Tired of dealing with unwanted hair? If so, you’re probably at least considering laser hair removal. This treatment is the most effective way of getting rid of hair because it not only gets rid of the hair you can see but also goes down to the root of the problem: the hair follicles themselves. This long-term solution is available at Allure Enhancement Center in Lafayette, LA. Contact us to get specific answers to your personal questions, and keep reading for some commonly asked questions, starting with how long it all takes.
FAQ
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
The time it takes for the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated. A small area like the upper lip or chin can be done in just a few minutes, but a larger area like the legs or back may take up to 30 minutes.
But remember, the real question is how many sessions will it take to completely remove your hair? It’s different for everyone, but most people need 4-8 sessions, while some may need more.
What Other Factors Are Involved in How Long It Takes?
Another crucial factor is the contrast between your hair and skin color. The greater the contrast between your skin and hair, the more effective the laser will be. So, if you have dark hair and light skin, you can expect the fastest results.
But don’t worry: even if you don’t have that perfect contrast, our laser can still target hair of almost any color and work on even darker skin tones. However, it may take a few more treatments for the hair to be permanently removed. Most people don’t need more than six sessions to reach their goals.
How Long Does the Treatment Last?
The duration of your laser hair removal results can vary. While there is a chance that you may see permanent results, it is common for touch-up treatments to be needed every so often to maintain your desired results. Typically, people experience a minimum of six to twelve months of smooth and hairless skin following their treatment.
It’s important to note that the most significant determining factor of the longevity of your results is the fluctuations in your hormone levels. Hormones play a crucial role in hair growth, and even if you achieve your desired outcome, changes in your hormone levels may cause the hair to grow back.
How Do Laser Hair Removal Treatments Work?
The laser sends light down the hair shaft to damage the follicle. This light is emitted in very brief but intense pulses and generates heat that disables the follicle. The treatment only works on hair that is in the active growing stage. Our hair goes through different stages, and not all of it is growing at the same time, which is why multiple sessions are needed to remove all of the unwanted hair.
How a Session Goes
During each session, expect the laser to target 25-70% of the hair. Whether you’re on the low or high end of that will depend on the stage of hair growth at that time and the density of your hair: factors unique to each person. After each session, the targeted hair will shed, and the damaged follicles will be unable to grow hair as thickly and quickly as before.
Say you have 2,000 hairs to target, and your treatment gets 50% of them each time. After your first session, you have only 1,000 hairs left. Your next session gets 50% of that, so you’ll have 500 hairs left. After just two sessions, 75% of the hair in your target area will be gone: that’s a dramatic difference, but you can also see how it will take multiple sessions to finally get the last of the hair.
How Long Do You Wait Between Treatments?
Keep in mind that the laser targets hair that is in the active growing stage, so not all hairs will be treated during a single session. We generally recommend scheduling your appointments one week apart to allow time for new hair growth to occur.
For example, if you’re targeting hair on your upper lip, you’ll likely need four sessions, resulting in a completion time of about a month. Treating larger areas like legs may require more sessions and be completed in two months or so.
Are the Hair Follicles Damaged or Destroyed?
The laser will damage the follicles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gone for good. Some will be destroyed and never grow hair again, while others may eventually grow new hair, but it’ll be thinner and grow slower.
With each maintenance treatment, the chances of completely destroying the follicles increases, and with that, the likelihood of permanently removing the hair. If you stick to your treatment schedule and have the recommended number of treatments, you have the best shot of permanently destroying as many follicles as possible.
What Is Recovery Like?
After a laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to take care of your skin to ensure the best results. Since the procedure is not invasive and does not require incisions, there is no actual recovery time needed. However, for a few days following the treatment, it’s important to be gentle with your skin and avoid harsh skincare products.
You should moisturize your skin more frequently, as well as make sure you stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This will help you achieve optimal skin health and make the most out of your treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Gone are the days when only those with pale skin and jet-black hair were able to receive laser hair removal. Today’s advanced technology enables the treatment to work on a wide range of skin and hair tones. So whether you’re a dark-skinned beauty or have fine blonde hair, you’re a candidate for this treatment. But don’t just take our word for it; schedule a consultation with us to find out for sure.
If you have a light sensitivity condition or if you’re currently taking medication that makes you more prone to sunburns, then laser hair removal may not be the best option for you. Additionally, if you have an active infection or rash in the target area, hold off until it’s cleared before scheduling the treatment. But other than that, this treatment is available to almost everyone.
Does This Treatment Hurt?
In the early days, laser hair removal was synonymous with discomfort. Today’s technology allows for faster, more efficient treatments that are virtually pain-free. Advancements in laser technology also include cooling systems that work to keep you comfortable during your sessions. If you have any concerns, we would be more than happy to discuss options with you to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
How Does This Compare to Alternatives?
There are some very good reasons to consider laser treatments over other methods of hair removal:
Shaving and Depilatory Creams
The use of shaving and depilatory creams poses several challenges, the most prominent being the requirement for frequent repetition. Some individuals may need to apply these methods daily to maintain hairless skin. Repeated shaving can cause skin irritation, while depilatory creams are composed of harsh chemicals that can result in burns.
Moreover, these methods can become costly over time. Though an initial purchase of shaving gel and razors may not seem substantial, the cost accumulates. On average, a woman may spend over ten thousand dollars on shaving products throughout her lifetime, not accounting for the value of her time invested.
Waxing and Plucking
These methods last longer than shaving because you remove the entire hair rather than just the bit that appears above the skin: but there are still some major downsides. The first is pain: it simply hurts to rip your hair out. It’s also inefficient to pluck large parts of the body, while waxing can get very expensive very quickly.
Worst of all, these methods only work if you let your hair grow out to a certain length, meaning there are always times when you’re covering up while you wait for your hair to grow long enough for a waxing appointment.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
If you’re ready to have effortlessly smooth skin without the time and effort that goes into traditional hair removal methods, it’s time to consider laser treatments. Visit us at Allure Enhancement Center in Lafayette, LA today to get started or to learn more.