Waxing and shaving are ways to get rid of unwanted hair, but, unlike laser treatments, their results are short-lived. Laser hair treatments date back to the end of 20th century, and since they first entered the mainstream of cosmetic procedures, there has always been a certain veil of mystery surrounding them. The laser systems changed and the treatments became more successful due to technological advancements. Still, in spite of the improved efficiency and reduced side effects, it seems that some of the most common laser hair removal myths are not yet debunked. Let us right that wrong, and replace those misconceptions with useful facts.
Laser Hair Removal Isn’t Safe
One of the common misconceptions about laser hair removal is that there is no evidence proving that this way of removing hair is safe for the internal organs. The fact is that the level of safety depends of the laser system. To be sure, look for FDA approved systems to know you are getting a completely safe laser hair removal treatment. For example, Medical Grade Laser (MGL) is a better choice than Intense Pulse Light Machine (IPL), since it can be applied to larger areas and leaves no pigmentation.
It Takes One to Get It Done
If this seems like it is too good to be true, then it is. Don’t expect to get perfect results immediately after your first treatment. Sure, there will be some sign of progress, but it takes 8 to 10 treatments to get the expected results, so have patience.
Once the Hair Is Gone – It’s Gone Forever
Another case of “too good to be true”. This is not because the treatments are not efficient. By its very nature the follicle continues to regenerate even after the laser hair removal, and the hair will, eventually, grow again. However, you will be very pleased during the first couple of years after the treatments, until the follicle regenerates again.
It Doesn’t Work on Dark Skin
This rumor is, nothing but that, a rumor. It’s true that laser treatments work best on pale skin with dark hair, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be effective when done on dark skin, especially with all the technological improvements in this area.
It Doesn’t Work on Fair Hair (Blond and Ginger)
The answer is similar as with the previous myth – this may have been partially true, but today it is entirely possible and even simple to do that. It’s done by using special oil that adds melanin to hair, which makes it easier to detect.
The Treatments Hurt Really Bad
This misconception was probably true in the time period when this technology first hit the market. At the time these treatments were not only painful, but also could cause skin damage. Today, laser hair removal isn’t painless, but it is far from being unbearable. Actually, it is much less painful than waxing. Rather than pain, you will experience discomfort while getting the treatment, but you can minimize it by taking one or two pain relief pills 30 minutes before the treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Actually Causes More Hair to Grow
Well, if this was true we would have a foolproof cure for baldness. On the other side, getting laser hair treatments to remove unwanted hair would be pointless. How laser treatments will affect your hair growth depends mostly on your own specific growth patterns and on the changes your body might be going through. Maybe you will lose more hair over time, maybe you will gain more on some other places. Laser hair treatments are efficient, but they’re not magical, they can’t prevent hair follicles from regenerating and they definitely can’t make new hair grow.
It Shouldn’t Be Done in Summer
The season in which the treatments are done has no impact on their results or the safety. The only thing to know is that you should be protected from the UV radiation (which is present during the winter too). Avoid sun exposure immediately after the treatment and use appropriate sunblock.
It Exposes You to Radiation
The very fact that laser hair removal systems are approved by the FDA means that they do not emit radiation. The radiation does exist in the light barriers of the laser, but it is not harmful for the patient, since it doesn’t leave that space.
It Costs Way Too Much
Many people still believe that laser hair removal is something reserved only for A-listers, but as the technology improved, and became popular, more and more clinics began applying it and, due to dense competition, the prices became more than affordable. The price of a couple of laser treatments is even more cost-effective considering how much money you invest in waxing during the course of a year.
Now that all misconceptions about laser hair removal have been debunked, you can decide whether or not you want to undergo this treatment, without fear or doubts. Still, you should consult your dermatologist to get additional info about different laser systems and choose one according to your needs. The bottom line is that this treatment is simple, effective and can save you a lot of time and money.
About the Author: Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and she loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on a lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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