The 9 real risks associated with laser hair removal

For years, false myths have been circulating online about laser hair removal. These range from claims that it doesn’t work to suggestions that it causes skin cancer. Following extensive research, in this article we’ll bring together all the most important safety advice from experts in the field. We’ll tell you about the 9 real risks you absolutely must be aware of before you start laser hair removal. And one key reason why you should undergo the treatment.

1. Choosing the wrong laser hair removal device

There are several different types of devices used for laser hair removal. They are categorised according to the wavelength at which they operate. Furthermore, within each type there are different grades depending on who manufactured them, how they were made and where. You can find out more in our blog section detailed information on the subject so you can decide for yourselves which device is right for you. The risk here lies in not achieving a lasting hair-removal effect or experiencing an undesirable one. If you make the wrong choice, this could lead to skin burns, increased hair growth, pigmentation and so on.

2. Choosing the wrong beautician

This profession is evolving in step with technological advances. The knowledge of local beauticians used to be adequate, but today even a one-year training course for medical beauticians is no longer sufficient. We recommend choosing centres staffed by medical professionals who have devoted 4–6 years to studying all the processes within the human body. Simply put, the equipment and cosmetics of today and the future offer ever-greater possibilities, and how they are used depends largely on the diagnosis. In other words, on your beautician’s expertise, knowledge, experience and qualifications.

It is common practice for beauticians to use the automatic setting on otherwise very good laser machines for every client. This leads to good results for only a very small percentage of those who undergo the treatment. The rest are left with a pleasant experience and a chat during the treatment, but still with their body hair.

Any of the subsequent mistakes in laser hair removal described in this text would be down to choosing the wrong beautician. So do bear in mind just how much depends on the choice you make.

3. Incorrectly selected settings on the laser hair removal device

As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, the one you have chosen is of fundamental importance laser centre A qualified medical professional should be on hand to set the device’s precise settings. Otherwise, you may not only fail to achieve the desired results, but you could even damage your skin.

Here are the settings your therapist should select if they are using the GentleLase Pro alexandrite laser to ensure you achieve the desired result.

Wavelength

It is fixed for each laser, and for alexandrite lasers it is 755 nm. This is the optimal wavelength, which is absorbed to the greatest extent by the melanin in the hair and to the least extent by the melanin in the skin. This allows the light to reach the root of the hair without missing the follicle.

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Beam diameter

Different beam diameters are used for different areas. This affects not only the area covered by a single laser pulse, but also the depth of penetration. For example, for laser hair removal on a woman’s face, we use a smaller diameter because the hair follicles are located more shallowly. In men, they are located deeper, so for facial hair removal – on the cheeks and neck – we use a larger diameter. There are also more specific cases where the decision rests entirely with the therapist (such as male-pattern hair growth in women, for example).

Pulse duration

This is the time during which the pulse acts on the hair. Let’s take our Gentle Lase Pro.

It is the laser with the shortest pulse duration – just 3 milliseconds – making it the fastest laser in the world. This makes it possible to reach right down to the root of even the finest and lightest hairs and destroy them completely. If your clinic has a qualified medical professional on staff, a longer pulse can also protect darker skin from burns.

Pulse frequency

This parameter has no bearing on the outcome of the procedure, but only on the comfort of the patient and the speed at which it is completed. It refers to the number of pulses per unit of time when the laser is operating in continuous mode.

Energy density – J/cm²

This is the amount of energy applied per unit area per pulse. The amount of energy used during the procedure depends on the phototype, the beam diameter and the pulse duration. The energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and is delivered to its root. There, it is converted into heat (62 degrees) to destroy the hair. You should always start with a lower energy setting for thicker hairs containing more melanin. As the hair becomes finer, the energy is increased. However, if the skin is darker, the energy cannot be increased, and if this is not taken into account correctly, it may not be sufficient to destroy the hair root. This involves a very specific and complex assessment, which also depends on the skin’s reaction at the time of treatment. An incorrect assessment can lead to the following risk.

4. Paradoxical hair growth

Paradoxical hair growth is a phenomenon that is most often the result of human error or the use of a device with incorrect settings. This is why it is so important that your therapist is sufficiently qualified and trained. Only then will they be able to correctly assess the settings to use based on specific characteristics. We’re talking here about your skin, hair colour, hair thickness and the settings used in previous treatments.

In such cases, the settings used are sometimes not strong enough to destroy the hair, but rather stimulate its growth. Low heat stimulates hair growth from follicles that are currently „dormant”. Unfortunately, there are salons where this is done not out of ignorance, but out of a desire to encourage customers to visit more frequently and for longer periods.

Unusual effects following laser hair removal after many years of using a car mask

If you’ve been having waxing treatments for years and then start laser hair removal, you’ll notice more hair growing back between the second and third sessions. The reason is that even 3–4 weeks after waxing, there are still hairs in a different stage of growth that were not affected by the previous treatment.

5. Incorrectly identified skin type prior to laser hair removal

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The most popular and widely used classification of skin types is the Fitzpatrick system. It classifies skin into six different categories – phototypes I to VI. This system allows us to determine the quantitative ratio between the melanin in the hair and that in the skin. It also enables us to assess which laser and what settings to use for laser hair removal. Here are the main characteristics of the different skin types.

Phototype I: the eyes are light blue or light grey, the hair is auburn or light blonde, the skin is ivory-coloured, pale and freckled; she always burns in the sun and never tans;

Phototype II: blue or green eyes, light brown hair, fair and pale skin, always gets sunburnt, rarely tans;

Phototype III: light brown eyes, dark blonde or light auburn hair, light brown skin, sometimes gets sunburnt but develops an even tan;

Phototype IV: dark brown eyes, dark auburn hair, medium-brown skin, always tans, gets only a slight sunburn;

Phototype V: dark brown to black eyes and hair, dark brown skin, tans easily and never burns;

Phototype VI: black eyes and hair, deeply pigmented dark brown skin; she tans very easily and never gets burnt.

An important point. When the hairs no longer contain pigment (white or so-called ‘grey’ hairs), laser hair removal is ineffective. The reason is that there is nothing to conduct the laser energy down to the hair root. For all other cases, there are suitable lasers. Most Bulgarians have skin types I–IV, i.e. they are ideal candidates for alexandrite laser hair removal. However, as we have already noted, the parameters vary greatly from case to case.

6. Incorrect determination of the number of procedures and the period over which they are carried out

Laser hair removal is not a treatment that you have every month for the rest of your life or until the hair disappears. With the right equipment and expertise, you’ll need six sessions over a varying period of time for different areas of the body. That way, over the next 15 years, you’ll be able to forget about unwanted hair. Here’s the truth…

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Only the hair on the head grows continuously and simultaneously; the same is not true of body hair. At any given moment, only around 20% of the hair follicles are supplied with blood, and it is from these that hairs emerge. They grow to a certain length, after which they fall out and are replaced by a new „batch” of hairs. All follicles produce hairs for around six growth cycles. The rate of growth varies across different areas. Hair removal is carried out when the hairs are in the anagen (active) phase of growth and have a root – because that is what we want to destroy. That is why treatments on the face are carried out every 30–45 days; on the torso – arms, underarms, back, lower back, stomach and intimate areas – every 45–60 days; and on the legs every 60–90 days.

Don’t trust salons that always book you in every 30 days. Having hair removal every month isn’t harmful, but it’s ineffective and works out much more expensive for you and much more profitable for the salon. It is important that, as the course of treatments progresses, the interval between laser hair removal sessions is extended. This is because, after the third session, the treatment slows down hair growth in the treated area. The hairs become finer and lighter, so we adjust the treatment parameters accordingly. Failure to follow these guidelines may also reduce or compromise the effectiveness of the hair removal.

7. Incorrect aftercare of the hair between laser hair removal sessions

In order to treat hair with a laser, the hair must be clean-shaven. Waxing or other methods of removing hair from the root are not suitable. This is because the laser light needs to reach the root of the hair in order to destroy the follicle. If you usually remove hair with wax or an epilator, you should wait 3–6 weeks (depending on the area) before your first laser hair removal session. This will allow new hairs, still attached to the root, to grow back so that the laser treatment is effective.

Let’s reassure those who are worried about their hair becoming coarse after shaving or feeling an unpleasant prickling sensation when touched. Our laser produces results after just the first session, and such unpleasant side effects do not occur. However, if between sessions you are tempted to pluck the hairs rather than shaving or trimming them, the results will not be satisfactory. If, on the other hand, you follow this rule, you will get rid of ingrown and embedded hairs. What’s more, your skin will become smooth and appear rejuvenated.

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8. Incorrect skincare between treatments

To avoid any unpleasant side effects from laser hair removal, it is important to obtain detailed information about skin care before the procedure. The requirements are numerous and can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance, but the results are well worth it.

1/ You should avoid intense exposure to the sun (beach) or sunbeds for at least two weeks before and after the treatment. You should also avoid using any self-tanning products or products designed to give an artificial tan. Otherwise, you risk getting sunburnt. If you have been exposed to the sun during this period, please inform your therapist.

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2/ You should not remove hair from the treatment area using plucking methods – such as wax strips or an epilator – for at least 3 weeks before laser hair removal. You may shave it, trim it with a trimmer or remove it with a depilatory cream.

3/ The hairs in the area must be shaved completely smooth the day or evening before the treatment. If the area is on the face, you can use a trimmer, scissors or an electric razor. If the hairs are too long, the laser’s energy is wasted. Furthermore, the hairs burn on the surface of the skin, which feels uncomfortable.

4/ On the day of the treatment, do not apply any cosmetic products to your skin. If possible, please arrive with clean, washed skin, free from lotions, deodorants, oils, etc. These can sometimes react to the laser’s energy. If you need to wear make-up or deodorant during the day, but your treatment is in the evening, we will remove them for you on the spot.

5/ Exfoliating products should not be used on the treated areas for 10 days before and after the treatment. Otherwise, the skin will become irritated.

6/ After laser hair removal, it is essential to apply products with a high SPF – we recommend SPF 50.

9. Providing incorrect information to the therapist prior to laser hair removal

It is absolutely vital for the results that you tell your therapist the whole truth about how you look after your skin. Sometimes, when it comes to laser hair removal, you may be in a hurry and end up cutting corners. You might hide the fact that you’ve recently been to the beach or that you’re planning to sunbathe or use a sunbed sooner than recommended. This can have serious adverse effects – pigmentation, or even burns. Always answer your therapist’s questions honestly and don’t hide a single thing!

Remember one more thing. You’ll know that your laser hair removal It is only carried out correctly and effectively if you can see the results after each session and if your hair disappears after the number of sessions specified by the therapist. If this is not the case, look for the mistake in the process.

To conclude

We promised we’d finish by telling you why you should opt for laser hair removal. It is the only advanced, modern method of permanent hair removal. In the long run, it will save you not only money (just compare six treatments for a lifetime with a waxing session every month), but also time and pain. So do take a look at our laser hair removal prices and get in touch with us for a free, in-depth consultation.

Here at Body Aesthetics, we believe that we offer the real solution to hair removal. This is because we see how something seemingly so small and insignificant can change people’s lives. Sometimes, simply getting rid of just one minor annoyance in our daily lives is enough to restore our self-confidence and allow us to interact fully with others.

AND DID YOU KNOW THAT
At Body Aesthetics, we believe that your investment in high-quality laser hair removal should be protected. That is why we offer Lifetime guarantee on maintenance treatments for laser hair removal to all customers who purchase a package of 6 treatments per area. Once you have completed the sixth treatment from the package you have purchased, you will receive entitlement to maintenance procedures with a 25% discount on the current list price. This right may be exercised indefinitely and for an unlimited number of procedures per year.