Some people would love to have the hair on their bodies and face removed. Waxing, threading and shaving all help you get rid of hair on body temporarily but none of those options are permanent ones. If you are seeking a more permanent solution to body hair, then laser hair removal is a good option that can also help with the hair removal process.
Laser hair removal Dubai is a popular choice for many people because it is quick and effective, and it provides long-lasting benefits. But a common question that people ask before they make an appointment for treatment is whether or not laser hair removal is permanent.
The full story is laser hair removal can equal huge long term reduction but doesn’t necessarily equal destruction of all of the hair. The end result depends on your skin type, hair colour, and area, hormones and number of treatments received.
Discover How Laser Hair Removal Works At American Medical Center, JLT. We think that when a treatment truly works well, the patient should have some idea of how it works before having it. Here’s our guide to laser hair removal.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an outpatient procedure that safely uses heat from a focused light to diminish unwanted hair. Hair contains a pigment called melanin. When the laser beam is directed onto the skin, the heat will pass through the hair down to the follicle producing new hair and heat it.
This will hinder the follicles from growing any hair when they are heated sufficiently. With a series of treatments, this results in a slowing of hair growth, finer hair growth and a reduction in the visible hair in the treated area.
Laser hair removal treatments are suitable for use on any part of the body, from the face, arms and legs, to underarms, back, chest and bikini area. Men and women can use the treatment.
Because this method of hair removal targets the hair follicle, unlike shaving, it produces a much longer lasting effect. This is very different from shaving, which only removes hair from the surface of the skin.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
A major reason why people go for laser hair removal is for the sake of permanent results. But you should be clear on the distinction of permanent hair removal and permanent hair reduction.
Some consider laser hair removal to be semi-permanent, but actually it will only inhibit the growth of your hair. because of the treatment process, with regards to stopping the growth of your hair completely, there is always the possibility that the hair follicles may start up again.
After the suggested number of sessions, you will begin to see the hair coming back. However, it will be easier to manage than it was before the treatment; it may be finer, lighter and less dense.
There is a possibility of some people requiring touch up treatments to manage new growth. Hair growth can be affected by changes to hormones, aging, pregnancy or other medical conditions.
Therefore, despite the fact that the hair laser removal treatment can be highly effective, it is not a good idea to expect to remain hair-free after a certain number of sessions.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal travels through the skin to the melanin in the hair. The heat generated by the laser light which is absorbed by the pigment will damage the hair follicle and interrupt the process of hair growth.
But unfortunately not all body hairs are active all the time. Hair grows in phases. Laser works best when the hairs are in the active growth phase.
This is why you will need more than one session. During a single session, some of your follicles are in the perfect phase for the treatment to work, some are resting, and others are about to begin the process all over again.
Your provider will recommend when the treatment can be repeated to treat additional hair follicles. The length of time between the treatments will depend on the area being treated, the thickness of your hair, and your skin type.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do You Need?
This varies from person to person, and some clients may see a big drop in hair growth after just the first couple of appointments, while others may need several to get the results they want.
Generally most patients require 6-8 treatments for an effective hair reduction- however this is an estimate and some areas may require a few extra treatments. This will depend on whether the hair is hormonally driven or not.
And the face might just need quicker treatment, because it’s more readily affected by changes in the gland’s hormone levels. Has areas such as the legs or arms will react differently.
Armpits: Laser treatments are often effective for the hair on the underarms. Most people will need 6 to 8 treatments, but this can vary if the hair is of a finer or thicker nature.
Legs: As the treatment area is larger the treatment may take longer than other areas. Usually around 6 to 8 sessions are advised.
Arms: Laser hair removal can result in the permanent removal of unwanted arm hair. The needed amount of treatments is defined by skin type and hair density.
Face: Upper lip, chin and cheek may need multiple sittings. Hormonal imbalance can also keep encouraging new growth and would require upkeep sessions.
Bikini area: The bikini area is generally very responsive to laser procedures. The number of treatments varies depending on hair coarseness, skin type, and rate of growth.
Back and chest: These are common targets for men. Hair on the back and chest is thick and dense and requires more than one session to remove.
A licensed dermatologist or laser treatment specialist can evaluate your skin and hair to determine which treatment option will benefit you the most.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
For unwanted hair, your only hope for избави from it is laser hair removal.
1. Hair Reduction That Lasts
Long-term hair reduction Laser hair removal offers the longest-lasting hair reduction, so long as you undergo all the recommended sessions. After the course of treatment, most people enjoy finer hair, slower hair regrowth, and less visible hair in the treated areas.
You may need to undergo it sometimes but the end results can be much longer-lasting than the effects of shaving or waxing.
2. Shaving and waxing less often
Shaving and waxing can be very time-consuming, particularly if you need to shave or wax multiple areas of your body. Laser hair removal can cut back on how often you need to groom.
In this way, you may discover that you have to shave much less frequently once you finish your treatment sessions.
3. Reduces ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs Hair that grows back into the skin after it’s been shaved, waxed, or tweezed instead of growing outwards can cause bumps, redness, and irritation.
You may be prone to this if you shave or wax a lot. As laser hair removal cuts down on hair growth, you may see less ingrown hairs.
But some of the disorders, skin irritation for example, may require individual treatments.
4. Smoother-Looking Skin
Shaving and waxing on a regular basis may cause the skin to be a little rough and irritated. Laser hair removal has the ability to diminish the density of the hair growth in treated areas, helping skin to feel smoother.
People also observe less hair roots and slower regrowth after their series of treatments.
5. Applicable to Various Body Parts
Laser hair removal can be performed on the face, neck, underarms, arms, legs, back, chest, and bikini line.
This means you can target just one specific body part or treat multiple areas.
6. Saves Time in the Long Run
Blowing, waxing, and threading need regular touch-ups. These tiny beauty rituals eat up so much of your time in the long run.
Laser treatment can help simplify your daily skin care and hair removal routine by slowing down the growth of your hair.
When Will You Start Seeing Results?
The effects of laser hair removal are generally not seen immediately. You might see some decrease in hair growth after your first session, but the full effects will typically take multiple sessions.
The treated hair will fall out after several days or a few weeks after the session. This is normal. It may appear that hair is growing back when in fact, the treated hair is actually forcing itself out of the follicle.
With continued treatment, you may see the hair growing back more thinly and slower. In some places, there may be patches where only a few hairs grow.
So it is vital to adhere to the suggested treatment routine rather than discontinuing as we see early signs of progress. This allows treatment to head to a larger number of hair follicles while they’re still in their development phase.
Will Laser Hair Removal Work on All Skin Types?
Laser hair removal treatment is suitable for all skin types but the type of treatment required and technology used must be appropriate for the skin type.
The laser targets the melanin within the hair, which makes the difference between skin pigment and hair pigment important in selecting the appropriate treatment method.
Individuals with darker skin tones may be able to undergo laser hair removal, too. There are certain types of lasers that are more appropriate for people with darker skin tones, and the treatment settings may need to be adjusted to prevent skin burns or discolouration.
Today’s laser treatments are capable of tackling darker skin tones, but not all lasers are created equal.
Your skin tone, hair colour and thickness, as well as your medical history should be determined by a trained technician before any treatment is undertaken. You may also need a patch test to be conducted.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Laser hair removal is an effective and safe treatment if performed by a properly trained technician who has the correct device in the proper environment. Like with any skin treatment, it can cause short-term side effects.
Some patients may experience mild redness, swelling and warmth in the area treated. This will resolve within a matter of days.
Although rare, laser treatment can sometimes result in burns, blistering, scarring or change in pigmentation. More likely to happen if the settings aren’t appropriate for your skin, or if it has recently been exposed to sunlight.
Use a clinic that adheres to safe hygiene practices when making the procedure safer. Before the treatment, the therapist should inform you of the treatment method, side effects, and advise you about treatment aftercare.
Avoid laser hair removal over tattoos, and be sure to inform your provider about any new skin medication or recent sun exposure.
Getting Ready for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
You can ease the procedure by preparing your skin ahead of time.
Never wax, thread or pluck the hair you are being treated at any time before your appointment, as the root has to be there for the laser to be effective. In most cases your technician will suggest you shave before the procedure as it removes the hair, not the root.
Refrain from direct sun exposure or tanning beds prior to your treatment. Freshly tanned skin can be more sensitive to the laser treatment and also has an increased risk of side effects.
Your clinic will tell you which other products you should not use, as they may be irritating. Use the product advice from the person administering your treatment.
Before your appointment, make sure the area to be treated is clean and without any creams, oils, deodorants or makeup if working in a specific area.
Inform your practitioner if you are taking any medication or have recently begun using any skin care products.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare: What Should You Do?
Post-treatment Aftercare: Laser hair removal treatments require some aftercare. It is normal for your skin to be mildly warm or to appear slightly pink following your procedure, so gentle care is necessary.
Avoid hot showers, steam rooms, sauna, any strenuous exercises or other vigorous activity as directed by your treatment provider after the recommended time, especially if the treated area is itchy.
Apply a mild moisturiser if advised, and do not use any scrubs, exfoliating products, or high strength active skincare ingredients on the area until the skin has fully settled.
Sun protection is especially helpful when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to all areas of skin that has been treated, and to limit sun exposure.
Refrain from scratching or picking at the area treated. Should you experience abnormal pain or blistering or a huge swelling, phone the clinic immediately for guidance.
Your skin will need to recover comfortably after each treatment when you follow the appropriate aftercare.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Shaving: Which Is Better?
Shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal all effectively remove undesirable hair, but they do so differently.
There are two shaves: at the skin’s surface or just below. A shave that is at the skin’s surface is quick and easy but the hair is likely to grow back in a matter of days. There may be pimples, itching and irritation as well.
Waxing pulls the hair from the root which means it takes longer for the hair to grow back. Some find waxing to be painful and results in redness, skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Laser Hair Removal aims to get to the hair follicle to slow down future growth. You will need several treatments, however, the hair reduction is much longer than waxing or shaving.
Shaving or waxing can be good options if you’re after an at-home, temporary fix. If, on the other hand, you want to permanently decrease hairs, then laser hair removal could be an option for you.
The best one is the one that works for you: your skin, the hair growth, what’s comfortable, and what you want.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal might be an option for people who want to remove unwanted facial or body hair. It is most effective when there is a significant difference in the color of the hair and skin.
Treating people with dark, coarse hair is most effective since the laser targets the excess melanin in the hair follicle. Laser hair removal has become more successful with the newer laser technology and it is now possible to treat a variety of skin complexions.
Individuals with very light blonde, grey, white or red hair could have a poor response as they contain lower concentrations of the dye which many laser systems target.
Consult a healthcare professional if you have a skin disorder, previous pigmentation issues or are on a prescribed medication that make you more photosensitive.
Should you be pregnant it is usually recommend that you postpone any elective laser hair removal due to the fact that there is little safety information about the use of laser hair removal while pregnant.
The most appropriate consultation is the only way to know if the treatment is good for you.
What Factors Affect Laser Hair Removal Results?
Everyone does not get the same outcome with laser hair removal. These four factors can affect the longevity and efficacy of the treatment.
Colour and thickness of hair: Dark hair is usually easier to treat, as it contains more melanin. Very light or very fine hair can sometimes be more difficult to treat.
Skin tone: Skin tone will influence which type of laser and settings we are able to use. Selecting a different approach is vital for your safety and results.
The hair growth can be very different on your body. There is more upkeep to be done on your face as the hair can be hormone sensitive, the rest of your body may react differently.
Hormone alterations: Hormone imbalance conditions are also responsible for new hair growth post laser session.
Number of sessions: You may require the recommended number of treatments to be treated during each stage of the hair growth cycle. If you experience a setback or stop treatment prematurely, it could impact your results.
Laser treatment: Varying laser technology works for lighter or darker skin and coarser or finer hair. Choosing the correct laser and setting on that laser can have an impact.
What make you choose AMC JLT to undergo Laser Hair Removal Dubai?
Selecting the right clinic is just one step towards the beginning your laser hair removal treatment. Prior to starting treatment you want to be able to talk openly to your practitioner and understand what outcomes are achievable for your specific skin and hair type.
At American Medical Center, JLT, we focus on the needs of our patient, with the first consultation to determine the condition of the treatment area, skin type, the growth of hair as well as decide if your skin is appropriate for laser hair removal.
Each individual has unique hair and skin care needs, so recommendations are tailored to each individual and not a generic “one size fits all” regimen.
Thinking of a laser hair removal in Dubai, contact American Medical Center, JLT team to learn more about the process, number of sessions, potential side effects, and aftercare before you take the plunge.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
- 1. Is laser hair removal 100% permanent?
No, permanent removal of all hair can never be guaranteed. Laser hair removal can be a permanent hair reduction solution, but some hair may regrow over time and maintenance treatment is sometimes necessary.
- 2. How long are laser hair removal results?
Outcomes may be visible for months or even years after completing the needed appointments. They will be different on everyone. New hairs can also develop because of hormones and ageing.
- 3. How many sessions does laser hair removal take?
On average a client will need 6 -8 treatments but this depends on the area being treated, the coarseness of the hair and the directional pattern and skin type.
- 4. Can I shave between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes. You can normally shave between appointments as it does not remove the hair root. Avoid waxing, threading or plucking, these all take out the hair from the follicle and that’s the bit that the laser will work on.
- 5. Is laser hair removal painful?
People often describe it as a warm snapping sensation on the skin. Discomfort level will vary based on the treatment area, laser technology being used, and the patient’s ability to tolerate discomfort.
- 6. Is laser hair removal available during summer in Dubai?
Yes, it can be done in summer as long as the skin is adapted and you keep using sun protection, although treatment on exposed, recently tanned, or sunburned skin should be postponed. Your practitioner needs to check before.
- 7. Does laser hair removal permanently remove facial hair?
Laser treatment can effectively diminish the growth of facial hair. However, total removal on a permanent basis is not always achievable. The development of new facial hair due to changing hormone levels can also require a certain amount of maintenance.
- 8. Can men get laser hair removal?
A: Yes. Men often opt for laser hair removal on their shoulders, back, chest, beard line, neck, and more. How many treatments will depend on the thickness and coverage of the hair.
