Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to remove hair permanently from your body, and with more and more women opting for this treatment over other methods such as waxing and removal cream, there’s no sign of it losing interest any time soon.
However, even though it has become hugely popular over the last few years, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the treatment.
We’ve partnered with experts at London Premier Laser Clinic to bust those myths most commonly associated with laser hair removal.
Myth 1: It is painful
Laser hair removal, however scary it sounds, is surprisingly not as painful as we think. However, with many people experiencing different sensations and having varying pain thresholds, it is difficult to distinguish between each individual and what they will experience with the treatment. Many say the first time is the worst. The majority only experience a tingling sensation. Laser hair removal does not hurt more than waxing as the procedure is spread out over several sessions. It is safer and quicker than waxing and does not cause bleeding.
Whilst laser hair removal is not guaranteed to be completely pain-free, it’s good to know that there are lots of options out there your therapist can use to make it as close to pain-free as possible. These include a cool-air fan (often built into the device), specially formulated lotions, and adjusting the settings of the laser.
Myth 2: It won’t work with dark skin
There was a time that it would not work with dark skin, however with recent advances in science developments, hair can now be removed from darker skin. Always ensure with your practitioner that they have the most up-to-date systems before procedures and make sure they are fully registered and qualified.
Myth 3: It takes too long to treat – some years!
It only really takes 4-5 treatments at most, which rids you of around 90% of all your unwanted hair and usually patients are advised to repeat their sessions every 6-8 weeks. This means you will be finished within a few months. However, this all depends on your financial situation and whether you can afford further treatments. This means that it is entirely up to you whether the treatment is extended to cover some years or not.
Myth 4: It is way too expensive
Laser hair removal cost in total does increase per each visit, however this all depends on how large the area is. If you are having your upper lip done, this will cost considerably less in comparison to your back which is a larger area and will take longer. Discuss with your consultant beforehand to distinguish between the prices; the cost adds up mainly when the sessions are repeated however each individual session will not be very expensive. It is a far more cost-effective way of treating unwanted hair, much better than continuously buying razors.
Myth 5: It’s not safe
Laser hair removal treatment uses a laser that attracts to the pigments in the hair follicles, which means the laser only targets the hair follicle and nothing else. This leaves the surrounding tissue unharmed and has been used safely on millions of clients. Many studies also back up the safe nature of laser hair removal. As long as you use a qualified clinic with proper technicians and treatments, there is no risk.
Myth 6: Laser hair removal causes the hair to grow more dense and frequent
Laser hair removal doesn’t cause the hair to grow denser, in fact quite the opposite, each treatment should cause a reduction of between 10 percent and 25 percent in hair growth. There is a detectible reduction in the density, thickness and growth rate of hair at further sessions, and the hair that does eventually grow back usually returns much finer and lighter than before, so areas that were once problematic may be less so even when the hair grows back.
Myth 7: Your hair comes back after pregnancy
It’s not uncommon to see a few hairs grow back after your baby is born, even if you have completed a full course of laser before your pregnancy. Due to it being pretty much impossible to target 100% of your hair follicles during your treatment course, dormant follicles may start producing hair due to a fluctuation in hormone levels in your body after you have given birth, however this is usually just the 1 or 2 hairs, nothing noticeable. Women who have had a baby should ideally not start their top-up treatments until hormone levels are back to normal.
