The Perils of ‘Bad Hair’ and what to do about it. – Laser Hair Removal

Have you ever thought about your body hair as a constant annoyance? As if, no matter how hard you try to get rid of it, it always seems to grow back and become even a bigger annoyance? Well, its time you try your hand at laser hair removal. Medically proven to work, laser hair removal helps to slow down the growth of body hair through concentrated beams of light (laser) which is absorbed by the pigments in the hair (melanin). The light energy is then converted into heat, which alters the hair follicles within the skin and delays hair growth.

Why Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is used to remove and slow down the growth of unwanted hair. Usually, treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the private areas. However, it's possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except for the eyelids or surrounding areas.

Hair colour and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.

The risk of damage to the skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin colour, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colours that don't absorb light well: grey, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-coloured hair continue to be developed.

What to expect during a Laser Hair Removal treatment?

Laser hair removal usually requires a series of two to six treatment sessions. The time gap between sessions usually depends on which area of the body you are getting your laser hair removal done. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks. Two days before you start your treatment, your dermatologist will ask you to shave the area where your treatment is being done. A little stubble should be present but not long hairs. If you’re getting laser hair removal treatment on sensitive areas like the armpits or the private areas, you will be prescribed a topical anaesthetic to reduce the pain of the laser treatment. Your first treatment is where you feel the most from the laser. It will feel as if a rubber band is snapping against your skin.

Self-care after the Laser Hair Removal treatment

Every session of laser hair removal treatment lasts for about 10 to 20 minutes and immediately after the treatment, you may experience redness, heat and swelling in the treated areas. To help with these symptoms, your dermatologist may prescribe you some corticosteroid cream and ice packs for the laser hair removal areas. As your session is completed, you will be advised to avoid sunlight, avoid using skin creams or bleaching creams and generally, be gentle to the treatment area. If you have any more questions or queries do not hesitate to ask your dermatologist about them as they are experts and are always willing to guide you along with your laser hair removal process.

In India, one of the best and oldest places to get a laser hair removal procedure done is VLCC where they have been experts in beauty and slimming since 1989 and today are widely recognized for their comprehensive portfolio of beauty and wellness products and services and a high level of consumer trust.