Do you ever get tired of the constant routine of having to use various hair removal methods and would just love to wake up and head out the door without a worry about grooming?
Laser hair removal is the solution and has since become a popular cosmetic alternative that many people can advocate for.
Due to its effective nature in reducing the amount of body hair, it is one of the preferred treatments to get done, with how quick and painless the process can be.
Penelope Jenkinson, Senior Client Liaison at Enhance by Mediclinic said, the process is done "By using the correct laser specifically designed to target and destroy the root (follicle) of the hair, and safe and effective results are possible. The goal is for the laser light to penetrate to the depth of the hair follicle to achieve long-term results."
As each person has a different hair texture and thickness, the number of sittings required for the hair to get thinner differs.
Laser is a great alternative for people that suffer from ingrown hair, as other hair removal processes can make the situation worse and can be done on any targeted area of choice, commonly done on the upper lip, chin, armpits and legs.
The laser hair removal procedure also helps get rid of hyperpigmentation as well as reduces pain from other hair removal methods.
Penelope Jenkinson at Enhance by Mediclinic said that "Although hair grows in different cycles, laser can only target hair in the active cycle, known as the anagen phase. This means that a course of 4 to 8 treatments is recommended to achieve optimal results. The interval between treatments is 4 to 8 weeks apart, based on the body area. With each treatment, there will be significantly less hair."
"Results vary from person to person, based mainly on hormones," Penelope Jenkinson added. "Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Hirsutism, male growth pattern such as beard and upper lip, have more facial hair than normal. Menopausal women may suddenly develop hair where they never had it before. Laser hair removal will visibly improve the appearance, but medication may need to be prescribed by a dermatologist or gynaecologist to treat the cause."
If you are considering getting laser hair removal, here are some things to do and prepare in order to have a seamless and stress-free journey.
Start with doing your research, by checking the different facilities in your area that provide the service and checking the centres credentials to make sure you are getting the best quality treatment.
Also talking to people that have already done the procedure and getting their recommendations can help make the search process easier.
With multiple options available in Dubai, if you would like a place closer to you then check the location as well as the price of the procedure to help make a well planned choice.
Penelope Jenkinson mentioned that "A reputable clinic that uses either an Alexandrite or ND:Yag laser. An Alexandrite laser is ideal to treat light skin, while an ND:Yag laser is safe on darker skin. As these lasers are designed to target melanin (pigment), your hair should be dark. Blonde or grey hair will not respond to laser therapy. After a full assessment and consultation, a patch test is advisable to determine a safe and effective setting, to destroy the hair follicle, while sparing the surrounding skin. The desired outcome is the removal of hair without causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin. Targeted hair can take 2 to 14 days to fall out."
Since the procedure is not instantaneous, being patient is important by attending all your set appointments on time to avoid any delays and see quicker results.
To help make the procedure go by quicker, it is important to:
Stay away from the sun: If you are planning on going on holiday or are going to be in the sun a lot, the best option would be to wait to get the procedure done. During the procedure, it is key to avoid the sun at all times and if you have a tan, you need to wait in between appointments for the tan to fade away to continue the procedure.
Avoid hot showers: As the process uses laser to target the hair follicle, taking hot showers can cause bacteria to develop, causing skin irritation and spots.
Change in body care routine: Once you start the laser hair removal procedure, fake tans and scrubs are not allowed. Additionally, with laser there is a possibility for increased skin dryness due to the light and it is important to consult your doctor on which products to use.
Avoid other hair removal procedures: When getting laser hair re,oval done, one of the key things to note is that before getting laser, you need to shave within 24 hours. Waxing, threading and plucking the hair are not allowed as it makes the process all the more difficult.
As the procedure is known for reducing hair growth, follow-up appointments with bigger intervals might be necessary, based on the person's hair growth.
Laser hair removal is a quick, painless, easy and stress-free option that will give you your desired outcome of no body or facial hair.
Although it may take some time to reach the desired outcome, the end result will be worth not having to worry about having to groom every single time before going out.