Initially presented to the public as a painless and permanent hair removal treatment, laser hair removal has evolved during nearly 40 years of experiments and consumer input. The FDA's involvement has made the process a lot more tolerable than it was in its earliest years. There are minimal side effects and the results show that most people are satisfied with a noticeable slowing of hair growth or a complete obliteration of hair in the treated areas. Laser hair removal is most effective on light thin hair as opposed to dark or coarse hair and that is due to the fact that the process involves the hair follicle itself. Thinner hair shafts are attached to a finer follicle base which makes the burning off procedure all the more productive.
There are some common side effects associated with laser hair removal which are very minimal in most people. To avoid damage, a patient must avoid the sun or tanning booth for one week before and one week after having the procedure performed. This exposure would exasperate the burn and may cause permanent damage to the skin. Most customers of the treatments experience very little pain or discomfort of any kind and those that do are able to treat with Ibuprofin or a similar acting pain reliever.
Those that have sensitive skin or tattoos may be at risk when using laser hair removal procedures. It may cause burning on very fair skin and it certainly can alter the depth of colors on a tattoo. Certain medications do not react well with exposure to laser treatments the same as with exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning booths.
Because of its growing popularity, laser hair removal has become commonplace everywhere. However it is imperative that a reputable and licensed technician perform the treatments to avoid any risk that could occur. Research the spa or shop thoroughly and ask for references from former users of laser treatments.
