The laser procedure is acknowledged as very effective method in removing undesirable hair. Unlike the common temporary procedures of removing hair such as using depilatory creams, waxing, shaving, laser treatment offers long-lasting or permanent result with only a minor discomfort. But the procedure is costly than the traditional methods in removing undesirable hair. The recent approval of some laser gadgets for at-home use by Food & Drug Administration or FDA of USA has however allowed laser use in removing undesirable body hair right at home. Due to this, laser procedure has become affordable and convenient.
Similar to a commercial type of laser procedure in removing unnecessary body hair, home laser system uses laser beams as well in destroying hair follicles. This device is safe to use on individuals possessing fair complexion and dark colored hair. This is due to laser beam being attracted by the melanin present in both hair and skin. A light skin contains little melanin thus it will not be targeted by laser beams. Rather, the beam is being taken in by the melanin or pigment in dark colored hair, leaving the skin unaffected. The beam or light that has been absorbed is turned into heat, which is responsible for burning hair follicles. However this method will not provide good results on individuals with light hair color because the quantity of melanin in their hair is small. Therefore individuals with white, gray, or blonde hair who wish to undergo this method will not obtain satisfying results.
Aside from hair color, hair growth stages also affect results of home laser method for removing undesirable ; whether dormant hair or growing hair. Since hair follicles that are dormant do not have enough melanin, the laser might not be efficient in destroying them. So for hair with excessive growth, the laser procedure might not give lasting result in just a single application. But after undergoing three sessions, 70% less hair growth will be achieved.
Furthermore home laser device for removing undesirable body hair might not be the appropriate option for dark-skinned individuals because their skin contains more melanin that will just absorb the light emitted from this device. This will result to skin problems like burning, blistering, scarring, and pigmentation. That is why most home laser gadgets are equipped with skin sensors, which will identify an individual’s skin tone, allowing only the individuals with light skin color to use it.
When it comes to discomfort and pain when using home laser devices, the effect varies from one individual to another depending on how they use the device and on their skin type. The procedure typically leaves a minor discomfort but for individuals possessing thick or dark colored hair and sensitive skin, they might experience more pain and uneasiness. For first-time users, more discomfort will be experienced but it will eventually be minimized after several applications.