By Dominique Bobian
Tired of shaving? Dreading the pain of having your bikini waxed? In pain from chafing? Is your skin irritated from using Nair or bleaching agents on unsightly hair? If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to consider laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective modern treatment for removing unwanted hair. It is faster, more effective, and results in smoother skin than other treatments. This method eliminates the stubble, bumps, shadows, and irritation that shaving leaves behind.
How Does It Work?
The treatment works by targeting invisible laser energy at hair follicles. The laser detects melanin, or dark pigmentation, in the follicles, then applies pulses of light to the roots to destroy them. The best part about laser hair removal is that it’s a simple, noninvasive treatment that destroys hair follicles in minutes—which is why it is one of the most popular and effective hair removal methods for both men and women. After receiving a series of laser hair removal treatments, you can enjoy clean, smooth skin that you’ll want to show off.
Our Cutera Excel HR laser is designed to permanently remove unwanted hair on both the face and body. By having dual wavelength, the laser can treat all skin types. Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments because the hair grows in different cycles. It is recommended to keep your treatments 6-8 weeks apart to ensure you are targeting the hair during its growth cycle and not waiting until you see hair growth. A series of 6 treatments will ensure you have a reduction in hair growth.
Laser hair removal works on black, brown, and some red hair. Like I mentioned, the laser needs pigment in order to target the follicle—and for this reason, it’s not intended for use on blonde or white hair. For optimal results, you should shave before the appointment, as we want the laser to target the hair in the follicle, not the hair on the surface.
Does It Hurt?
One of the most common questions we receive is, “does it hurt?” We compare the feeling of laser hair removal feels to a rubber band snapping the skin. To help numb the area being treated and to make your experience more comfortable, we offer ice. Also, our state-of-the-art laser offers continuous cooling before, during and after each pulse. After treatment, your skin may be a little red and swollen, but that should subside within an hour to the next 24 hours, everyone is different. After treatment, we require that you wear sunblock and avoid excessive sun exposure. In the next 2 weeks, the treated hair will push out of the follicle revealing smooth skin, free of discoloration, razor burn and chafing.
I’ve personally had my upper lip, underarms, legs, and arms treated—and haven’t owned a razor in over a decade. You can treat anywhere you have hair: back, chest, fingers, toes—our laser can treat them all! Give our office a call and set up a free consultation with one of our trained aestheticians at Spa Cahaba.