There is a common assumption that unwanted body and facial hair is only a problem for adults, as they need to look good at every opportunity and in everyday life too. That's why the child who grows thick hair instead of peach fuzz, or the teenager who has more hair than his classmates, are often ignored.
These kids and teens are bullied because of their appearance and develop an inferiority complex. That's why they look for ways to get rid of the unwanted hair. The best way to deal with the unwanted, ugly hair on your body is laser hair removal, no matter what age group you are, right?
So let’s see if laser hair removal is the best decision for you and how old you have to be to have laser hair removal.
Table of contents:- Part 1: At what age can you have laser hair removal?
- Part 2: What is the best age for laser hair removal?
- Part 3: Is laser hair removal safe for teens?
- Part 4: Laser hair removal for young adults
- Part 5: Older adults and laser hair removal
- Part 6: Conclusion
At what age can you have laser hair removal?
Well, the age at which you can have laser hair removal and the optimal age for laser are two different things. In this section, we will only deal with the question of at what age you can have laser hair removal.
Required minimum age:
There is no minimum age for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can be an option for semi-permanent hair removal at any age. So you or your child can have laser treatment at any time, whether you are 10 or 100 years old.
Why should you be a certain age?
While there is no age limit for laser hair removal, it is recommended to wait until your child reaches puberty before visiting a laser salon. In women, the onset of periods is a sign of puberty. On the other hand, the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics such as a beard is a sign of puberty in men.
This is because hormonal changes occur during puberty, which leads to hair growth on the face and body. Also, laser treatment at a younger age only has temporary results. Therefore, in such cases, you can opt for one of the most effective hair removal methods .
Clinical guidelines and individual factors:
Each clinic has different age guidelines for offering laser hair removal. Some clinics allow people of any age to undergo laser hair removal, while other clinics play it safe and restrict laser hair removal to people over 18.
In addition, individual factors are also taken into account when deciding on laser hair removal, such as whether you started puberty at a younger age or whether your hair growth is sufficient for treatment.
What is the best age for laser hair removal?
Now it's time to talk about the ideal age for a laser.
Optimal age for laser hair removal:
The optimal age for laser hair removal is over 18 years old. This is the age when most teenagers enter adulthood, they are smart enough to make a decision for themselves, and their bodies have reached a certain level of puberty where hormonal fluctuations are no longer as severe.
If you're wondering how old you have to be to get laser hair removal down there, the correct answer is that pubic hair is fully developed after the teenage years.
Factors that determine age:
The factors that determine the right age for laser treatment are:
O Secondary sexual characteristics: The development of secondary sexual characteristics means that your hormones are no longer changing and your hair follicles have also reached their final size and number. In addition, estrogen levels begin to decline with age, so laser treatment is relatively ineffective in older people.
O The hair and skin: The skin can be too sensitive at younger and older ages, so you need to be well prepared for the discomfort associated with the laser. Also, hair is darkest in early adulthood, which makes laser treatment very effective. As we age, pigmentation decreases, making it difficult for the laser to remove unwanted hair.
O The ability to make decisions: A teenager may be responsible and an older person may not be mature enough, so your mental age is important when you consider lasering.
O The will to be consistent: Laser hair removal is a multi-step process. That's why you have to stick to the schedule and the pre- and post-treatment with the laser consistently. Also read the basics of laser hair removal .
Need for professional advice:
Whether you are 18 or 90 years old, it is important that you consult a professional before starting your laser hair removal process to ensure that you will not regret the treatment.
Is laser hair removal safe for teenagers?
Now we will discuss the effects of laser hair removal on different age groups.
Requirements and consent:
In America, for example, teenagers have complete freedom. But they are still dependent on their parents, right? So if you are a teenager and are looking forward to laser hair removal, you should talk to your parents and get their consent.
Parents supervise the treatment and the pre- and post-laser care to ensure that it is safe and effective for you. In addition, any hidden disorder such as PCOS , hypertrichosis or hirsutism are worth considering.
Safety considerations:
From a safety perspective, this means that you need to take care of the hair on your body to ensure that it has reached its maximum density and thickness, as hair continues to grow during the teenage years.
You should also keep an eye on the condition of your skin and take careful measures to protect and improve its barrier.
Possible risks and side effects:
The risks and side effects of laser hair removal for teenagers are as follows:
O Relatively more pain and discomfort because their body is more sensitive to pain
O Hair regrowth at any time because hormone status changes
O Temporary results of lasering because new hair follicles are formed
O Skin redness, irritation and burns if appropriate pre- and post-treatment care is not taken
Laser hair removal for young adults
Young adults are the best candidates for laser hair removal. Let's see why.
Suitability and considerations:
Laser hair removal is most effective when done in your 20s and 30s, and remains effective until age 50, around menopause, so if you fall into this age group, consider the following factors.
O Your skin type and skin tone
O Your hair colour and the most suitable laser type
O Your budget
O Your schedule
Advantages:
The benefits of laser hair removal for working adults are as follows:
O Saves money on waxing or threading in the salon
O Saves time for shaving, depilatory creams and other hair removal methods
O Hairless, smooth, ready-to-use skin 24/7
O Strengthening self-esteem
O Hairless body that lasts for many years
Effects and experiences:
Most adults who undergo laser hair removal are satisfied with the results and feel that laser hair removal was one of the best decisions of their lives. This is because in adulthood, the influence of hormones on hair growth is minimal as they are not subject to fluctuations.
Things are different if you have PCOS and are taking OCP or other hormone-containing medications.
Older adults and laser hair removal
Laser hair removal at the other extreme of age, in the 50s and 60s, has different results. Let's see why.
Factors affecting laser hair removal in the elderly
O Hormonal status: Hormone levels start to change in your 50s. This causes you to get hair in places you didn't have it before, like on your chin or neck. Such hair is stubborn and requires multiple treatments.
O Condition of the skin: As we age, the skin becomes sensitive and flabby. The laser could therefore have a negative effect on the skin.
O Hair pigmentation: Hair pigmentation decreases after menopause, making it difficult for the laser to target the hair.
Aspects to consider when undergoing laser hair removal
Also keep these points in mind:
O Skin sensitivity: If your skin has become too sensitive, you may refuse laser hair removal because of the discomfort involved.
O Medical conditions: If your skin is diseased or you have a tumor, laser hair removal may not be ideal for you.
O Medications: If you are taking medications that cause photosensitivity, laser hair removal is not a good option.
Need for personalized treatment
Age can be one of the biggest limitations to laser hair removal. However, it is not an absolute contraindication, so if you consider all of the above factors, you should consult a laser hair removal specialist to determine if laser hair removal is right for you. You can also ask them for a personalized treatment.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is safe for all ages, however when it comes to suitability, the ideal age group is 20 to 40 years old as the effectiveness of laser hair removal decreases in the older age groups.
However, individual factors vary and there are some points to consider when deciding to have this procedure. We have discussed all of these factors above. You can also talk to your doctor to make sure you are making the right decision for your age and other conditions.
