Many of us would like to have less hair growing on certain parts of our bodies. It could be for purely cosmetic reasons, or to give us confidence when we feel growth is excessive for our gender. Shaving, waxing, plucking and electrolysis offer a solution up to a point, but the hair usually comes back quite soon, and these techniques do come with their own sets of risks.
Laser hair removal is long-lasting, but how does the risk factor stack up? It’s natural to question the risks, and we encourage anyone considering any procedure to weigh up the pros and cons. However, when it’s done properly, with well-trained experts and professional equipment, the side effects are either mild or non-existent for most people.
At LaserHQ, we want you to be well informed about any procedure you’re considering, and you are more than welcome to get in touch with us to ask and questions. You’ll also be fully briefed when you come into our clinics for your procedure. But if you’re still at the research stage, read on.
How does laser hair removal work?
To help you understand the procedure and its possible side effects, we’ll start with a basic guide on how lasers can be used to inhibit hair growth.
Each hair grows from a tubular structure in your skin called a follicle. Within each follicle is a substance called melanin, which determines the colour of the hair, among other things. The laser is “tuned” to a frequency which heats up the melanin, while leaving the surrounding skin largely unaffected. Because the laser is so focused, the melanin’s heat destroys the follicle, so no new hair can grow from there.
On any given day, you will have thousands of follicles that are at slightly different stages of the hair growth cycle. That’s why more than one laser treatment session is required, but after a few sessions, the area of skin should see little to no growth for a long time, if ever.
Common side effects of laser hair removal
The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself when it perceives a wound has occurred. Some of these natural reactions can look like injuries in themselves, but they usually pass within minutes or hours.
One of the commonest effects is a redness or swelling around the area of the treatment. It can look and feel like a mild case of sunburn, the kind you might get on an exposed arm on a British summer’s day. However, it’s not sunburn, which is caused by UV rays – it’s just your body starting the healing process after the follicle damage. It usually passes in an hour or two.
Some people also complain of skin irritation – a tingling or slight discomfort – after laser hair removal. Again, it’s just your body reacting to the treatment, and once it passes, it’ll be gone for good.
There are cases where temporary pigmentation changes occur, which could mean lightening or darkening. This might last a little longer than the effects mentioned above, but will usually return to normal after a few days or possible weeks.
Hair shedding will of course happen. That’s what you’ve paid for, after all! However, not everyone realises that the hair often doesn’t fall out immediately, and can start to fall out over the following days. It’s perfectly normal.
Less common side effects
While you can expect at least one of the mild side effects listed above, the procedure gets more risky when clinics cut corners. Unfortunately, customers will sometimes choose cost over quality, and although some budget clinics might do a decent job, there are plenty that do not.
Blistering or scarring can happen, for example, if the wrong type of laser is used, or if it has not been properly maintained and calibrated. This can be a serious injury that leaves a mark for months, years or even permanently, so it’s not worth taking chances. Check online reviews and the business’s terms and conditions before taking the plunge.
Please don’t even think about proceeding unless the clinic gives you eye protection during your treatment. No questions asked – just don’t do it. Serious eye injury can happen with lasers, even if the treatment is away from the eye area.
Another potential side effect of using a poorly equipped laser treatment clinic is infection. Badly sterilised equipment or poor general hygiene can let bacteria into the skin and cause nasty inflammations. Please, stick with the experts. You can usually tell straight away by the state of the place and things like clean staff uniforms, good ventilation and separation of reception and treatment areas.
Factors that influence side effects
Everyone is different, and your skin is unique to you. There are a few conditions and practices that can increase the likelihood and severity of side effects. It’s good to know that on the whole, we have more in common than what divides us, so the issues usually fall into the “mild” category. Factors include:
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Skin type and hair colour
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Treatment area sensitivity
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Individual pain tolerance
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Pre-existing skin conditions
For this reason, it’s vital that you have a pre-treatment assessment by an expert before undergoing laser hair removal. At LaserHQ, it’s all part of the process – there’s no “one size fits all” approach to the treatment. We’ll assess your skin and other factors and decide how to proceed.
Minimising risks: what to look out for
While mild side effects are largely unavoidable, ask about these parts of your treatment before deciding whether to use a particular clinic:
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Consultation and patch testing: This helps the clinic learn about your skin type and what you want from the treatment. A small test in a hidden area can help to predict side effects.
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Proper equipment and technique: Make sure the clinic is up to date with training, technology and general hygiene. Check online reviews.
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Pre- and post-treatment care instructions: The clinic should give you a leaflet and answer any questions about what to do before and after treatment, for example moisturising and cleanliness.
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When and how to contact your clinic: You should know what is normal after treatment, and therefore how and when to contact the clinic if you’re concerned.
Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have about laser hair removal, so please ask away!