Have I ever had a Regrets about laser hair removal treatment ? It's no secret that the answer is no. From my personal experience, I know that no one likes to go through something they don't like, that scares them, or hurts them without knowing the pros and cons.
However, many people, especially women, have an unforgettable experience with their laser hair removal, but what if they regret it later?
That's why I wrote this blog post to shed light on some of the most common reasons for laser hair removal regret and to share my personal experiences so that others have less to worry about when going through this situation.
Table of contents:- Part 1: Why do I need laser hair removal treatment?
- Part 2: How many major laser types are there and does laser hair removal hurt with each session?
- Part 3: How to prepare for laser hair removal at the beginning?
- Part 4: Are the results of laser hair removal before and after satisfactory?
- Part 5: Is laser hair removal permanent?
- Part 6: FAQs
- Part 7: Summary
Why do I need laser hair removal treatment?
I have been looking forward to writing this blog for so long to share my experience with laser hair removal. I have thick black hair almost all over my body and it has always bothered and embarrassed me.
Can you guess how old I was when I decided to have laser hair removal? I was 23 when I first went to a dermatologist to stop my excessive hair growth.
Before visiting my dermatologist, I had heard that laser hair removal is expensive, painful and the results are not worth it. However, the dermatologist enlightened me about the reasons for the excessive hair growth.
Some common reasons he gave me for excessive hair growth are:
- If you have excessive facial or body hair, you may have hirsutism or even PCOS , a condition in which your hormones are out of balance.
- Other symptoms of excessive hair growth include irregular periods and cysts on your ovaries.
- And if you have these or other conditions, laser treatment may be pointless because the unbalanced hormones will simply cause the hair to continue to grow back.
- You would be wasting money if you continued lasering only to have it grow back because I suspect the problem is internal and not with the hair follicles.
- If you feel you have excessive hair growth, you should get it checked out, as sometimes hair removal can cause hair to grow back even more. However, there are tablets you can take during laser treatment to help keep your hormones in balance.
But for me, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Life is changing, especially for someone as hairy as I am.
How many major types of lasers are there, and does laser hair removal hurt with each session?
Before this treatment, I had heard that laser hair removal hurts, that it is expensive and painful, and that the results are not worth it. As mentioned, I was excited to try laser hair removal myself, but it took some convincing from friends and close family members who told me that it would probably be uncomfortable for me.
They didn't want me to go through so much pain, spend so much money, and deal with the redness and itching, but they also didn't realize how embarrassing it was for me to struggle with excessive hair growth.
However, there are many different types of laser hair removal treatments, namely:
- IPL (intense pulsed light) .
- Laser hair removal.
- Alexandrite laser hair removal.
- Nd and LP Nd:YAG.
- Diode laser hair removal.
I think everyone has different skin, different hair thickness and different hair growth. My dermatologist recommended IPL (like a laser for hair removal) because it is less painful than others. IPL is not a laser. It is an intense pulsed light (more like a light bulb) that gives off a broad light rather than a higher intensity focused light like a laser .
I was not satisfied with the other lasers mentioned above. However, on the advice of my dermatologist, I used IPL, which has reduced hair growth so far.
Is IPL suitable for all skin types?
For some people, IPL hurts more than any other laser treatment and they believe it is not good for them. Many people also experience side effects, like my friend.
She was disappointed after completing her IPL sessions because she had done IPL hair removal last year, had 9 sessions and her hair was not too dark.
It worked during the treatment, but after she stopped, the hair grew back and now, 7 months after her last treatment, the hair is almost as thick as before. So it was a failure for her.
Just because IPL didn't work for her doesn't mean it won't work for others. I've seen excellent results. Also, it doesn't work immediately after one treatment, so you don't see results as quickly. And your skin tone and hair color will affect it, as it works best on fair skin and dark hair.
However, there are many different devices that you can use for the best treatment of your hair growth at home. e.g.:
Both products are best to use and show results of reducing hair growth in 1 to 4 weeks. If you want a recommendation and the best home treatment, visit the trusted Ulike online store and choose a cost-effective hair removal device to reduce hair growth within a few weeks; in my experience, hair growth has been greatly reduced within 4 weeks.
Is laser hair removal safe for every adult?
Laser hair removal is the cosmetic laser method for removing unwanted body hair, mainly caused by hormonal hair growth. Laser hair removal is the best and most effective method for any adult and an alternative to expensive surgical procedures such as electrolysis, for which formal ways are not suitable due to the risks.
But do your thoughts also wander around these questions?
- How long does the entire process of your sessions take?
- Is it a process that takes years or just a few months?
- Are the sessions spread over months or weeks?
If you are asking yourself these questions, you don't have to worry. Most of the time, the treatment takes 1 to 3 months, but if you have excessive hair growth, it can take 4 to 6 months.
How do you initially prepare for laser hair removal?
Before you begin laser hair removal, you should prepare your skin. This includes cleaning the area with an antibacterial soap, which prevents bacteria from entering the pores of your skin. When I started the treatment, I stopped using bleach for 6 weeks before the first application and avoided any type of threading, waxing or plucking.
Before you begin, however, you should make sure that your skin is free of any cracks or rashes. If you have sensitive skin, you should have the area professionally treated before laser treatment because the laser can also damage your inner skin.
Here is the step-by-step guide to preparing for laser hair removal:
- The first step is to take a shower or bath with warm water. This will help remove dirt and impurities from your skin.
- Then apply an oil-free moisturizer to the area to be treated. This will help prevent dryness and irritation.
- Connect the power cable to the adapter and plug the plug into a power outlet.
- Briefly press the power button on the side to turn on the device.
- Protect your eyes with safety glasses.
- Place the light outlet on the skin to be treated and apply it vertically.
- After hair removal is complete, press and hold the power button for 1 to 2 seconds to turn off the device.
Are the results of laser hair removal before and after satisfactory?
Laser hair removal is safe and usually produces positive results, but it is not without risk. It is important that you educate yourself about the possible side effects and risks of laser hair removal before you decide to undergo this treatment.
Some side effects I had after laser hair removal:
Laser treatment shows different results for each person.
- One of the most common side effects to watch out for is increased sweating or changes in sweat glands after laser hair removal treatment.
- Other common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blackening and pain at the treated area.
- Other possible side effects include skin irritation, dryness and itching. These symptoms may occur at any time after treatment or may not occur at all.
- Laser hair removal is also known to cause permanent red patches on the skin known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Many people are afraid of these spots and don't know why they are like that. However, this skin darkening can last for several months after your treatment but usually fades over time.
If you are pregnant or have a history of melanoma or other skin cancer, it is best to have laser hair removal only after consulting your doctor. You must follow your doctor's instructions carefully so that you do not miss any treatment sessions. These are the most effective ways to determine if a laser is right for you.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
According to my personal experience and all the research I have done so far, a laser is suitable for legs, armpits, arms, stomach, etc.
If you have dark skin, the type of laser will be different, so go to a dermatologist who has experience in treating dark skin. In any area where hair growth is triggered by hormones (upper lip, chin, neck, etc.), electrolysis is the method of choice. It is a very old, proven treatment dating back to the late 1800s.
Electrolysis removes hair permanently, but you need to make sure you go to an experienced professional. I am currently undergoing this treatment because IPL also has some side effects on my skin. But here I see good progress in the last month and a half (1 hour weekly session). The treated hairs either do not come back or are very fine if they do come back. My electrologist "zaps" them away again and they die.
FAQ
How much does hair removal cost?
Costs vary (they are not covered by insurance and depend on how much hair you remove and how many sessions are recommended).
Which laser hair removal is the best?
Laser hair removal is best suited for certain skin and hair types, i.e. darker, thicker hair and lighter skin.
Does the type of laser depend on the skin type?
Different types of lasers are used for different skin types, and the laser type is more important than anything else in this session.
Does IPL or other laser treatment remove hair permanently?
There is no such thing as "permanent" hair removal. IPL can last a very long time, but you still need to use it regularly. This could be a monthly treatment or every 1-2 years.
Can we do our laser hair removal at home?
Yes, there are IPL hair removal devices for home use, such as the Ulike Air 3 . You will see visible results in just 2 weeks.
Summary
Ultimately, I can say that laser hair removal is an effective way to get rid of unwanted hair for a while. While I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, I can say that the procedure helped me get the smooth and clean skin I wanted without all the stress of plucking, threading, and waxing.
Remember that each person is unique and experiences will depend on various factors such as skin type, hair type and treatment conditions.
However, if done correctly, laser hair removal can make a huge difference in your life, so don't be afraid to try it. Let's say you want to do a cheap and painless laser treatment at home. In that case, you can take your time and visit Ulike and buy the latest laser hair removal products that will make you an expert dermatologist at home. I also use these products to make my body as fair and hair-free as I want it to be.