| Laser hair removal appears to be the next big | | | | being present and others being dormant at a |
| thing, but how much do you know about the | | | | certain time. Thus it is necessary to undergo |
| process? What might be the risks involved? This | | | | several treatments, usually about a month apart, |
| article will answer some of these questions and | | | | in order to target the hairs in every phase. The |
| help you make a more informed choice. As | | | | FDA has classified laser hair removal as a method |
| indicated in the name, laser hair removal uses a | | | | of permanent hair reduction, not removal, so you |
| burst of laser light to kill the hair. The laser is | | | | may still have some hairs in the area. Over time |
| attracted to melanin, thus if the hair is dark a | | | | you may also see some amount of regrowth. In |
| larger amount of the light is drawn to it and is | | | | a few cases, complete regrowth occurs. Many |
| more likely to kill it. The hairs that have been | | | | clinics have a year of free touchups, or similar |
| affected should fall out shortly after treatment. | | | | offers so be sure to ask. There is some risk of |
| You are best suited for laser hair removal if you | | | | side effects. |
| have dark hair and light skin. Those with light hair | | | | Some people will experience redness or |
| or dark skin most likely should not undergo the | | | | discomfort in the area for a short while after |
| treatment. The center you go to will also advise | | | | treatment. A few will suffer from burns. Others |
| you to avoid any sunbathing while the treatment | | | | may experience hyperpigmentation of their skin, |
| is ongoing. The procedure is not usually significantly | | | | which may or may not fade over time. It is |
| painful, but there can be some discomfort. Most | | | | important to consider these risks before making |
| will say it feels like a rubber band snapping against | | | | any choices. Laser hair removal can be great and |
| their skin. If you are feeling a significant amount | | | | a huge time saver, but be aware of what to |
| of pain, the operator can give you a topical | | | | expect. Always look for a certified professional to |
| numbing cream to put on the area prior to | | | | administer your treatment, and beware of those |
| treatment. | | | | who offer seemingly unreasonable discounts. |
| Hair goes through various phases, with some | | | | |