How to avoid paradoxical regrowth after laser hair removal?

Paradoxical regrowth after laser hair removal is a source of concern when it appears in people who use lasers.

Let’s learn more about paradoxical regrowth and how to avoid it during laser hair removal.

What is paradoxical regrowth?

Paradoxical regrowth occurs when hair grows back near previously waxed areas. This regrowth can occur following: laser hair removal and pulsed light, but also after having been epilated with an electric epilator, wax, tweezers or simply a razor.

This problem also arises in response to certain factors which will be discussed in more detail later.

How does paradoxical regrowth occur after laser hair removal?

When the laser beam passes over certain isolated areas, such as the upper lip, it will stimulate a more distant area, such as the chin, and thus cause an unexpected regrowth of black and coarse hair.

This reaction is called "paradoxical" because it goes against what is expected of hair removal. A side effect that can frighten people who experience this phenomenon.

What areas are most prone to paradoxical regrowth after laser?

Certain areas in both women and men are hormonally sensitive and are therefore more likely to develop paradoxical regrowth.

• In women, on the facial area (lower jaw and cheeks), neck, upper thighs, and breast areolas.
• In men, the upper back and shoulders are more prone to paradoxical hair regrowth.

What are the causes of paradoxical regrowth after laser hair removal?

Here are some causes that can promote paradoxical regrowth:

• Dark skin. Using a laser machine or improper settings on dark skin can lead to high absorption of laser energy, which may heat surrounding tissue and thus stimulate paradoxical regrowth.
• Hormonal imbalances. Hormonal changes such as polycystic ovaries can impact the hair growth cycle and contribute to paradoxical regrowth.
• Low-intensity laser energy. Low laser energy may not be enough to destroy hair follicles. This can also promote paradoxical regrowth.
• Laser hair removal of downy and fine hairs. The latter absorb laser energy less well and, when provoked by the laser, they turn into hairs.
• Poor cooling system. In fact, the heat generated by the laser can stimulate the hair near the treated area.

How to avoid paradoxical regrowth after laser?

Paradoxical regrowth usually occurs when practitioners do not take all necessary precautions to avoid it.

Do not wax the downy hair

Therapists should be careful not to use the laser on the downy and fine facial hair of women or men with dark or even light skin!

It is necessary to use a laser that is suitable for the skin type. For For dark skin , the 1064nm laser will be the most suitable.

Use ice cubes

Then, as mentioned previously, the heat released by the laser can promote the appearance of hair on an area close to the one treated with the laser. To prevent the diffusion of heat in all directions, the therapist will have to cool the surroundings of the hormone-sensitive areas using ice cubes, before and after each laser hair removal session.

Use high laser energy

It also requires the use of high intensity energy combined with a high performance cooling system in order to permanently destroy the hair follicles.

How to get rid of paradoxical regrowth?

To treat paradoxical regrowth and any remaining hair, it is sufficient to carry out additional laser hair removal sessions in stages. A few sessions with a time interval of two to three weeks, depending on the hair cycle, should be able to permanently eradicate this regrowth.

Get rid of your hair with our laser hair removal experts in Lausanne and Geneva

It is essential to choose a specialist who has a perfect command of the parameters of the laser machines and who takes the necessary precautions before proceeding with the treatment in order to eliminate any risk of paradoxical regrowth after the laser.

SSSKIN uses for this the hybrid diode lasers (coupled with Alexandrite and 1064nm lasers) and equipped with a very powerful cooling system which allows hair to be eradicated effectively without stimulating the surrounding areas thanks to its high energy.

We have the equipment you need and the expertise you need, all you have to do is take the plunge and enjoy healthy, hair-free skin for life!

Book a free consultation now with SSSKIN.

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