What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal, the removal of unwanted hair from the body with a laser, has become a popular trend for those who have unwanted hair. People who are genetically predisposed to being hairier on certain parts of their body, women who have facial hair due to hormonal imbalances, transgendered people who want to appear more effeminate, men with hair backs, and people who are tired of waxing, shaving, and plucking away unwanted hair consider and sometimes act upon having laser hair removal.

There is a problem with laser hair removal for some people. Not everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal and in some cases, for reasons unbeknownst to the laser hair removal team; some people regrow the hair back several years after the procedure.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal

Peach Fuzz and Light Hair

Laser hair removal does not seem to work for light hair; mostly what some people refer to as peach fuzz hair. This type of hair can occur anywhere on the body, but most people who wish to have laser hair removal of this peach fuzz complain of it on their face. However, the success rate for removing peach fuzz type of hair from the body is poor with laser hair removal.

Darker Skin Tones

Those with dark skin complexions are also not generally good candidates for laser hair removal. The lasers used for the hair removal are unable to permanently remove most body hair from dark skinned individuals and the laser hair removal specialist will likely inform you that your success rate of having permanent hair loss with laser hair removal is low if you have a dark complexion.

Hair Removal by Electrolysis

However, for those with light colored hair and dark skin tone can still have a permanent reduction of body hair by way of electrolysis. Laser hair removal for light hair and dark skinned people is generally unsuccessful and the laser hair removal specialist will often refer you to electrolysis to have the hair removed.

Good Candidates for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has its highest success rates for people with coarse dark hair. This can include stubble on the face, arm pits, back hair, and of course pubic hair. Leg hair often falls in the category of being a good candidate for laser hair removal as well.

The Downside to Laser Hair Removal

The hair grows in three different phases, the phases are:

• Anagen

• Telogen

• Catagen

When Laser Hair Removal should be Performed

For laser hair removal to work it is important that the laser hair removal expert do the hair removal process during the anagen phase. This is important because it is only at this phase of the hair growth process that the laser can actually work to remove the hair.

The anagen phase of hair growth is when the hair is in active follicle growth. It is because of this that several sessions are generally necessary in order to have a permanent reduction of the unwanted body hair. The amount of sessions of laser hair removal that you will need will also depend on the area of the body the laser treatment is being performed on as well as the size of the area being treated.

However, it appears that more sessions are required for facial hair removal than are needed for laser hair removal of the legs. Removing unwanted back hair will take numerous sessions to complete due to the large area of the body being treated as well as the rates of hair growth.

Points to Consider for Laser Hair Removal

When considering having laser hair removal done it is important that you understand that not all people will qualify for laser hair removal treatments. Keep in mind that the color of your skin as well as the color of your hair will play a large role in the success of the laser hair removal outcome. A skilled laser hair removal expert will be able to inform you if you are a good candidate during the initial consultation. To help prevent the regrowth of the hair it is important that you seek out a well-trained and highly reputable hair removal expert.

For those who have encountered regrowth of the hair years after their treatments have found the reasoning being that the person performing the treatments lacked the necessary knowledge and skill about laser hair removal.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_hair_removal
http://www.candelalaser.com/practitioners/index.cfm?task=testimonials
http://www.dermanetwork.com