Laser hair removal is a popular means to get rid of problematic body and facial hair without resorting to frequent trips to a day spa or beauty salon. Laser hair removal can be of long-term benefit to many and can be used on all parts of the body, except near the eyes. But laser hair removal isn't considered a permanent way of eliminating hair--nor does it work for everyone.
How It Works
Laser hair removal is a method of removing hair using an intense, pulsating beam generated by a hand-held device. The Mayo Clinic notes that this procedure heats and destroys the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle without heating the rest of the skin. Most often, laser hair removal results in protracting the period of hair regrowth. Because laser hair removal is most effective on follicles in the active stage of growth, it may take several sessions to remove hair that was in the dormant stage during prior laser treatment sessions.
FDA Definition
Those who seek laser hair removal as a way to get rid of body and facial hair forever may be confused about the long-term efficacy of the treatment. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is careful to point out that laser hair removal should not be construed as a way to eliminate hair follicles. The FDA notes that doctors and spas that offer these services may market them only as a way to achieve "permanent hair reduction." According to the FDA's definition, laser hair removal is the "long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions." More simply, customers may notice less hair density after numerous laser hair removal treatments, but not complete elimination of hair growth.
Best Candidates
The Mayo Clinic states that laser hair removal is more effective on certain groups of people than others--namely those with fair skin and dark hair. Those with darker skin and dark hair might also see good results. However, laser hair removal is ineffective on blond, light red and unpigmented (gray) hair. Andrea James, who maintains the consumer website "Hair Facts" points out that as laser hair removal is an imperfect method of hair reduction, those who choose it should be prepared to lose both time and money if the procedure doesn't work.
Number of Treatments
The number of laser hair removal treatments to achieve desired results can vary depending on the candidate. The medical professionals at the "Hair Removal Journal" estimate that between 80 and 90 percent of people with fair skin and dark hair may achieve 80 percent hair reduction after four to seven sessions. After the desired results are achieved, maintenance treatments are required, usually around one to two times per year.
Where to Seek Services
To minimize risk of disappointment, the Mayo Clinic and the Hair Removal Journal advise seeking laser hair removal services through a medical professional qualified to perform the services. In the wrong hands, laser hair removal can result in a higher risk for undesirable side-effects, such as hyper- or hypopigmentation of the skin, as well as bleeding, blistering and scarring. Laser hair removal services offered by a day spa, salon or a facility that permits nonmedical personnel to administer the treatment should be avoided.
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