton.

The most common areas for laser hair removal for women include: the face, legs, bikini area and under arms. And the most popular areas for men are the back, shoulders, neck, chest and abdomen. Though some experts do not recommend laser treatment near the eyes, there are clinics that perform laser hair removal between the eyebrows, to remove what is called a unibrow. Both men and women use laser hair removal for eyebrow shaping.

Laser hair removal is popular on the face, and the only areas that are untreatable are inside the nose and ears. Facial hair in women is probably one of the most frequent areas treated by laser hair removal with upper lip and chin being the most common. The cheeks are also a popular facial area. Many women choose laser hair removal for the bikini area, and some take it one step further and choose a full Brazilian bikini procedure, which is the removal of all hair in the pubic area. Though treating the back, shoulders, neck, chest and abs are the most popular areas for men, the bikini line or even the full Brazilian is increasing in popularity. Buttocks can also be treated.

Most women shave their underarms on a regular basis, and laser hair removal can reduce the need to shave on a frequent basis. In fact, the underarms are a great place to start with laser hair removal. Since it is a smaller area, the client can get a feel for what laser hair removal is like, before deciding to treat larger areas. Laser hair removal can also eliminate the annoying 5 O’clock shadow one sees after shaving the underarms and bikini line.

Laser hair removal treatments are a safe and efficient way of getting rid of unwanted hair on nearly any part of the face and body. Although several treatments are needed, most people that choose this method are very pleased with the results.

Today’s laser devices can safely remove, or at least reduce, unwanted hair virtually anywhere. There is no need to feel embarrassed when inquiring about laser hair removal in unusual areas; your technician has probably already treated any area you can think of.

Photo via madelein

Laser Hair Removal for Men

August 25, 2010

Laser hair removal is definitely not just for women anymore. In fact, it has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men. While body hair removal used to be associated with athletes, men from all walks of life are now using laser hair removal to their benefit.

Men seek hair removal for a variety of reasons that include excessive and abnormal hair growth. While some men are tired of the daily shave, others want to increase their sex appeal, as overly hairy body parts are not considered attractive by most people. Another group of men want to remove their body hair in order to simply enhance muscles or tattoos.

Men who seek laser hair removal are usually tired of having excessive hair, and many want to be able to take their shirt off at the beach or the pool. Some men want the hair thinned out, not removed, so they can have less hair instead of being hair free, and this can easily be accomplished with lasers. Most men who choose laser hair removal just want a polished appearance without having to constantly remove the hair.

Some of the most common areas of laser hair removal for men are the large ones, such as the back, chest, shoulders and abdomen. For example, it can be difficult for a man to remove the hair on his back by himself, and this is where laser hair removal can be a great solution. With laser hair removal, these large areas can be done fast and easy. In fact, it is quite common for men with hairy backs to opt for laser hair removal, as overgrowth of back hair is a common problem for men. Some men use laser hair removal to eliminate facial hair and get the feeling of an everlasting smooth shave.

It is also fairly common that men want to remove unwanted hair from other areas of their faces and bodies, such as the neck, arms, hands, fingers, between the eye brows, the cheek bones, ears, nose, the buttocks and even the pubic area. Treating the bikini line, sometimes referred to as the “Speedo”, or getting a Brazilian style hair removal are not uncommon requests from men.

Laser hair removal works best on men with light skin and dark hair because the laser targets pigment. Laser hair removal is not as effective on men with light colored hair, or on men with very dark skin, though there are now laser machines that can treat any skin or hair type.

Men are undergoing laser hair removal treatments more than ever. In fact, many laser hair removal clinics state that a big portion of their clientele is male. So if you are a man and considering laser hair removal there is no need to hesitate: go ahead and book that initial consultation and be on your way to a more hairless appearance.

Photo via retrophotouk

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