Laser for hair removal on legs
Hair removal can be a pain – in both a boring, time consuming and literally painful sense. Once you’ve made the life-changing decision to start removing your unwanted body hair though, there’s really no going back.
For most people, shaving is the first method of hair removal to look towards – it’s quick, painful and relatively inexpensive. However, with shaving you have the added hassle of having to keep up with removing your hairs every time they start to grow back as an attempt to avoid post-shave stubble. For some, this can turn into an every day job just to maintain silky smooth skin – nobody has the time for that on a daily basis.
Waxing sounds like a better alternative to this, right? Simply head to a salon or buy at-home wax strips and get straight down to ripping out those unwanted hairs. This seems like the perfect idea for those few weeks that you’re completely hair-free and don’t have to wake up 10 minutes earlier in a morning to spend that extra time in the shower with a razor. However, what about when the hair starts growing back? If you’re planning on waxing again, you can’t touch it. You’ll have to wait it out until all of the hair fully grows back in order to be able to wax again, which leaves you in hairy leg territory for a few days. If you happen to have an event that falls in this time frame, chances are you’ll pick up a razor to shave for a quick fix, undo all of your hard work and be back in the vicious cycle of shaving once again.
If you’ve had enough of wasting time with temporary hair removal to only be left dissatisfied with the results soon after, it makes sense that you’ve been weighing up your more permanent options and have been looking into laser hair removal as a solution. Before you dive straight into booking a laser hair removal appointment though, there’s a few things that you need to know. Firstly, though, let’s take a look at what laser hair removal actually is…
What is laser hair removal?
Think of laser hair removal as the answer to all of your unwanted bodily hair prayers. The method is tried and tested by millions of people who have seen a permanent reduction in the growth of their unwanted hair.
Unlike more traditional methods of hair removal which either simply trim the hair to the surface of the skin, or pull the hair out from the root, laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle. Using a cosmetic laser which adjusts to your skin and hair type, it basically zaps away at each hair follicle, killing it in the process and preventing it from growing back.
The process is relatively pain free, and sounds simple enough, but it may not actually be suitable for everyone, and there’s a few precautions that need to be taken before undergoing laser hair removal…
1. Don’t ditch the razor just yet
Before you go head and ditch all of your razors in favour of hair-free laser treated skin, it’s important to know that you will actually need to shave prior to your appointment. There’s quite a simple reason to it really: the laser needs to target the hair follicle at the root, and having long hairs sticking out above the skin, will only get in the way. The hair can absorb the laser energy itself, as opposed to it directly hitting the hair follicle, meaning it’s a waste of time and will have no effect whatsoever.
Having said that, it’s important to note that only shaving is allowed prior to laser hair removal appointments. Think again before waxing or tweezing, as by doing this you’d be pulling out the hair root, which is what the laser needs to target. Without the hair root being visible to the laser, the treatment would be deemed useless. So, remember: shave, don’t wax or tweeze!
2. Steer clear of tanning beds
The ideal time for undergoing laser hair removal is when your skin is at its natural colour. This means staying away from the sun beds for a prolonged period (at least four weeks) prior to your appointment until you’re no longer sun tanned (or even worse, sun burnt). The same goes for tanning in natural sunlight, so you won’t be able to undergo the treatment directly after a sunny holiday if you’ve been exposed to UV rays.
The reason that the skin can’t be treated by laser if it’s tanned, is that it puts the skin at risk of discolouration – and that’s not what we want. It makes sense that the majority of people tend to opt for laser hair removal during the winter months when they’re less likely to be tanned, in order to prepare for a hair-free summer months in advance.
3. Put down the fake tan too
If having a tan is super important to you, and you just can’t bare to go without using the sun beds, then applying self tan might seem like the next best option. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to undergo the treatment if when wearing self tan. As spray tans/tanning lotions or anything similar are used to darken the skin, there’s a chance that more of the laser energy will be absorbed in the skin as opposed to the hair follicle. This will not only reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, but the excessive light energy absorption in the skin can lead to a risk of blisters or burns.
Following any laser hair removal treatment, it should also be advised that self tanners should not be used for the next 4 weeks.
4. Lay off the skincare products
If you’re used to layering on oils, moisturisers and lotions every morning, you’ll have to skip this step on the day of your laser hair removal appointment. To avoid any complications and the risk of discolouration, it’s important that the skin is completely clean and free from any product.
Regarding prescribed facial creams such as Retin-A for acne, it’s important to avoid use of these for at least two to four weeks before the treatment, to ensure the skin is in its normal state and isn’t overly sensitive to the procedure.
5. Check with your doctor
If you’re taking any sort of prescribed medication, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if this will affect your ability to have the treatment. Certain medications such as Accutane can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the laser’s UV light, and could cause unwanted reactions. It might be the case that you’ll have to stop taking the medication for a certain period of time prior to the procedure, so it’s always worth checking with your doctor.
6. Appointment times vary
Depending on the size of the area you’re getting treated, the procedure could take anywhere from a few minutes (treating the upper lip, for example) to as much as an hour (treating the legs, for example). So, you might even be able to squeeze in a quick laser hair removal treatment in your lunch break for convenience.
With that being said, it should be noted that there’s a limit to the amount of body hair you can laser in one session. Any good practitioner will tell you that there’s only so much laser light and energy that your body can safely absorb in one session, and won’t let you exceed that.
7. Expect to have multiple appointments
Although laser hair removal might sound like a miracle solution to unwanted hair, it doesn’t work miracles in just one session. For the best results, you need to be consistent. This means attending multiple appointments, and sticking to the correct before and after procedures. Hair grows in cycles, and in order to be able to catch all hairs at the optimum stage of the growth cycle, multiple sessions will be required to treat each target area.
8. But you should see instant results
After just one session, you’ll start to see changes in your hair growth, usually resulting in a reduction in the amount of hair that grows back, and the rate at which it does. It goes without saying, that this will only get better and more visible after each session, so it’s definitely worth persisting with. Patience doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, but by sticking with laser hair removal, you should start to see prominent results after three months of having the treatment.
It’s important to remember that laser hair removal is a method of permanently reducing hair growth, not permanent removal. It’s easy to get the two confused, but be sure that you’re aware of the expected outcome before being left disappointed.
9. Pain is kept to a minimum
Laser hair removal isn’t as painful as you might think, and is usually a far more tolerable method of hair removal than waxing or depilating. Many people compare the sensation to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. Fair enough, that might sound pretty uncomfortable – but the laser targets large areas at once and it’s over fairly quickly, meaning you can barely notice it.
In terms of side effects, laser hair removal is an extremely safe treatment, and not many side effects should be present. Some people may experience itchiness, redness and a warm sensation on the skin – but that will usually subside after around 20 minutes to 2 hours post-treatment.
10. Finally, do your research
You don’t need us to tell you how important it is to do your research before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Laser hair removal is no exception to that, and it’s crucial that you know the treatment is being carried out by a trained professional. Your skin isn’t something that you want to be messed with by just anybody, so ensure that you’re going to a certified dermatologist who knows what they’re doing.
We offer Ellipse laser hair removal in Bolton which has been tried and tested by leading doctors who have carried out various clinical trials. Our team are fully qualified to operate the safe and effective Ellipse machine, and are always sure to follow the correct procedures and guidelines when administering the treatment.
Beard laser hair removal side effects
If you are tired of traditional hair removal techniques, like shaving, waxing or depilatory creams, and want a longer-lasting effect, you may be considering laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is the most effective hair removal procedure available and can be used on practically any part of the body, including sensitive areas like the face and bikini line. Popular areas for treatments are facial hair, leg hair, pubic area, underarm hair, back hair and chest hair.
Unlike other hair removal treatments, it provides long term effects. With each treatment, the hair will become finer and softer, it will be less visible and the growth will slow down.
What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal?
There are a few common side effects that can appear after a laser hair removal treatment. Most of these effects are minor and temporary, but include:
- Redness or skin irritation: as laser hair removal works by damaging the hair follicle of the targeted hairs, many people will experience short-lived tingling, redness or skin irritation. The skin may appear to swell slightly. Irritation like this should ease within a few hours of the treatment.
- Crusting: some people may experience crusting on the treated area, another minor effect that should pass off quickly. By taking care of the area afterwards, using a moisturiser, you can prevent any scabbing which could lead to scarring.
- Changes to skin colour: some people can experience hyper or hypopigmentation, which means the skin in the targeted area might get darker or lighter. Again these changes will fade over time and the normal skin colour will return.
These are the common side effects and tend to be minor and temporary. If any of these symptoms persist, it’s important to consult your dermatologist.
Like any other method of cosmetic hair removal, there is always a risk of infection. If you experience any signs or symptoms of infection, contact your dermatologist straight away or see your GP.
As the process uses powerful lasers, you might be concerned about the side effects of laser hair removal on the face. There is potentially a risk of eye injury when a practitioner is working near the eyes, so you must wear protective eye equipment when the procedure is carried out. Otherwise, the process is safe for the face, carrying only the normal, smaller risks of the side effects mentioned above.
Severe side effects are rare and the risk of them increases if you don’t choose to have the treatment administered by a trained and certified professional. These can include excessive hair growth in the targeted area; changes to your skin texture; scarring or blisters.
If you have any concerns about these side effects, you can discuss them in your consultation with our expert dermatologists. At sk:n we have a safe environment with strict medical protocols.
Common Misconceptions About Laser Hair Removal
You may have heard some frightening things about having laser hair removal. These are usually unfounded myths.
- It causes skin cancer: this myth is untrue. The lasers are scientifically designed to pass through skin cells, only targeting hair follicles. Although they do emit a very small amount of radiation, this is not thought to be harmful and there is no evidence to show that laser hair removal causes skin cancer.
- It causes infertility: as the lasers only penetrate the skin and don’t reach or affect any other organs, it’s not possible for the laser to affect fertility, even when used in the pubic area.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method of hair removal for most people. However, there are certain people who should avoid it.
Who Shouldn’t Have Laser Hair Removal?
There are a few people who should either avoid laser hair removal treatment or be especially careful when they discuss it with an expert practitioner before having the procedure.
- Pregnancy: laser hair removal is not recommended for people who are pregnant. This is because there have not been any scientific studies carried out that prove it is safe. You should wait until after you have given birth and your hormones have returned to normal before having the treatment.
- Light Sensitivity: anyone who is hypersensitive to light shouldn’t have the procedure. Certain medications will increase light sensitivity, for instance, some antidepressants, anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to discuss with your dermatologist which medication you may be taking
- Keloid Scarring: people with keloid scars, or if you have skin healing problems, like hypertrophic scarring, you may need to avoid laser hair removal in that area. Again your dermatologist will be able to advise you.
When you book at a sk:n clinic, you always get a one to one consultation with one of our highly qualified practitioners, where you can discuss any concerns you may have.
How Long Does It Take To Get Results?
As laser hair removal treatment targets the root of the hair beneath the surface of the skin, it has to destroy the hair at a particular stage in its growth cycle. Individual hairs are always at a different point in this cycle, so you will need multiple sessions to get the longest term benefits.
We usually recommend having 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
How Much Does It Cost?
When you invest in a course of laser hair removal, you may never need to wax, shave or use a hair removal cream again, saving you time, money and hassle.
A course of 8 treatments, carried out by our specialist hair removal practitioners starts at £940 for a full face treatment; £1280 for full legs; £520 for bikini line and £440 for underarms.
See our website for full pricing details and discounts.
Key Takeaways
- Laser hair removal is suitable for men and women with all skin tones.
- It works on your entire body including sensitive areas such as the face and pubic areas.
- Side effects are usually minor, things like redness, irritation or temporary changes to skin colour.
- Laser hair removal is safe and is not linked to cancer or infertility.
- It’s not recommended for people who are pregnant.
- Always discuss any medication you are taking in your consultation as these can affect the process.
- Always discuss any skin conditions you may have with a dermatologist before having laser hair removal treatment.
- Laser hair removal is a safe and cost-effective way to remove hair.
Permanent beard removal cream
While facial hair is natural in males and females, some people prefer to remove some or all of it. There is a range of options to remove facial hair at home, including over-the-counter creams and with tools such as razors, tweezers, and epilators.
The skin on the face is more sensitive than skin elsewhere on the body. When removing facial hair, be sure to look after the skin by cleansing and moisturizing afterward.
Read on for six simple ways to remove facial hair at home plus some other, more permanent methods to consider.
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1. Shaving
The benefit of shaving is that it is easy to do, pain-free, and affordable. Although effective at removing hair, the results are short-lived.
Shaving does not remove hair at the root, but at the same level as the skin, so it will grow back more quickly. People can expect hair to grow back within a day or two.
People can shave areas of their face with a razor, using either a dry shave or a wet shave.
A dry shave uses an electric razor, so people will not need to use water or shaving foam. To dry shave:
- Wash the face to remove dirt and oils, and then dry with a clean towel.
- Keep the skin taut by pulling it firmly to create a smooth surface to shave on.
- Run the razor slowly over the area in the direction of the hair growth.
- Keep the blade at right angles to get the best contact between the skin and razor.
- Depending on the razor, move the blade using circular or straight motions.
To wet shave, people can use a disposable or long-life razor with either soap and water or shaving cream:
- Wash the face with warm water to soften the skin and remove dirt and oils.
- Apply soap and water or shaving cream.
- Hold the skin taut and shave in the same direction the hair grows.
- Rinse the blade in between each stroke.
- After finishing, wash the face with cool water and pat dry.
If there are any moles or spots on the face, take care to avoid these or shave very lightly over them.
After shaving, rinse the face and apply a moisturizer to rehydrate the skin. Clean the razor and store it in a dry place. When using a disposable razor, replace after 5–7 shaves.
When shaving a small area of the face, try using a small razor specifically designed for the face. Online stores offer a range of facial razors with plenty of customer reviews to help choose the right one.
2. Tweezing
People can use tweezers to pull the hair out from the root. Tweezing removes one hair at a time, so it can be more time consuming and is best for small areas of hair removal, such as around the eyebrows.
Tweezing can be temporarily painful and cause slight redness, but these sensations should quickly fade.
To remove facial hair using tweezers:
- Wash the area of skin with warm water, and then pat dry.
- Pull the area of skin taut and grip the hair with the tweezers.
- Firmly and quickly pull in the direction of hair growth.
After tweezing, rinse the area with cold water or an astringent solution to prevent skin irritation.
3. Waxing
Waxing removes hair from the root by applying melted wax to the skin. When people let the wax cool and then rip it away from the skin, it takes the hair with it.
People can use waxing as a way of removing facial hair, although they should take care to avoid delicate areas such as the nose and ears and any areas of sensitive or irritated skin.
People should not wax on any areas of skin that have:
- sunburn
- moles
- warts
- varicose veins
People should also avoid waxing if they have:
- taken isotretinoin within the last 6 months
- diabetes
- any issues with their circulation
Waxing is an effective way of removing hair, and the effects can last for several weeks. It can be more painful than other methods as it removes hair from the root.
If people want to wax facial hair at home:
- Avoid using any retinoid products 2–5 days before waxing the face as this can cause the skin to come away with the hair.
- Wash and dry the face before waxing.
- Test the wax on the inside of the wrist to check the temperature. It should feel warm with no pain or burning sensation.
- Apply the wax in the same direction of the hair growth.
- Press the strip of cloth, provided with the pack, firmly on top of the wax and leave for 2–3 seconds, or as long as the instructions state.
- Hold the skin taut and quickly pull the cloth strip away, pulling in the opposite direction to that in which the hair grows.
- To ease any pain that accompanies waxing, apply a cold compress to their face afterward.
People should stop waxing if they notice any swelling or redness and see their doctor or dermatologist if this lasts for more than a few days.
If people are unsure about waxing at home, they can talk to a dermatologist for more information.
4. Using an epilator
An epilator is an electrical device that removes hair from the root using rotating tweezers that pull the hair upwards. A small epilator may be best for use on the face or smaller areas of hair.
People can try this method by following the instructions of the epilator they are using. The instructions may include these steps:
- Exfoliate the skin before epilating.
- Hold the device at a right angle to the skin surface.
- Move the epilator slowly over the area of hair.
People may find epilating painful as it pulls hair up from the roots. This means that it also provides longer lasting results.
People can find epilators in drug stores or choose between types of epilator online.
5. Using depilatory cream
People can use a depilatory cream to remove facial hair. Depilatory creams remove the hair by dissolving the structure of the hair. People can then just wipe the hair away from the skin.
Some people may experience irritation or an allergic reaction to these types of creams, so they should carry out a patch test on a small area of skin before applying to their face. Avoid using this cream around the eyes or eyebrows.
People should not use depilatory creams on any area of skin that is:
- particularly sensitive
- irritated or burnt
- inflamed
- broken or chapped
People should carefully follow instructions for the depilatory product they are using and stop if they notice any irritation.
6. Topical creams or medication
If an individual finds other methods of hair removal are not effective for them, they may consider using a topical prescription cream, such as Vaniqa.
People should test any creams on a small patch of skin before applying to their face, as these products may irritate. If an individual notices a reaction to the product, they should stop using the cream and talk to their doctor if the irritation does not pass.
Like other home methods, topical creams have temporary results, and the effects may last for 1 to 2 weeks. Some of these creams can contain strong chemicals, and people should talk to their doctor about any side effects.
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Permanent methods
Laser hair removal is a long-term but not a permanent method for hair removal. If a person wants to remove their facial hair permanently, they can try electrolysis.
Electrolysis destroys the growth of the hair at the base of the hair follicle, which means the hair is unable to grow back.
Electrolysis is a permanent option for removing hair, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source recognize it as a method of permanent hair removal. Electrolysis is safe to use on the face.
During electrolysis, an electrologist will insert a sterile needle into the hair follicle. A small amount of electrical current then passes through and destroys the cells that stimulate hair growth. People will need repeat treatments to complete the electrolysis process.
Outlook
There are many ways to remove hair from their face, and people can choose whichever method they feel best works for them and their skin.
If unsure about carrying out any methods of hair removal at home, talk to a dermatologist or other cosmetic professional. Discuss any medical conditions that may affect the safety of hair removal before treatment.
People can consult a dermatologist about permanent solutions, such as electrolysis.
If females notice any unusual changes to the hair growth on their face, they should see their doctor, as it may signal an underlying health condition.