Laser Hair Removal Treatment - How Does It Work?

Principle that operates behind the laser hair removal technics.

Hair grows in a circular cycle that differs from one area of the body to another. Three distinct phases can observed in the growth cycle of hair. It is by taking advantage of this cycle that laser hair removal treatment can be effective. The cycle cannot be ignored not hastened and knowing this information will help you plan for your sessions with the laser hair removal clinic.

The anagen phase is the active phase of hair growth. During this phase, the follicle bulb is full of concentrated melanin. During this phase hair growth can be as much as 1cm every 28 days. The length of time that this phase lasts for each person is a genetic factor.

The catagen phase is the regressing phase of hair growth, it is a form of transition that can last for two to three weeks. The lower part of the hair stops growing but the hair is not yet ready to fall, and the follicle is re-absorbed.

The last phase of hair growth is called the telogen phase a resting period, during which old hair fall, opening the way to new hair production. 

All three cycles coexist on the same skin area, that is the reason that several sessions with a laser hair removal technician, at regular interval, are needed to reach a complete and permanent removal. It is important to kill the hair in its anagen phase or the early growth phase, because that is when the hair has the most melanin or pigment. The function of the laser is to destroy the hair follicle. The energy from the laser light beam is absorbed by the melanin, the pigment that gives color to hair and becomes the target of the laser.

Usually no anesthetic is required to undergo this laser hair removal treatment as it is most of the time painless. However, each person tolerance for pain is different, and so areas of the body might be more sensitive than others. For people who find the treatment too painful an analgesic gel or cream can be recommended and will be available at the clinic where you have your treatment. Some people have also found that some form of oral hypnosis was sufficient to talk them out concentrating on the pain, and many clinics use this technic to alleviate discomfort.

The end piece of the laser is applied with a small pressure point on the skin, then is it moved to another spot. It is normal for patients to feel like a little pinch. Not a pleasant feeling but very tolerable. You should know that the first treatment is the most sensitive one, first you have more hair to be removed, and the heat from the laser that is absorbed by the hair increases the feeling, even if slightly. For most people this is more of an inconvenience than pain, but others will prefer to apply an analgesic or a skin cooling gel prior to treatment.

Most of the time, no special care is needed following laser hair removal treatment. You might however, look at the following list of things to avoid to allow your skin to recover as quickly as possible.

You should avoid :

• To take a bath or a shower for at least a few hours following the hair laser removal treatment.
• To use make up on your face for a few hours, (if treatment was done to the face area.)
• To pluck hair with tweezers or to chemically discolor hair
• To irritate skin areas that have been treated (as with an itchy garment.)
• Some little bumps may be apparent for a while, do not pick at them.
• Do not rub treated skin with anti inflammatory creams or gels.
• Do not apply any creams or oils other than those prescribed by your laser hair removal doctor.

Things you can do

• You can shave, if needed, between sessions. As a matter of fact in the days following your laser hair removal session you will notice what will seem like an abundance of hair growth. It is the root of the dead hair that is being rejected by the skin. A exfoliating cream or glove can at this time accelerate dead hair expulsion.
• You should moisturize your skin daily. Laser hair removal dries the skin. All skin need to be moisturized all the time, but after treatment the need may even be greater. You could ask your hair removal specialist to recommend a cream or use one that you like.
• Respect the frequency of sessions to maximize the results, and follow the recommendations that your doctor is giving. Remember that all lasers are not the same, and that the one used in the clinic where you go might not give you the same experience as the one your friend had. The best advice is given to you by your doctor, and not popular opinion.
• Let your doctor know of any medical changes, or new medications you might be taking, this is to ensure your safety.
• Take notes of your observations and feelings and share them with your practitioner. It can improve your treatment or help them improve on their service.
• Remember that redness, even pimples or small blisters, slight stinging feeling, are all normal occurrences, following treatment. A cold compress will help you get over this uncomfortable moment, which is sure not to last very long.