Hair Removal Style

The removal of unwanted facial and body hair has recently become one of the most demanded cosmetic enhancements in recent years. This holds true for the ladies, as well as, for a greater and greater number of gentlemen. Excessive facial and body, according to the current dictates of acceptable fashion, is a big fashion turn off and no-no.

And so, for a number of reasons including vanity, millions of women and men, spend millions of dollars each year on enhancements, including laser hair removal, as well as lotions and potions, that promise smooth, satiny skin free of ugly, excessive facial and body hair.

Laser hair removal is a speedier, more gentle way to dispatch unsightly hair, with awesome results. In some cases laser hair removal can be permanent.

Laser hair removal uses accurately controlled energy pulses, (electrical and light with cooling), reaching deep into the roots or base of the hair follicles that lie within the skin. The pulses heat the hair, right down to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding skin or tissue.

Lets take a look at how laser hair removal works:

Human hairs are made up of 3 distinguishable components: the bulb at the root of the hair follicle that develops hair, the shaft, and the hair follicle itself. Both the bulb and the shaft are imbedded within the skin, leaving only the hair visible to the naked eye. For semi permanent hair removal, the hair follicle must be eliminated along with its germinating centers that are in the bulb. Hair can be destroyed only during the active phase of the growth cycle.

Therefore, because of these staggered growth cycles, patients usually require a number of treatments over time for long-term hair removal resolutions. Hair will continue to grow after your treatment. Anybody who tells you that optimum results can be attained in just one or two times under the laser is simply not telling the truth.

Here Is The Good News About Laser Hair Removal:

Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of our bodies, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, we can expect that somewhere between 60 and 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.

Does laser hair removal work for everybody?

Laser hair removal works best with people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.

If laser does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

How does it work?

Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melaninthe protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.

Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser techniques can only target active hair so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.

What about laser hair removal costs?

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.

What should you look for in a doctor?

There are literally thousands of places offering laser hair removal, but not all of them employ certified technicians. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult with a dermatologist trained in laser hair removal. During your initial consultation, your doctor will first decide whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. After that, he or she will explain the procedure, ask for your medical history and give you a number of instructions to prepare for the session.

How can I prepare for my session?

Avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocainea mild anesthetican hour before the session begins.

Is it safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.

Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of laser hair removal providers across the United States.

[tags]laser hair removal[/tags]