Generally speaking, laser hair removal is an effective hair removal method for most skin and hair types. Traditionally, individuals with fine, light hair and light skin or dark hair and dark skin may not have received the best results from laser hair removal. However, recent advancements in laser technology mean this treatment is far more accessible and effective for a wide range of skin tones and hair types.
Men and women alike can permanently eradicate unwanted body hair with laser hair removal to remove their reliance on high-maintenance hair removal methods, such as waxing. Laser treatment is a low-maintenance, permanent alternative to shaving and waxing and leaves patients with consistently smooth and soft skin. Unwanted hair can be a source of insecurity or just plain inconvenience for many, and laser hair removal could be the solution for you.
If you have any questions about undergoing laser hair removal or whether it is the right approach for you, speak to a laser hair removal specialist at Xanadu Med Spa for free today.
Call our team at 970-591-7919 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle with high-energy lasers. The laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair and travels down the hair below the skin to the hair follicle. Once the laser energy reaches the hair follicle, it damages or destroys hair at the root to reduce or stop hair growth.
As laser hair removal treats hair growth by addressing the source of the growth, as opposed to just removing the hair, this offers a permanent method of removing unwanted body hair.
Several factors can influence how laser hair removal will work for you, or whether you are eligible for the treatment. For example, some medical conditions and medications may mean that you are unable to undergo laser hair removal treatment, at least for a specified period of time, or until the medical issue subsides.
As laser hair removal lasers target the pigment in hair, the hair color and type of hair can impact how effective the treatment is. Fine and light-colored hair can be more challenging for the laser to locate and treat. Generally, individuals with thicker and darker hair will see more effective results quickly with laser hair removal. However, a skilled laser technician and top-quality equipment mean that effective permanent results are achievable for patients with almost all hair types.
A patient’s skin color can also affect the laser’s ability to locate hair follicles. In previous years, laser hair removal was not advised for individuals with darker skin as earlier lasers could not differentiate between the pigment in the skin and the body hair. However, this is no longer the case, as laser technology has advanced substantially, and different laser wavelengths are effective for treating hair on darker skin tones.
The easiest combination of hair type and skin tone to treat with laser hair removal is thick, dark hair against light skin due to the contrast between the skin and hair. Although, it is now possible to achieve effective treatment on most skin tones. Your hair type and skin tone may affect how many treatment sessions you require to achieve your desired outcome.
Some medical conditions may mean that you can’t undergo laser hair removal, either temporarily or permanently. For example, you may not be suitable for laser hair removal if you have vitiligo, bleeding disorders, psoriasis, keloid scars, cold sores, or some cancers. Patients with cold sores or herpes may still be able to have laser hair removal in some situations, but the laser can lead to an outbreak of the virus. As such, patients should start a course of antiviral medication at least three days before their session and continue the medication for five days after treatment.
In addition, if you currently have any open wounds, skin irritation, or sunburn, you should not undergo laser hair removal until your skin has healed.
Similarly, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also unable to undergo laser hair removal. This can be particularly frustrating for women as pregnancy can increase body hair growth. Once you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, you should be able to have laser hair removal treatments.
Specific medications can make your skin more sensitive to light, which can cause skin irritation or damage. If you are taking or have recently taken these medications, you may have to wait for a period of time after stopping the medication before laser treatment. Medications such as Prozac for depression, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, some antibiotics, and steroids may all affect your skin’s sensitivity and mean that you will need to stop taking the medication before laser hair removal.
Similarly, acne medications, such as Accutane and Isotretinoin, also increase the light sensitivity of your skin. Patients need to wait six months after stopping these medications before laser treatments.
Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or undergoing gold therapy for arthritis are also unsuitable for laser hair removal.
Thanks to technological advancements and the state-of-the-art equipment at Xanadu Med Spa, not everyone but most people are able to undergo laser hair removal treatments and achieve effective, permanent hair loss results.
Although hair type and skin tone do not exclude you from laser treatment, some exceptions apply, including medical conditions and individuals on specific medications. Similarly, it is not possible to perform laser hair removal over tattooed skin. This is due to the pigment in the tattoo, which can attract the laser’s energy away from the hair follicles and can result in burns on the skin.
Laser hair removal is a versatile treatment that can be used to remove unwanted hair in almost all body areas, including more sensitive areas such as the upper lip. Areas that we frequently treat with laser hair removal at Xanadu Med Spa include the following:
The exact number of laser hair removal sessions you will require will depend upon your hair and skin type and the size of the area you want to treat. Typically, at Xanadu, we recommend an initial course of 6 to 8 sessions for your initial treatments.
After your course is complete, you may need infrequent maintenance laser treatments if you have any breakthrough hair growth as your body develops new hair follicles. Generally, any re-growth will be sparse, the hair will be finer, and how frequently you need top-up procedures will decrease with time. Many patients achieve permanent hair removal from their initial course and require few or no maintenance sessions.
To prepare for your treatment, avoid excess skin irritation and improve your results, there are several steps to prepare, including avoiding the sun and certain skin products and shaving. You should also attend your session with freshly washed skin with no products, including tan, moisturizer, or deodorant in the treatment area.
Refrain from using skin products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid before your treatment, as they can lead to irritation. Similarly, avoid using skin-lightening products and fake tans before your session. Skin lightening products can increase your skin sensitivity, and fake tan can affect the success of the laser.
It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your laser hair removal sessions. If your skin is irritated or you have been sunburnt before your treatment, you should rearrange your session to avoid further skin irritation from the laser.
Patients should shave the treatment area either the night before or the morning of their laser session. Shaving is important because it can increase the visible pigment and help the laser to identify and treat the hair follicles. If the treatment area is not shaven, laser hair removal cannot go ahead as the hair above the skin can attract the laser’s energy and result in burns to the skin.
You will need to avoid using hair removal methods such as waxing, plucking, and epilating for six weeks before your laser treatment. These hair removal methods extract the hair at the follicle and can make it more difficult for the laser to locate and target the hair follicles.
If you undergo laser hair removal with Xanadu Med Spa, you can expect a premier quality service from highly trained professionals equipped to achieve the best results possible. You will be pampered and taken care of throughout your time with us and will go home feeling refreshed, relaxed, and excited to see the results of your treatment!
The first step in your laser hair removal journey at Xanadu Med Spa is your free consultation with a member of our team. During your consultation, we can discuss your hair removal goals and any questions or concerns you may have.
An experienced laser technician will review your hair type and work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan to achieve your desired results. This consultation is completely free of charge and comes with no obligations if you decide that laser hair removal is not for you.
Laser hair removal is relatively pain-free in comparison to some other hair removal methods. Some patients feel slight discomfort and describe the feeling of the laser as a rubber band snapping against the skin. Other patients feel a warm sensation in their skin during their session. The laser technology at Xanadu Med Spa uses cooling technology at the same time as the laser to reduce the heat you may feel in your skin and minimize the chances of irritation.
If you are concerned about pain during your session, you can use a topical anesthetic, but most Xanadu patients find their sessions are painless. The laser technicians at Xanadu are experts at making sure our clients are comfortable throughout. If you have highly sensitive skin we will treat small sections and regularly stop to check on your skin.
Aftercare recommendations after a laser hair removal session are relatively simple but important to follow to avoid skin irritation. Once you have had a laser hair removal session, your skin will be more sensitive to products and sun exposure. You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after completing your treatment course. In addition, refrain from using harsh products, such as chemical peels, for four weeks after your sessions.
The benefits of laser hair removal are extensive. After their treatment, Xanadu patients have permanently soft, hair-free skin, more free time that isn’t spent shaving, and increased confidence in their skin. Some of the benefits you can experience include the following:
If you have light and fine hair, darker skin, or a medical condition, the skill of your technician becomes even more crucial. To ensure you receive the best results possible, you need a technician with a keen eye for detail and the skill to work with more challenging treatment areas.
Similarly, patients with darker skin tones or those with medical conditions may be more sensitive to the laser. The staff at Xanadu are highly trained to work with more sensitive skin and challenging hair types to avoid excess irritation and still achieve the best possible results. Your satisfaction and the quality of the treatment we provide are our utmost priority, and our team goes above and beyond to ensure our patients are happy with their results.
Our highly trained team of professionals has extensive knowledge of how medical conditions and skin and hair types influence laser treatment. As such, we can provide you with the best laser hair removal advice specific to your circumstances. Our expert training and cutting-edge laser technology mean that laser treatment is more accessible to most people than ever before.
To understand how Xanadu Med Spa and laser hair removal can help you to permanently remove your body hair, contact us today. Call 970-591-7919 to book your free consultation.
