If you sat and tallied up how much time and money you spend managing your hair from the top of your head to your toes, you’d probably be shocked. All of this effort for a collection of dead skin cells. Of course, no one wants to think of their hair that way. The hair on your head can be a key part of your look and can be used a signal to others to say what your style is. But, unwanted body hair? That’s just a nuisance that you begrudgingly deal with every few days.

This is where questioning your investment of time and money into hair removal comes in. You may currently be on the fence about deciding to take the plunge on laser hair removal. After all, if you’re just looking at the price tag, laser treatment is certainly more expensive than a box of razors or a waxing. But, it’s the long term that you need to really think about. That’s when the value of laser hair removal indisputably goes up, even in comparison to shaving. Here is what you need to know about the laser hair removal process.

The downsides of shaving or waxing

Everyone becomes familiar with shaving at a relatively young age, usually in the early teens. From then on, it’s something of a lifelong ritual. Somehow, it becomes more of a nuisance with age. Probably because you’re trying to rush to work every morning. Shaving is the simplest way to deal with unwanted body hair, but it’s also the least efficient considering you need to do it every few days. Also, it’s not news to anyone that buying razors is quite the expense. Waxing is a little better due to the effects lasting several weeks. However, waxing is painful and not exactly cheap either. It’s certainly not a permanent solution. Waxing and shaving are certainly cheaper in the short term, but over the course of your lifetime they will cost far more than laser treatments which are a permanent solution.

How laser hair removal works

The laser hair removal process is relatively simple. The laser device is passed over the skin and is directed at the hair follicles themselves. The targeting of individual follicles is key because this precision protects the surrounding skin from experiencing any harm. A session usually lasts under a half hour, though it can be longer depending on the treatment area. As the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy, it is damaged and dies so it can’t grow back. The reason why multiple treatments are usually required is because laser treatments are only effective on hair that is in the growth stage. All of your follicles aren’t simultaneously in the growth phase, so many are bound to be missed during the first treatment session. After several treatments a few weeks apart, you should be able to say goodbye to your unwanted hair for good.

Who can benefit from laser hair removal?

Many people can benefit from laser treatments, however not everyone responds as well to them. For example, people with darker hair respond the best because darker pigments absorb the laser energy better. Lighter hair like blonde or red may not respond as well. Your doctor can go over your options and may even suggest a test to see if your skin and hair follicles respond well to the laser.

Should you worry about side effects?

There are few, if any, side effects when it comes to laser hair removal. The most common issues are some redness and a little swelling right after the treatment, but it’s milder than the reaction to waxing and goes away quickly. Anything more serious than that is extremely rare. The vast majority of patients will be able to go right back about their days following treatment, with no recovery time required.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal is certainly the best solution for dealing with unwanted hair if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. It can feel like a major decision between the cost, the permanence, and the need for multiple treatments. Rest assured, it’ll all be worth it if you want to be rid of your hair forever. Say goodbye to obnoxious shaving and painful waxing. Once your treatments are completed and you no longer have to worry about upkeep, you’ll be wondering why you waited so long to undergo treatment. If you’d like to know more about laser hair removal, if you’re a good candidate, or you’re ready to get started, book an appointment online with us today. Dr. El Asmar and the team at Vermont Med Spa are dedicated to providing you with the cutting edge treatments you need so you can look and feel your best.