For years, the internet has spread myths about laser hair removalThey range from claims that it doesn't work to fears that it causes skin cancer. After extensive research, this article brings together the most important safety tips from experts in the field. We will outline the 9 real dangers you must be aware of before starting laser hair removal, along with one key reason why you should consider undergoing the procedure.
1. Wrong Choice of Laser Device
There are several different types of devices used for laser hair removal. They are classified based on the wavelength at which they operate. Additionally, within each type, there are different classes based on who made them, how, and where. You can find detailed information on this topic in our blog section to help you assess which device is right for you.The danger here lies in the potential lack of a long-lasting hair removal effect or even an unwanted effect. A poor choice can lead to skin burns, stimulation of hair growth, pigmentation issues, etc.
2. WRONG CHOICE OF COSMETIC PROFESSIONAL
This profession evolves in sync with technology. The knowledge of local cosmetologists might have been satisfactory in the past, but today, even a one-year course for medical cosmetologists isn’t enough. We recommend choosing centers with medical professionals who have dedicated 4-6 years to studying all processes in the human body. Modern equipment and cosmetics have increasing capabilities, and how they are used depends largely on diagnostics – that is, on the expertise of your cosmetologist regarding their knowledge, experience, and qualifications.
It is common practice for cosmetologists to use the automatic settings of otherwise very good laser devices for every visitor. This leads to good results only for a very small percentage of those undergoing treatment. The rest leave with an enjoyable experience and conversation during the procedure but still have unwanted hair.
Every subsequent mistake in laser hair removal described in this text would stem from a poorly chosen cosmetologist. So consider how much this choice influences your experience.
3. WRONG CHOICE OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE PARAMETERS
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, it is fundamentally important that the laser center you choose has a qualified medical professional who can determine the correct parameters for the device. Otherwise, you may not only fail to achieve the desired results but may also harm your skin.
Here are the parameters your therapist should select if using the Alexandrite laser GentleLase Pro to achieve the desired result:
Wavelength
This is fixed for each laser, and for Alexandrite lasers, it is 755 nm. This is the optimal wavelength that is maximally absorbed by melanin in the hair and minimally by melanin in the skin. This allows access to the hair root without bypassing the follicle.
Beam Diameter
Different areas require different beam diameters. This affects not only the area covered by a single laser shot but also the depth of penetration. For example, a smaller diameter is used for laser hair removal on women’s faces because hair follicles are more shallowly located. They are deeper for men, so a larger diameter is used for facial hair removal – cheeks, neck, etc. There are also more specific cases where the judgment rests entirely on the therapist (for example, male-type hair growth in women).
Pulse Duration
his is the time for which the pulse acts on the hair. For instance, take our Gentle Lase ProIt has the shortest pulse duration – only 3 milliseconds, making it the fastest laser in the world. This allows access to the roots even of fine and light hairs and their complete destruction. When a medical professional is present at your center knowledgeable about this, a longer pulse can protect even darker skin from burns.
Pulse Frequency
This parameter does not relate to the outcome of the procedure but pertains only to the comfort of the individual undergoing treatment and the speed of its completion. This is the number of pulses per unit of time when the laser operates in a continuous mode.
Energy Density – J/cm²
This is the amount of energy applied per unit area for one pulse. The amount of energy used during the procedure depends on the skin phototype, the beam diameter, and the pulse duration. The energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and delivered to the root, where it transforms into heat (62 degrees) to destroy the hair. Always starting with lower energy for thicker hairs with more melanin is advisable. As the hair thins, the energy increases. However, if the skin is darker, the energy cannot be increased, which, if not properly calibrated, may not be sufficient to destroy the hair root. This requires very specific and complicated judgments, also depending on the skin's reaction during therapy. A wrong assessment can lead to the next risk.
4. PARADOXICAL HAIR GROWTH
Paradoxical hair growth is a phenomenon that most often results from human error or the use of a device with the wrong parameters. This is why it’s so important for your therapist to be sufficiently qualified and trained. Only then can they correctly determine the parameters to use based on specific characteristics, including your skin, hair color, hair thickness, and previous treatment parameters.
In such cases, insufficiently strong parameters are sometimes used that fail to destroy the hair but instead stimulate its growth. Weak heat may stimulate the growth of hairs from "dormant" follicles at the time. Unfortunately, some centers do this not out of ignorance but to make visitors come more often and stay longer.
Strange Reactions after Many Years of Waxing
If you have been waxing for years and then start laser hair removal, you may see more hairs appearing between the 2nd and 3rd treatments. The reason for this is that even 3-4 weeks after waxing, there are still hairs in different developmental stages that were not affected by the previous procedure.
5. INCORRECTLY IDENTIFIED PHOTOTYPE BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The Most Popular and Widely Used Classification of Skin Types is the Fitzpatrick System. It classifies skin into 6 different categories – phototypes from I to VI. This system allows us to determine the quantitative ratio of melanin in the hair and that in the skin. It also enables us to assess which device and parameters to use during laser hair removal treatments. Here are the main characteristics of the skin types.
Phototype I: Light blue or light gray eyes, red or light blonde hair, ivory-colored, pale, freckled skin; always burns in the sun and never tans.
Phototype II: Blue or green eyes, blonde hair, light and pale skin; always burns in the sun and rarely tans.
Phototype III: Light brown eyes, dark blonde or light chestnut hair, light brown skin; sometimes burns in the sun but tans evenly.
Phototype IV: Dark brown eyes, dark chestnut hair, moderately brown skin; always tans and burns minimally in the sun.
Phototype V: Dark brown to black eyes and hair, dark brown skin; tans abundantly and never burns.
Phototype VI: Black eyes and hair, deeply pigmented dark brown skin; tans abundantly and never burns.
An Important Note: When there is no pigmentation in the hairs (white or so-called aging hairs), the laser hair removal method is ineffective for depilation. The reason is that there is nothing to conduct the laser energy to the hair root. However, there are suitable lasers for all other cases. Most Bulgarians fall into phototypes I-IV, making them ideal candidates for Alexandrite laser hair removal. As already noted, the parameters vary significantly in each individual case.
6. INCORRECT DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF PROCEDURES AND THE PERIOD OVER WHICH THEY ARE CARRIED OUT
Laser hair removal is not a procedure to be done every month for a lifetime or until the hair disappears. With the correct equipment and expertise, you will need 6 sessions over various periods for different zones of the body. This way, in the following 15 years, you will forget about unwanted hair. Here’s the truth…
Only the hair on your head grows constantly and simultaneously; this is not the case for body hair. At any given moment, only about 20% of hair follicles are vascularized, and hairs emerge from them. They grow to a certain point, then shed, and new “batches” of hair emerge in their place. All follicles produce hair for about 6 growth cycles. The rate of growth varies by area. Hair removal is performed when hairs are in the anagen (active) growth phase and have roots — because it is the roots we want to destroy. Thus, facial treatments occur every 30-45 days; for the torso – arms, underarms, back, lower back, abdomen, intimate areas – every 45-60 days; and for the legs every 60-90 days.
Do not trust salons that call you back every 30 days. Monthly hair removal is not harmful, but it is ineffective and much more costly for you and far more profitable for the salon. It is important that as the procedures progress, the period between laser hair removal treatments increases. The reason is that it slows down hair growth in the treated area after the third procedure. The hairs become thinner and lighter, thus requiring an increase in parameters. Failure to follow these conditions can also reduce or compromise the effectiveness of the hair removal.
7. INCORRECT TREATMENT OF HAIRS BETWEEN LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES
In order to treat hair with a laser, the hairs must be smoothly shaved. Waxing or other methods that pull hairs from their roots are not suitable. The reason is that the laser light must reach the hair root to destroy the follicle. If hairs have been cleaned with wax or an epilator, you must wait 3-6 weeks (depending on the area) before the first laser hair removal procedure. This waiting period allows new hairs with roots to grow for effective laser treatment.
Let us reassure those who fear that shaving might lead to coarser hair or unpleasant pricking sensations upon touch. Our laser has an effect even after the first procedure, and such unpleasant side effects do not occur. However, if you are tempted between procedures and instead of shaving or trimming the hairs you pluck them, the effect will not be satisfactory. If you adhere to this rule, you will get rid of ingrown and reversed hairs. Additionally, your skin will become smooth and appear rejuvenated.
8. INCORRECT TREATMENT OF THE SKIN BETWEEN PROCEDURES
To avoid unpleasant outcomes from laser hair removal, it is essential to receive detailed information about skincare before the procedure. The requirements may be numerous and sometimes tedious, but the results are worth it.
1/For at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure, you should not be excessively exposed to the sun (beach) or a tanning bed. You should also refrain from using any self-tanning products and artificial tanning agents. Otherwise, you risk sunburn. If you have been exposed to the sun during that period, inform your therapist.
2/For at least 3 weeks before laser hair removal, you must not remove hair in the area using methods that pull them out – waxing or epilators. You can shave, trim with clippers, or remove hair with a depilatory cream.
3/Hairs in the area should be smoothly shaved on the day or evening before the procedure. If it’s on the face, you can use a trimmer, scissors, or an electric shaver. If the hairs are too long, excess energy from the laser will be wasted. Furthermore, hairs may burn on the surface of the skin, which can be an uncomfortable sensation.
4/On the day of the procedure, do not apply any cosmetic products to your skin. Whenever possible, come with clean skin that has been washed without lotions, deodorants, oils, etc. These products may react to the laser’s energy. If you must use makeup or deodorant during the day and your procedure is in the evening, we will clean it off on-site.
5/For 10 days before and after the procedure, do not use exfoliating products on the treated areas. Otherwise, the skin may become irritated.
6/After laser hair removal, using products with high SPF is mandatory – we recommend SPF 50.
9. INCORRECT INFORMATION GIVEN TO THE THERAPIST BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL
It is crucial for results to share the entire truth about how you care for your skin with your therapist. Sometimes, during laser hair removal, you may have urgent desires and make compromises. You might hide that you’ve recently been to the beach or that you plan to expose yourself to the sun or a tanning bed sooner than recommended. This can lead to serious unwanted consequences – pigmentation or even burns. Always answer your therapist’s questions honestly and don’t hide anything!
Remember one more thing. You will know that your laser hair removal treatment has been done correctly and effectively only if you see results after each procedure and if your hairs disappear after the number of sessions determined by the therapist. If this is not the case, seek the source of the error along the chain.
IN CONCLUSION
We promised to share with you the reason to undergo laser hair removal at the end. It is the only advanced modern method for permanent hair removal. In the long run, it will save you not only money (just compare 6 lifetime sessions to monthly waxing) but also time and pain.Therefore, take a look at our laser hair removal prices and contact us for a free detailed consultation.
At Body Aesthetics, we believe that we offer the real solution for hair removal. This is true because we see how something seemingly small and insignificant changes people’s lives. Sometimes, it is enough to eliminate just one nuisance from our daily life to regain self-esteem and communicate fully.