It’s a good question. Is laser hair removal worth it reddit? Yes, it is worth it! If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, here are some of the benefits you can look forward to: less time in front of your mirror shaving, less money spent on razors and other beauty products, time saved by not having to shave every single day or every few days depending on how fast your hair grows, an increase in confidence because your skin will be smooth and hair free, no harsh chemicals used in shaving or waxing.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Is laser hair removal worth it reddit , What to Do Before Getting Laser Hair Removal on dark skin. Read on to learn more.
Is laser hair removal worth it reddit
I have laser hair removal done, and I love it. Granted, I was never particularly hairy in the first place- shaving underarms daily, probably legs every few days- but I definitely noticed a difference. Even now, a year since I last had it done (because I’m pregnant and can’t have it), and despite all the hormones that involves, I have to shave my legs less than weekly, and my underarms maybe once every 2-3 days.
You do need to have the right skin/hair type in the first place though. People with pale skin and dark hair have the best results, and it straight out doesn’t work on fair hair. They have to avoid doing laser around moles, and if you like to tan, then it probably isn’t for you either.
Whether it’s worth the cost is debatable. Better to think of it as hair reduction than complete hair removal, because you will have to still shave or wax or whatever it is you do, just less often.
Laser hair removal is the process of treatment by means of exposure to pulses of laser light that will destroy the hair follicles. It is very effective and efficient in damaging the basal stem cells in the hair follicles. However, despite the acceptance of laser hair removal by the people, a lot of people do not know what to do before and after the treatment.
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair from the body and face. “Laser hair removal works by sending light at a specific wavelength that targets melanin, the pigment that colors hair, at a depth sufficient to act on the hair bulb,” says Dr. Maiman. “The intended outcome, hair removal, results from thermal injury to the hair bulb produced when the energy in the light is absorbed by the pigment located there.”
It is important to have a pre-treatment consultation with a professional to determine what type of wavelength will be used based on the patient’s skin color and type. If skin color and laser settings aren’t accounted for accurately (i.e. targeted enough), the skin can be burned.
Side Effects
Also on the no-go list: sun exposure. “If a laser is used over a body part with recent sun exposure, it would be too much heat on the skin and could cause burning, hyperpigmentation (dark marks), and scarring.” So while it may be tempting to soak up the sun, you’ll want to make sure that any tanning is at least two weeks before or one week after your session. Because of this, I’d recommend starting treatments in the fall or winter (especially if you live in a cold climate), so come summertime, sun exposure is no longer a concern.
Also, avoid drinking the night before or day of a laser treatment, according to Taylor. “Often during hangovers, our nervous system goes into an amplified state, experiencing shaking, sweating, and sensitivity to light, touch, and sound, ” she says.
Aftercare
Typically, the process of laser hair removal can take around six months with appointments every four to six weeks. But it’s not unusual to see some results from the beginning. For me, after my first session, hair grew back much sparser than before. Still, it takes weeks for hair to fall out, and more sessions to have hair totally eliminated. Exfoliating in the shower with a sugar scrub will help speed along the process.
Costs
This hair-zapping service can come with a hefty price tag and can vary depending on your location and the area you want free of fuzz. If you’re treating a small area like the upper lip, expect to pay anywhere between $100-150 per session, but for areas like the legs and arms you should expect to dish out a couple hundred dollars.
What to Do Before Getting Laser Hair Removal on dark skin
If you’re trying to decide if laser hair removal is for you, there are a few items you should be crossing off your checklist before undergoing any treatment. For starters, research the laser hair practitioner and facility that you’re considering using—especially their experience treating dark skin tones. Since dark skin is more sensitive than light skin, Karavolas recommends that you ask the laser hair treatment center to see “before and after” photos of patients with a dark skin type who had undergone a laser procedure. Also, don’t be shy about speaking directly with the technician. Murphy recommends, “I would ask the laser practitioner how long they have worked in the field of laser hair removal, approximately how many patients they’ve treated with a dark skin type, and how satisfied those patients were with their results.”
To ensure your safety as a patient, following pre- and post-procedure guidelines are a must. That includes reviewing any medications and skin care products that you’re using with your doctor. In general, those with ingredients that create photosensitivity (think: AHAs/BHAs, retinol/retinoids, salicylic acid, etc.) should be avoided for at least one week before your treatment. If you’re using Accutane, it’s recommended that you do not undergo any laser treatment for at least six months after stopping medication to avoid the risk of scarring.2 Both Murphy and Karavolas emphasize that you should not overlook a patch test either. “It is ideal to have the practitioner perform a test spot in an inconspicuous area and wait for approximately 48 hours post-treatment. This is an added safety precaution,” says Murphy. Karavolas agrees: “Always do a test patch and wait prior to treatment. If the reaction is good, then you can proceed.”
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance for dark skins
After you undergo laser hair removal, there are certain things you’ll want to do and others that you’ll want to avoid to ensure you get the best results possible. “To reduce any redness or swelling after treatment, it is recommended to apply a cool compress, aloe vera, and topical corticosteroids morning and evening for five days post-treatment,” says Murphy. Karavolas agrees, suggesting any soothing cream after laser. “This can be aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin K, or hydrocortisone 1 percent over the counter,” he explains.
You should also forgo any activity that may irritate the skin during your post-treatment care. For instance, exercise is discouraged for 24 hours, any bleaching, plucking, or waxing for four to six weeks, and direct sun exposure for at least a month after your procedure and/or throughout the treatment series, explains Murphy. As for how long a laser treatment series lasts? “Typically, four to six treatments are recommended,” comments Murphy. But, keep in mind that treatments vary from person to person. “Hair growth is reduced after each treatment, and the number of treatments required will be based on your hair color and type, body area, and skin tone,” she adds.
Risks Every Dark-Skinned Person Should Know
As mentioned earlier, darker skin types are more prone to side effects than lighter skin types. So if you have darker skin, it’s so important that you use the right laser for your skin tone. “If the wrong equipment or wavelength is used, your skin may get temporary burns or discoloration,” Karavolas warns. “Lasers for darker skin complexions have been in existence since 2000. However, most facilities have not spent the money to buy the right equipment,” he adds. So as not to compromise your safety and to protect your skin, it’s essential that you take the proper precautions and only work with trusted and experienced professionals.