9 Laser Hair Removal Myths
If you’ve never had laser hair removal treatments, but are considering them, you may be hesitant because a few “facts” about the process have scared you off. These “facts” may include things like tales of radiation destroying your organs, or new hairs sprouting uncontrollably. But it’s important to know the truth about laser hair removal, and which “facts” are actually myths.
The Myth #1: Laser Hair Removal is Permanent
The laser’s heat will zap hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out in the following weeks. Hair will not grow back from these “zapped” follicles, however, new follicles can develop—and hair can grow from these. So, laser hair removal is permanent in that it causes hair to stop growing from follicles, but a touch up treatment may be required every few years. Despite this, laser hair removal is still considered the most long-lasting hair removal treatment available.
The Myth #2: Laser Hair Removal Causes Ingrown Hairs
This is so false that actually the opposite is true. Laser hair removal can be quite helpful in reducing ingrown hairs. It is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs.
The Myth #3: Laser Hair Removal is Very Painful
This is one of the more common myths, as it seems to be the one that keeps the most people from trying laser hair removal. The truth is, this myth most likely originated from the days when laser hair removal was brand-new and more unpredictable. The lasers and technology have come a long way over the years. Most patients these days find laser hair removal to be very tolerable, or painless altogether. However, the amount of discomfort will depend on what area is being treated and your unique pain threshold. The “pain” is usually described as a continuous snap of a rubber hand on the skin, with some heat added. Keep in mind that these days, lasers have attached cooling devices, and numbing cream is also available if needed.
The Myth #4: Laser Hair Removal Can Be Completed in One Session
You may have heard that laser hair removal can be done completely in one session using “a really powerful laser.” False! This simply can’t be done—sorry. The hair removal laser is most effective at destroying hairs that are actively growing, which makes up about 25% of the total. It does not work as well on hairs that are currently not growing. Hair grows on a cycle of every five weeks. Therefore the laser hair treatments are scheduled about every 5 five weeks and about 25% of the hair follicles are destroyed at each treatment. This is why patients will need multiple treatments scheduled about five weeks apart.
The Myth #5: Laser Hair Removal Will Damage Your Skin
As long as you choose a licensed nurse or physician, like those at Monterey Laser & Skin Care for your laser hair removal treatments, this myth is false. Laser hair removal affects the hair follicles only—not the skin. Some patients may experience a little swelling or redness, but no true damage such as scarring will happen if done by a professional.
The Myth #6: Laser Hair Removal Can Damage Internal Organs
False. The laser used in laser hair removal treatments can only penetrate a few millimeters into the skin, and cannot cause any damage to the internal organs.
The Myth #7: Laser Hair Removal Exposes You to Radiation
Similar to concerns about the treatments damaging organs, the radiation myth has probably come from people simply hearing the word “laser.” Hair removal lasers aren’t in a dangerous radiation range—they operate on a safe (and approved) wavelength of light.
The Myth #8: Laser Hair Removal Causes More Hair to Grow
It may seem like this is happening, but it’s temporary. Once your laser hair removal session is over, new hair follicles may form, but the amount of hair will be significantly less compared to the time before the hair removal session. With the correct amount of treatments, all hairs in the treated area will be removed.
The Myth #9: Laser Hair Removal is Too Expensive
We won’t lie to you—laser hair removal treatments aren’t cheap. However, they aren’t “too” expensive, either. Most people react strongly because they look at the bulk cost for several treatments and see a pretty high number, but what’s important to understand is that laser hair removal treatments save you both money and time in the long run over waxing and such. Savings on shaving products, plus the buildup of time spent on getting rid of body hair, is well worth the cost to many.
Don’t let false myths stand in your way of laser hair removal, which is the perfect way to save yourself from the time-consuming and often-frustrating process of getting rid of your own body hair. To learn more or book an appointment with our certified laser hair removal professionals, please contact us today!