Skin Care Tip & Info - To Laser Or Not To Laser?

Tips on the Truth About Permanent Hair Removal

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I've been thinking about getting laser treatments on my bikini line because waxing has gotten to be such an expensive, time-consuming pain. But I'm a little concerned--it seems a bit expensive and I'm confused about whether it will work for sure or not. I've heard a lot of different things about success rates. Do you have any advice on getting laser treatment?

Signed,

Soon-to-be Hairless

April Masini's advice:

Dear Soon-to-be Hairless,

What is laser treatment?

Laser treatment is the newest method of hair removal that you cannot do yourself. Approved for hair removal by the FDA in 1995, laser hair removal treatments -- yes -- plural: treatments -- it takes more than one visit -- remove hair with a laser beam that destroys the root and the shaft of the hair.

Who is a candidate for laser treatment?

Laser treatments do not work for every type of skin. Lasers use heat to damage dark target matter. This is one reason that laser hair removal is not good for African American skin. The laser can also change the pigment of the skin while removing the hair, leaving a discolored area right where you want no attention at all! It is also why people with grey, blonde or red hair are not ideal candidates. Neither are people with olive or dark skin.

The best candidates are people with light skin and dark hair.

Where should you get the treatments done?

The best place to get laser hair removal treatment is from a physician. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon is best. Treatments are scheduled at four to six week intervals, and how many you need has to do with the treatment and your hair. You will have to wear protective goggles during the treatments.

Laser removal does not work for everyone, so be prepared. Set up a consult appointment with your doctor to discuss before you commit. You can also set up an appointment for a “patch test,” so you can see what the laser feels like, and what your re-growth rate is -- if any. Don’t sign up for treatment until after you wait a while to see if your hair grows back in or not. If you are one of the people who don’t respond to laser treatment, you don’t want to be stuck in a contract for expensive removal.