When you’re ready to go to the beach this summer, the last thing you want is to feel self-conscious about unwanted hair on your legs and underarms. Shaving can cause nicks, tweezing is time-consuming, and waxing can be painful. Luckily, laser hair removal in Scranton, PA, could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
What is It?
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The light targets the pigment in the hair and turns it into heat, damaging the hair follicles and preventing or delaying future hair growth. Since not all hairs are in the same growth phase, multiple treatments may be needed to cover the entire area. While the results can last a long time, they are not typically permanent, so maintenance sessions may be required.
Laser hair removal works well for people with light skin and dark hair because the light is absorbed by the hair pigment rather than the skin. However, advancements in technology have made it possible to perform laser hair removal on darker skin tones with a reduced risk of skin damage.
Where Can You Get Laser Hair Removal?
Hair removal can be done in various areas of the body, such as your armpits, legs, upper lip and chin, shoulders, bikini area, back, and chest. Generally, unwanted hair can be treated almost anywhere on the body, except for the delicate area around the eyelids. It’s important to avoid treating skin with tattoos because the ink can absorb the light used in the procedure.
The Process of Laser Hair Removal
Before starting your treatment, a few tips are recommended. Minimize sun exposure as much as possible before your appointment. If you need to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Before your treatment, refrain from using any other hair removal methods, such as waxing or plucking, as they can interfere with the hair follicles.
Step 1: When you go in for your appointment, a numbing cream is offered to apply on the treatment area if you prefer. This cream makes the area less sensitive during the procedure. You will also wear a pair of goggles.
Step 2: During the treatment, a handheld device is used to apply laser energy to the hair follicles. The device has a cooling mechanism, and gel may be used to keep your skin cool and minimize side effects. You may feel warm pinpricks but no pain. The duration of the treatment can range from a few minutes for small areas to over an hour for larger areas.
After laser hair removal, you will start to see hair shedding in the following days or weeks. Multiple treatments are usually needed for complete removal. The time between treatments varies depending on the area treated. It’s crucial to protect your skin, particularly the treated area, from the sun by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
