FDA Approved Home Laser Hair Removal Methods: Fact or Fiction?
People are willing to pay more for laser hair removal than other hair removal methods, and with those higher prices come higher expectations. It’s vital to understand who is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, as there are several factors which limit effectiveness with this treatment.
Pros of Laser Hair Removal:
- Hair regrowth is often softer and finer
- Long-term hair removal
- May produce permanent results
- Can treat large body areas quickly and effectively
- Generally considered more comfortable than electrolysis
Cons of Laser Hair Removal:
- Expensive; average of 3 – 6 treatments
- No guarantee of results (unlike electrolysis)
- Mild discomfort (though less than electrolysis)
- Possible long-term health issues from laser treatment
- Ineffective on light and non-pigmented hair (blonde, gray, white and red)
- Somewhat ineffective on dark pigmented skin (particularly those of African descent)
- Poor regulation on treatment at the state level
Does Laser Hair Removal Work On Light Colored Hair?
While laser treatment is ineffective on light and non-pigmented hair, advances are being made in this direction. There is a melanin-containing solution which – when absorbed by the hair – will darken it and make laser hair removal possible. However, this solution is still in the testing and research phase and has not provided sufficient results for widespread use.
Very dark skin also proves ineffective for laser hair removal, due to the high level of pigment in the skin. As a rule, laser treatment works best for people with light skin and dark hair.
Contraindications: Who Shouldn’t Use Laser Hair Removal
- People with the following conditions should not use laser hair removal:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Gray, white or blonde hair
- Open wounds
- Nervous disorders
- Epilepsy
- Herpes simplex (cold sores)
- Birthmarks or moles in the area to be treated (unless approved by a dermatologist)
- Keloid scarring
- Hirutism
- On photosensitizing drugs like Retin-A, Accutane or tetracycline
Things to Consider Before Starting Laser Treatment
Prior to laser hair removal treatment, you should consult with a technician to make sure it’s right for you. The first thing to consider is whether you have the right skin/hair color for treatment. Next, make sure you do not have any contraindications (see above).
Once you’ve passed those criteria, consider the number of treatments needed for effective hair removal. Generally, patients require 3 – 6 treatments for total hair removal. While laser treatment covers large areas quickly and easily, repeated treatments are required to remove younger, shorter hairs as they grow out.
To minimize the number of treatments, stop all hair removal methods – except shaving and depilatory creams – at least ten weeks prior to treatment. Tweezing or waxing removes the hair at the root and delays regrowth (thereby making laser treatment ineffective).
The hair must be in the follicle in order absorb the laser, which destroys the hair at the root. Shaving or trimming is acceptable up to two days prior to treatment.
Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal Vs. Effectiveness
It’s important to consider the effectiveness vs. cost of laser hair removal. If you have only a few hairs – or have taken enough laser treatments to see sufficient hair reduction – it is cheaper to finish the hair removal with electrolysis. The same goes for remaining light-pigmented hairs.
Some people have no results with laser hair removal whatsoever. They are known as non-responders, and unfortunately, there is no way to predict who they will be.
Can Insurance Cover the Cost of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance. Each treatment is usually billed separately. Because the technician must pay operational expenses for laser treatment, prices may go up unexpectedly.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects
- Superficial blistering
- Tiny bumps on the skin (disappears a few hours post-treatment)
- Redness of the skin (erythema) which disappears twenty minutes to several hours
- Swelling (edema) which disappears twenty minutes to several hours
Pretreatment
A patch test is administered. This single pulse serves two purposes: firstly, so the technician can gauge the patient’s threshold and adjust fluency levels; and secondly, so the patient can experience the laser treatment firsthand before committing.
During pretreatment, patients remove necessary clothing. Photos are taken if they haven’t already. All lotions and skin products are washed off, then the area is shaved.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment: What to Expect
The following is what to expect during a laser treatment:
- Both the patient and technician put on safety goggles.
- The technician will adjust fluency levels depending upon patch test results
- The technician will squeeze the treatment area. This forces the oxyhemoglobin away from the treated area and maximizes the effectiveness of the laser.
- If discomfort is noted, topical anesthesia or cooling creams may be applied
Read more about laser hair removal facts.
Laser Treatment Times:
- Facial hair: 10 – 15 minutes
- Underarm hair: 30 minutes
- Back hair: 30 – 60 minutes
- Chest: 30 – 45 minutes
- Arms: 30 minutes
- Half legs: 30 minutes
- Full legs: 45 – 60 minutes
- Pubic hair removal: 30 minutes
Post-treatment
Effective post-treatment minimizes pain and possible side effects. A cold press, aloe vera or other cooling agent should be immediately applied to reduce burning/swelling of the skin. Apply sunblock to the treated area. Makeup can be applied if the skin remains unbroken. The second treatment should occur six to eight weeks later, thereby providing enough time for new hairs to fully grow out for laser hair removal.
