What you should know about laser hair removal before the procedure
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
Layfhaker gives answers to common and important questions about one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.
What is laser hair removal and how it works
Hair removal (from the French. epiler - remove the hair) - a procedure in which the body get rid of extra hairs. Laser hair removal - this is when the process is done by laser. That is, a narrow beam of concentrated light. It works like this.
Our hair has color - they are black, brown, blond, red, light. It is responsible for this pigment called melanin: it was he who gives hairs characteristic hue. At the melanin has a feature: it absorbsLaser Hair Removal light wavelength of about 700-1 000 nm - it has a laser epilation, and due to this the pigment is heated strongly enough.
Since melanin is concentrated in the rod hair and the hair follicle at the same time it warms up and it. This enough heat to damage the stem itself, and blood vessels that nourish the follicles.
Some hairs are destroyed directly during the procedure. But the majority, having died root fall gradually over 1-2 weeks.
How painful laser hair removal
Most often, it does not hurt. Definitely not worse than procedures depilator or general household, e.g., shugaring. However, the discomfort may still be.
Although laser sighting and works, focusing exclusively on the hairs, and heating affect the surrounding skin. During the procedure, some people may experienceHow long does laser hair removal last? slight burning and tingling. To avoid this, in the area of hair removal is applied anesthetic cream. But sometimes it is not needed: in modern lasers usually have a built-in cooling mechanism, which quickly lowers the temperature.
Stories about painful procedures associated with certain types of devices. Epilation can be performed by one of the four optionsComparison of SHR Mode IPL System with Alexandrite and Nd: YAG Lasers For Leg Hair Reduction lasers.
1. Ruby (wavelength - 694 nm)
Outdated. Ruby laser warmed melanin not only hairs but also in the surrounding skin. Therefore, for dark-skinned people hair removal procedure is accompanied by painful and sometimes burns. Today, the ruby laser is almost never used - replaced it safer and more efficient vehicles.
2. Alexandrite (wavelength - 755 nm)
The use of this type of apparatus requires a powerful skin cooling. Otherwise, the risk remains of burns. Beautician, who conducts the procedure must be experienced and well versed in the laser settings to set the necessary cooling.
3. Diode (wavelength - 800-810 nm)
The softest and safest option. Diode lasers during cool the skin. Moreover, as a rule, they are used together with the cooling cream. Result - does not hurt. Maximum light discomfort if you have sensitive skin.
4. Neodymium (wavelength - 1064 nm)
The most versatile option. These lasers are used not only for hair removal, but also for tattoo removal, Permanent makeup, vascular mesh. In this case, too, it is necessary to customize the unit carefully and professionally, otherwise the procedure can be unpleasant.
How to make laser hair removal was painless
First of all - carefully select cosmetologist (dermatologist), which will guide the procedure. It must be a qualified person, who has experience with a particular laser. Before contacting a particular beauty salon, look for reviews. And of course, make sure that the laser device is certified, and your beautician has passed the necessary training.
Next, listen to yourself. Sensation during epilation depend on various factors, among which:
- An individual pain threshold. What will be unpleasant to one woman, and the other did not even feel. Perhaps you are of those lucky.
- The site of the skin where the hair is removed. The more pain receptors on it, the more unpleasant procedure. Laser hair removal legs or arms is less painful than the treatment of the sensitive bikini area or underarms.
- Monthly cycle. During the period PMS and menstrual pain threshold is decreased. Therefore hair removal is best done after a few days after the end monthly: then it will be as painless as possible.
Is laser hair removal permanently removes hair
Ideally - permanently. Or at least a few years. But you have to be prepared that it will not happen immediately.
The fact that the laser destroys only the follicles, which hair towering above the skin - that is, are in the stage of active growth. But besides them there are follicles, staying dormant. Having dealt with the "active" hairs will have to wait until they grow back rest, and to destroy them.
In fact, to make the skin perfectly smooth, it takes two to six treatments.
Because hair does not appear at the same time. How many sessions you will need it depends on the individual circumstances. In particular - the skin and hair color.
Bonus: with each subsequent procedure discomfort smaller, as the number decreases heated hairs.
Suitable for laser hair removal
It is best to laser hair removal works if there is a clear contrast between skin color and hair. If you have light skin and dark hair, this procedure - uniquely yours: laser only hurt their full melanin follicles without affecting the epidermis.
But if the skin is dark or you TannedAnd the hairs on the contrary, blond or faded, epilation can be not very efficient. Due to lack of melanin heating of the follicles will be weak. But saturated with pigment the skin heats up - with the attendant discomfort.
From here follow the important rules that must be taken into account before heading for the procedure.
How to prepare for laser hair removal
1. Try to have the procedure, your skin was light
To do this, avoid tanning (use sunscreen with a high SPF) of at least a few weeksLaser Hair Removal to hair removal. If your skin is dark by nature, consult a beautician or dermatologist. He may advise you to bleaching cream.
2. Will not discolor the hair in that area, which is going to make a smooth
The smaller the hairs of melanin, the lower the effectiveness of epilation.
3. Do not pull out and do not pull out the hairs
It can break their connection with the follicles, and thus, the laser simply will not be able to warm up the hair roots.
4. Shave your hair for 2-3 days before the procedure
The purpose - so that when the epilation their length was approximately 2 millimeters. If the hair is shorter laser warms them properly. If long - the heat is distributed over the entire length and not be able to destroy the roots.
What can and can not do after the laser hair removal
Immediately warned: slight redness and swelling for a few hours after the procedure - this is normal. Perhaps these manifestations and you do not. But if the light edema still appear calm him, putting in the skin of something cold, such as wrapped in cloth bag of ice.
Attention! Perceptibly hot skin, severe pain, fever, blisters - signals that it is necessary as soon as possible to consult a dermatologist or physician.
Such reactions are very rare, but always require a doctor's advice.
After laser hair removal is necessary to observe a few safety rules:
- On the first day it is not necessary to take a hot shower, a bath, go to the sauna or the gym. The skin should cool down.
- Within 2-6 weeks (specific period indicate your cosmetologist) try to ultraviolet light falling on the treated skin areas. She is still intact, and sunlight or tanning lamps may cause age spots. If you avoid the sun exposure is not possible, use a cream with an SPF of at least 30.
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