Is Laser Hair Removal Safe? Here’s The Breakdown!

Although laser hair removal is widely known as the best method to remove unwanted hair on the body, some who haven’t tried it often have doubts about its safety. This is highly understandable, since perhaps the thought of having a heat laser burning your skin might sound painful and risky.

 

The fact is that laser hair removal is considered as the safest method to remove hairs from your body. And this article aims to wash all those doubts away. Let us break it down for you.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

To understand how safe this method is, first you need to know how it actually works. Just as the name suggests, laser hair removal method uses a laser—an intense, pulsating beam of light—to remove unwanted hair.

 

The laser light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, which damages the hair follicle. The melanin absorbs the light, converting it into heat which then impacts the hair follicles, hindering their ability to grow hair. To be able to do this, a temperature of about 70 degrees needs to be reached. In other words, the light from the laser travels through the hair and is converted to heat and destroys the root.

Who Can Have Laser Hair Removal

In the early days, laser hair removal was only deemed safe for individuals with dark hair and light skin tones. However, due to advancements in technology, now laser hair removal has become a procedure that can be performed on most skin types and hair colours.

 

However, it is most effective on individuals with light skin and dark hair, since the laser targets the pigment or melanin in the hair.

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal

There are certain individuals who should avoid laser hair removal or take special precautions before undergoing the procedure. Some of these individuals include:

• Women who are pregnant or nursing.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, skin disorders, or a history of keloid scarring.
• Individuals with recent sun exposure, tanning, or a history of skin reactions to light.
• Individuals with certain types of moles or warts near the treatment area.
• Individuals who have taken certain medications such as retinoids or photosensitizing drugs.

Laser hair removal during pregnancy

We mentioned above that women who are pregnant or nursing should take extra precautions or avoid laser hair removal altogether. This is because the effects of laser hair removal on a developing foetus are not well understood. Additionally, hormone changes during pregnancy can cause skin to become more sensitive, increasing the risk of skin reactions or burns from the laser.

Precautions To Take

Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is important to take the following precautions to ensure the best possible results and minimise the risk of side effects:

1. Avoid sun exposure: It is important to avoid sun exposure and tanning for several weeks before and after the treatment as it can increase the risk of skin reactions and decrease the effectiveness of the laser.
2. Shave the treatment area: Hair should be shaved as close to the skin as possible before the treatment. This allows the laser to penetrate the hair follicle more effectively.
3. Avoid plucking or waxing: Plucking or waxing the hair in the treatment area should be avoided for at least 6 weeks before the treatment, as it can disrupt the hair growth cycle and make the laser less effective.
4. Inform your therapist of any medical conditions or medications: Make sure to inform your therapist of any medical conditions, medications, or treatments you are receiving, as some may increase the risk of skin reactions or make the laser less effective.
5. Protect your eyes: During the treatment, it is important to protect your eyes from the laser light by wearing protective eyewear provided by the therapist.
6. Take time between each session: The safe time between two laser hair removal sessions is generally 4-8 weeks. This allows time for the hair follicles to enter the shedding phase and for new hair growth to occur, making the next treatment more effective. If you undergo laser hair removal too frequently, it can increase the risk of skin reactions or damage. 

Possible Minor Side Effects

Though considered safe, laser hair removal still has some minor side effects, such as:

• Redness and swelling
• Itching and burning
• Blisters or bruises
• Pigment changes
• Infection

However, these minor side effects are temporary and resolve on their own within a few days to weeks.

We also feel the need to discuss some myths regarding laser hair removal side effects, such as myths that laser hair removal might cause infertility or even cancer. Up until today, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that laser hair removal causes infertility or cancer.

Keep in mind that any cosmetic procedure, including laser hair removal, carries some risk of side effects as mentioned above. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as skin disorders or a history of keloid scarring, may be at increased risk of complications.

The procedure also has no direct effect on fertility. However, individuals who undergo laser hair removal on the genital area should be aware that the laser energy may cause temporary discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area.

Conclusion

Now, you know that laser hair removal is safe. As long as you are well-informed and well-prepared for the treatment. Additionally, it is important to inform your provider or the therapist of any medical conditions, medications, and treatments you are receiving before undergoing laser hair removal. They can advise you on the best course of action for your individual needs. At Best Beauty Aesthetics we give you the best and safest treatment, guaranteeing an enjoyable result, free of unwanted hairs.