Shaving and waxing are among the standard hair removal methods people use. While they are effective at hair removal, the results are usually short-lived as hair tends to grow back faster. Besides that, these hair removal methods tend to leave your skin dry and sometimes cause ingrown hairs. If you are tired of regular shaving or waxing, you may be happy to know that bikini laser hair removal delays hair growth for an extended period.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that harnesses the power of laser light to remove unwanted hair on various body parts, including the upper lip, chin, armpits, legs, and bikini line. It can be used on nearly all body parts except the eyelid and surrounding area due to the possibility of severe eye injury.

How does laser hair removal work?

The procedure works by focusing laser light on hair; the pigment in the hair (melanin) absorbs the light, which is then converted to heat energy. The heat damages the hair follicles beneath the skin, inhibiting or delaying hair growth for a long time. Laser hair removal slows hair growth for an extended period but doesn’t permanently inhibit hair growth. Usually, multiple treatments are necessary for initial hair removal, and treatments to maintain results may be needed. Laser hair removal can be successfully used on all skin types, but it works best for people with light skin and dark hair.

How safe is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is generally safe; the risks and side effects vary depending on skin type, hair color, and compliance to pre and post-treatment care. As a fundamental principle of this procedure, the hair pigment and not the skin pigment should absorb the light. The laser energy should damage the hair follicles, leaving the skin intact. Therefore, you will likely have the best outcomes if you have light skin and dark hair. 

The risk of skin damage is higher if there is little contrast between the skin and hair color. That is because the skin’s melanin competes for light with the hair pigment. Thanks to advances in laser technology, laser hair removal is now an option for individuals with darker skin. But the treatment is still less effective for hair colors with poor light absorption. These include gray, white, blonde, and red. The developments of laser treatment options for light-colored hair are underway.

Side effects of laser hair removal

The most common side effects individuals report after laser hair removal include skin irritation and pigment changes. You may experience discomfort, swelling, and redness after laser hair removal; these side effects are temporary and usually disappear within several hours.

The affected skin may darken or lighten; these pigment changes may be temporary or permanent. You will likely experience skin lightening if you don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment. People with darker skin are also more likely to have hypopigmentation.

If you are considering laser hair removal, choose a board-certified dermatologist to reduce your risk of side effects. You also want to consult your doctor to ensure laser hair removal is proper for you.

Reserve a session with your provider at Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center for laser hair removal to flaunt smooth, hair-free skin.