What is laser hair removal, indications and contraindications. How is the procedure carried out and skin care after it? Results and reviews of girls.
Laser hair removal is a widely used modern method of combating hair on various parts of the body. It is very common among girls, but it is also suitable for men. This procedure leaves a long-term effect, is practically painless and is a good alternative to regular shaving and electric depilation.
What is laser hair removal?
In the photo laser hair removal
Laser hair removal on the body is a course procedure during which the vegetation in the selected area is completely destroyed. The effect is achieved through the gradual destruction of the hair follicles, as well as the blood vessels that feed them. While depilation (regular shaving, using an epilator, shugaring) destroys only the visible hair shaft that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
The laser hair removal procedure is based on the effect of a beam of various lengths on the hair follicle. First of all, the laser begins to destroy the melanin pigment. It is found in every hair, and its greatest concentration is found in brunettes. It is because of this that laser hair removal (epilation) is better suited for dark-haired girls and undesirable for blondes. During the destruction of melanin, a physical process occurs - the conversion of light energy into heat, which has the main effect on the pigment.
When the pigment reserve is depleted, the hair follicle is destroyed, and then the corresponding blood vessels that feed it. As a result, the follicle becomes dead and the hair shaft falls off. After several sessions, the skin becomes smooth, and the problems of irritation from the growth of short, coarse hairs no longer bother.
Depending on where the hair is to be removed, the procedure is different. In each zone there is a skin of different sensitivity, in accordance with which the master sets certain laser parameters. The following zones are distinguished:
- Face … Laser facial hair removal requires the least intense laser exposure. Most often, girls who want to get rid of the antennae resort to it. Laser hair removal above the lip is fast and requires few repetitions, because predominantly soft vellus grows in this area. In some cases, chin hair removal is possible.
- Axillary area … It lends itself easily to laser action, but requires a large number of repetitions. Armpit laser hair removal should be done with caution, because inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes often occurs.
- Legs … In this area, the hair is quite coarse, since it is constantly removed with a razor or epilator. Laser hair removal on legs takes the most time - from 1, 5 to 2 hours. In some cases, it is divided into 2 stages - epilation below the knee, then above the knee.
- Bikini … This is the most difficult and sensitive area. Laser hair removal in the bikini area is considered the most popular procedure. A woman can apply to remove vegetation both in the entire intimate area and in certain areas of it.
Depending on the amount of exposure, laser hair removal in a bikini is divided into the following types:
- Classic … Its second name is mini bikini. This procedure removes only those hairs that protrude beyond the border of the panties and go to the inner thighs. The area covered by the underwear is not affected.
- Deep … It is also called Brazilian. Those hairs that grow along the border of the linen, on the inner thigh surface, and also on the pubis are subject to removal.
- Extra bikini. In this case, hair removal is carried out along the line of the underwear, on the pubis, and also in the fold between the buttocks. At the same time, the skin on the thighs is not affected in the procedure.
- Total. This is the most radical procedure in which the laser affects all areas - the thighs, pubis, labia majora and intergluteal fold.
To achieve the desired result and not damage the skin if it is too sensitive, it is necessary to choose the right laser. There are such options for a laser hair removal machine:
- Ruby. This laser appeared the very first. It is preferred for fair skinned brunettes. The ruby laser only affects the superficial layers of the skin. As a result, only fine hair is removed.
- Alexandrite. This type of laser is also used to eliminate dark hair on fair skin. Its speed is much higher than that of ruby, because in 1 second 2 light flashes act on the skin at once, which immediately destroy melanin.
- Dioid. It is the most modern and demanded for salon procedures. It can be used by girls with all types of skin and hair, except gray and too light (for example, albinos). It is the dioid laser that perfectly copes with the problem of ingrown hairs.
- Neodymium. It has the greatest power, making it suitable for removing any hair, including gray and too light. It can also be used even if the skin is tanned. The main disadvantage is that the neodymium laser affects absolutely all layers of the skin, including the vessels passing in this area, which is why it is rarely used for standard hair removal. It is mainly used for tattooing.
How much laser hair removal costs depends on which areas you need to treat. On average, prices are as follows:
- Legs - 2500 rubles;
- Face - 2200 rubles;
- The area above the upper lip - 900 rubles;
- Armpits - 1000 rubles;
- Brazilian bikini - 1500 RUB
See also folk remedies for facial hair removal.
Indications for laser hair removal
Basically, laser hair removal is resorted to on their own and for aesthetic reasons. In addition, it makes life much easier by eliminating frequent shaving.
One of the diseases for which laser hair removal is indicated is hirsutism. It is characterized by excessive hair growth in areas for which this is not typical: on the chest, face, buttocks. Hirsutism is more common in women and is often associated with severe hormonal disorders. In this case, a course of procedures is performed along with the treatment of the underlying problem, after which hair growth usually stops.
Contraindications to laser hair removal
Before the upcoming procedure, every girl is interested in whether laser hair removal is harmful. It does not bring negative consequences only if there are no contraindications. To determine whether laser hair removal is allowed, it is imperative to consult with your master.
Contraindications to the procedure are as follows:
- Age under 18;
- Inflammatory, allergic and trophic skin diseases;
- Phlebeurysm;
- Endocrine system pathologies, especially diabetes mellitus;
- Oncological processes in the body;
- Diseases of the female reproductive system;
- Hypersensitivity to laser radiation;
- The presence of large moles at the site of the alleged laser exposure;
- Taking antibacterial agents;
- The presence of very light or vellus hair;
- The period of gestation and breastfeeding.
Read more about bikini hair removal.
How is laser hair removal done?
The laser hair removal procedure is painless and completely safe. To avoid undesirable consequences, it is important to properly prepare the skin for the upcoming exposure before epilation.
The preparatory period lasts about 2 weeks and includes the following activities:
- The last tanning in the sun and in a solarium is allowed no later than 14 days before the procedure. If this condition is not observed, then laser radiation can provoke the appearance of depigmented spots on the skin.
- The length of the hair in the area that will be affected by the laser should not exceed 3 mm. If the hair is long, the laser will not destroy the hair follicle, and there will be no result from the procedure. In addition, the rods protruding from the skin will cause burns.
- The most optimal time for the last shave is no later than a day before the procedure. It is on the second day that laser removal will be most effective, because during this period the removed hair is in the growth phase and is considered the most susceptible to the effects on them.
- It is not recommended to apply any cosmetic creams to the selected area a day before laser hair removal. Especially beware of oil products, because they can cause burns.
- If the girl takes any antibiotics, first you need to complete the course of treatment, and then start the procedure no earlier than 2 weeks later.
- If you have previously had cases of genital herpes, antiviral medications should be started a few days before the expected date of laser hair removal.
- It is best to do laser hair removal in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This is due to the fact that with menstruation, girls become much more susceptible to pain. However, laser hair removal during menstruation is not contraindicated.
After all the preparatory measures have been carried out, you can proceed directly to the procedure. An hour before laser hair removal, a local anesthetic is applied to the selected area, preferably in the form of a spray. This step is especially important for those with sensitive skin. The product completely relieves pain, and almost no effect is felt.
Then the skin is wiped dry. The beautician puts on dark glasses, selects the desired parameters and begins to act in turn on each skin area in the selected area. One flash captures a small piece (2 cm2). The average duration of laser hair removal is 40-50 minutes.
Skin care after laser hair removal
After the end of the procedure, it is necessary to calm the skin and prevent the development of irritation and any discomfort. For this, an anti-inflammatory spray is applied. The most effective is Panthenol.
After laser hair removal, certain rules must also be followed:
- On the first day, the area where the laser hair removal was carried out must be protected from any moisture.
- During the day, it is forbidden to use any decorative cosmetics, especially those that contain alcohol. The only approved cosmetics is a special soothing cream, which should only be prescribed by the master who performed the laser hair removal.
- For the first 2 weeks after the procedure, you should refrain from going to the beach and solarium. When it is already possible to sunbathe, it is necessary to use sunscreens for a month.
- If not all hair has been removed after laser hair removal, in no case should you pluck it out with tweezers or shave it off.
- It is advisable not to be in the bath during the week.
Laser hair removal results
The photo shows the results of laser hair removal
It is necessary to understand that the desired result cannot be obtained from the first procedure. Moreover, it is not possible to permanently remove hair. Usually a course action is required.
To achieve a pronounced result, it is important to pay attention to how many laser hair removal procedures are needed. On average, 5 to 10 sessions are required. The exact amount depends on the color, hardness, thickness and rate of hair growth, as well as on the type of skin.
Usually, after a certain number of sessions, the hair visually disappears completely. However, it is necessary to repeat the course every year, since the hair follicles regenerate rather quickly and ensure the growth of new hair.
Real Reviews of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a widely used procedure. Many people forget about shaving forever and are satisfied. Reviews of laser hair removal are mostly positive.
Inna, 33 years old
I have naturally thick black hair. Because of this, from adolescence, bothersome "antennae" above the upper lip. I used to pluck them with tweezers, but they re-grow at great speed. I decided to do laser hair removal, found out the prices. I took a course of 8 procedures and was satisfied. "Usikov" is no longer visible. The only negative is a strong burning sensation after each procedure, which disappears only the next day and thanks to Panthenol.
Julia, 29 years old
I tried laser hair removal on the advice of a friend. I decided to start with the legs below the knee. I have rather soft dark blond hair, so after 10 treatments my legs were perfectly smooth. To be honest, I was very afraid that it would hurt, but it was in vain. I felt only a slight burning sensation during the procedure itself, and nothing more.
Marina, 28 years old
To get rid of the constant use of the razor, I decided to do laser hair removal in the bikini area. The course consisted of 12 sessions. Each time I noticed that my hair became less frequent and softer. At the moment, 2 months have passed since the last procedure. Unfortunately, I have very sensitive skin, and during the epilation I constantly felt a burning sensation, despite the pain relief, but everything was bearable. I am satisfied with the result and plan to repeat the course in a year.
How laser hair removal is done - watch the video:
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure that will allow you to get rid of vegetation for a long time without irritation and ingrown hairs. It should be done no more than once a year. The only drawback is the high cost of laser hair removal, which is why it is not available to everyone.
