Body hair (and the amount you choose to have) is personal preference, but if you decide you want to get rid of it, you may be wondering about the best removal method. Waxing and laser hair removal are among the most popular procedures when it comes to taking hair off your body, and you can get these services at a spa or salon. However, there are still a number of myths associated with these procedures, so here are some things you should know before you book your appointment.
One of the biggest myths associated with laser hair removal is that black people or people with darker skin can’t have their hair removed with lasers. The truth is that laser hair removal works on all skin types. The methods and effectiveness depend more on the color of a person’s hair than their skin. There are different machines that are designed to remove coarse or dark hair, so you can have the treatment done no matter your complexion. It is also believed that the darker your hair is, the better candidate you are for laser removal. While people with dark hair are the best candidates for this hair removal method, the treatment will work best when there is a clear contrast between your skin color and hair color, which actually means that people with gray, red, or blonde hair will benefit the least from laser hair removal.
Another myth you may have heard is that you have to shave before your laser hair removal appointment. Most people prefer to do this, but it’s also pretty common for an aesthetician to shave the area before beginning laser treatment. However, candidates should be aware that if they wait until their appointment to be shaved, it will be a dry shave.
People also believe that they’ll see a significant reduction in the growth rate of their hair after the first laser treatment. Actually, laser hair removal is a continuous process that works best when it’s done as a series of treatments. The laser works under the first few layers of skin to stunt the growth of hair by damaging the follicles. After about two weeks, you’ll start to see a different in your hair’s growth pattern, and when your hair does grow back, it will be significantly patchy. It may be best to get at least five treatments in four to six week increments for best results. Each time you have a treatment, you should notice about a 10% reduction in hair growth.
Another myth associated with laser hair removal is that it’s painless. Truthfully, you’ll probably experience some discomfort during the process, so it’s best to take a painkiller about half an hour before your appointment.
Finally, it’s important to realize that laser hair removal doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. It’s long been thought that this hair removal method was extremely pricey, but these days, prices have been significantly reduced. There are also payment plans that you can work out with the spa or salon so that you can get consistent treatments. In most cases, the larger the area you have to cover, the more the treatment will cost. For instance, if you’re getting your arms treated, this won’t cost as much as having your back treated. You’ll also be saving a significant amount of time once your laser treatments are completed, since you won’t have to worry about shaving or waxing after you’ve gotten a few treatments and can see that your hair isn’t growing back as quickly. Be sure to consult with your aesthetician to determine the exact number of treatments you need to complete the hair removal process.
