Is laser hair removal permanent?

Permanent laser hair removal is the gold standard of hair removal treatments. The laser method can remove up to 95% of hair, but is it truly a treatment that can eradicate all hair forever?

So, many people are asking themselves: Is laser hair removal permanent? What are the dangers of laser hair removal? Are there any restrictions or prohibitions? Here, we'll take a look at the real story.

Understanding the hair cycle or life cycle of a hair, the biology of a hair, as well as understanding how the light emitted by the laser works to eliminate hair is very important.

In laser hair removal treatment, it is also necessary to consider all the factors that influence hair regrowth: their presence, number and specificity.

With the knowledge of all the necessary information, the permanent laser hair removal treatment is also better understood.

To find out more: follow the guide!

How does laser hair removal work?

With permanent laser hair removal treatment, and with new cutting-edge laser technologies with the arrival of Diode lasers can eliminate up to 95% of hair. The latest hybrid diode lasers also now allow treatment of all skin tones, i.e. all skin types. This was not the case until now.

The principle of laser hair removal is quite simple. The laser sends an ultra-concentrated beam of light with a very precise wavelength towards the hair bulb, which contains the hair follicle. The beam approaches the skin before penetrating the bulb. The hair follicle contains melanin, which guides the light under the skin.

This effect produces heat that destroys the hair follicle and its bulb. From then on, the hair can no longer grow back.

This technique eliminates hair from a specific area, which is treated over several laser sessions. This doesn't damage the skin; the laser works on the hair follicles. However, the eradication of all hair will be gradual.

The destruction of the bulb, or the hair follicle that contains the hair, is done using the laser's light wave, which is guided by the melanin produced by the bulb when the hair is in its full growth phase. In the hair cycle, this is called the anagen phase.

The hair cycle has three phases:

• The anagen phase , the hair growth phase.
• The catagen phase , the hair's transition phase.
• The telogen phase , the resting phase of the growth cycle.

The laser is very effective against hairs in the anagen phase; it is useless when the hairs are in the other two phases. But one thing is certain: when the bulb is gone, neither is the hair!

It's a fact.

Should we talk about permanent hair reduction or eradication with laser treatment?

Is laser hair removal permanent?

In terms of permanent laser hair removal treatment , the word permanent should be considered in the sense of hair removal in permanent reduction or progressive reduction before being definitive. Yes, the method eradicates the hairs it is true, but it does not however prevent the regrowth of new hairs finer, lighter, these famous hairs which are dormant and are not in the anagen phase. This is why several sessions are necessary, this is why the laser sessions are spaced out, and this is why touch-up sessions are necessary.

Therefore, the most accurate expression that would best define laser hair removal treatment would be: progressively permanent hair removal.

To understand hair regrowth, factors such as genetics, age, and hormones must be considered.

The biology of hair growth:

There is indeed a biology of hair growth , a cycle and an implication in laser hair removal.

Androgen hormones play a key role in regulating hair growth in both men and women.

Testosterone is present in both men and women, but men have significantly more of it. This hormone, testosterone, binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles and then converts into another hormone called DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. It is the latter that affects the length, thickness, and pigment of hair. Androgen levels are generally influenced by genetics; certain health conditions can also alter these levels.

How many sessions are needed for optimal results?

For laser hair removal treatment, it is estimated that, depending on the area being treated, a minimum of 6 sessions are required, but this can increase to 8 or 10, depending on the person and skin type.

It is also necessary to consider that touch-up sessions will be necessary, which is why many institutes and clinics also offer financial packages for permanent laser hair removal treatment.

Generally, the sessions are spaced a month and a half apart.

Disadvantages and limitations of laser hair removal?

As for the disadvantages of laser hair removal treatment , we can talk about:

• Redness,
• Irritations,
• Tingling,
• Inflammations and/or infections in some cases.

But in most cases, the inconveniences are mild and temporary. It is important to follow all the therapist's recommendations.

Limitations of laser hair removal

It's also important to note that laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin. Additionally, results may vary depending on the location of the hair, individual genetics, hormones, and other health factors. New cutting-edge technologies now make it much easier to treat all skin types thanks to Hybrid Diode lasers. The type and amount of melanin present influences hair color.

Black melanin (eumelanin) produces darker hair, yellow-red melanin (pheomelanin) produces lighter hair.

Conclusion

As you will have understood, permanent laser hair removal treatment is a method of progressively eradicating hair until it becomes permanent after several laser sessions, although follow-up sessions and touch-ups are necessary, because not all hairs grow at the same time. Some areas are also easier to treat than others, this is also the case depending on the person, depending on all the factors that influence a faster result or not.

The best advice is to choose the right professional who will perform laser treatment, a method that is related to aesthetic medicine. In a beauty salon, beauty center or directly in an aesthetic clinic, the main thing is that the person handling the laser is a qualified and experienced professional. Before each laser hair removal treatment, a free consultation is offered, it is during this opportunity that you will be able to ask all your questions and learn about all the advice and recommendations that can guarantee the optimal success of such a treatment, for information purposes, SSSKIN beauty institute will meet all your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does hair grow more as we age?

Hair grows more as we age because the body loses estrogen. This is another hormonal imbalance that causes a change in hair growth, and this applies to both men and women.

What factors influence hair growth?

Factors that influence hair growth include age, heredity, hormones, medications, diet, and stress levels. However, the hair growth cycle is the same for everyone, with three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

How much does permanent laser hair removal cost?

The cost per session is estimated at 80 to 100 euros for an area such as the bikini line or underarms, and between 200 and 300 euros for the legs (excluding thighs), and 400 euros for the entire legs. The cost may seem high, but in the longer term and compared to other hair removal methods that are also restrictive and expensive, laser hair removal is more economical.

Is the laser permanent?

We prefer to say definitively and gradually. Indeed, hairs in the anagen phase are permanently eradicated after the passage of light and heat emitted by the laser, but other hairs are dormant and will also wake up to be in their turn in the anagen phase. Since hairs do not all grow at the same time, this is why permanent hair removal will be gradual.

Are there any dangers to laser hair removal?

Rather than dangers, we can talk about inconveniences. The danger could be described as the risk of burns, which are now minimized thanks to the cutting-edge technology of new lasers. Hair removal can cause scabs, blisters, hyperpigmentation, or, conversely, depigmentation if all precautions are not taken.

Book a free consultation at SSSKIN

If you'd like to know which permanent hair removal method is best for you, our certified therapists are ready to welcome you for a free initial consultation at SSSKIN.

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