What is laser hair removal application?

Laser hair removal application is a hair removal operation with a device that emits ultraviolet rays. In fact, before learning more about laser hair removal, it is beneficial to learn about basic hair growth cycles. All hair on our body completes their growth in 4 stages which are pre-anagen, anagen, catagen and telogen. Pre-anagen phase is the period where hair roots start hair growth.   Anagen phase is the most active development of this hair and hair grows under the skin. Anagen phase is the most suitable phase for laser hair removal. Catagen phase is when activity of live cells inside the root stop, root structure changes and transition to interlude. Telogen phase is when hair growth stops and hair are discarded from body.

Laser hair removal application that consists of multiple sessions is a medical process applied to end hair growth by damaging hair roots in anagen phase in controlled manner with ultraviolet rays. Main reason for multiple sessions in laser hair removal is because each hair root is in different anagen phase. Since each root has different anagen phase, it is not possible to stop root activities in one session.

Are laser hair removal results permanent?

Purpose of laser hair removal is to damage hair roots in controlled and permanent way without damaging surrounding tissues. If there are no hormonal problems, when a device that is suitable for hair and skin colour of the individual is used, hair growth can permanently be stopped. With current technology and new devices, laser hair removal can permanently end hair root activity.  Hair in laser hair removal region can decrease up to 90%.

How many sessions of laser hair removal should be applied? What should the frequency of sessions be?

Since laser hair removal rays are effective on active hair roots, maximum results cannot be achieved in single session. Because not all the hair roots are active in the same period. While hair roots are active during application are impacted by laser hair removal, there will be no effect on roots in other phases.  Since hair colour, structure and growth phases change for each individual, number of sessions depends on each individual. Generally, at least 8 sessions are recommended for successful results. Additionally, different number of sessions for different regions is another important parameter.

While interval between each session can be 6-8 weeks for body, this interval is 4-6 weeks for face. These intervals may be longer after couple of sessions. Ideal time for the next session is when hair grows back and hair is noticeable from skin. Such growth shows that hair roots are active and hair roots can be removes with session.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Many of female and male patients who come to our clinic for laser hair removal application ask: “does laser hair removal have harmful health effects?”  This question is common because people often confuse gamma and x rays that contain radiation with lights emitted by laser hair removal device. First thing to know is regardless of laser hair removal device, these devices emit light not rays. Since these are not rays, they do not have radiation. Light of laser hair removal device only absorbed by targeted melanin in hair roots and these lights do not penetrate deep inside skin.

• Can I have laser hair removal during pregnancy?

There are no adverse health effects for mother or baby health when laser hair removal application that has been applied for 20 years is applied on pregnant women. Although there are no health risks, since mothers are more sensitive, it is recommended not to have laser hair removal or needled hair removal to belly or nipple in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

• Does laser hair removal cause cancer?

There are no medical evidence showing that laser hair removal causes cancer. Since there is no radiation emitting, it can be said that this application does not cause cancer.

• Does laser hair removal cause infertility?

One of the common misunderstanding is that “laser hair removal to genital region harms ovary”. This is just an urban myth. Laser lights cannot have an effect on internal organs. Therefore, it is not possible to hurt uterus or ovary.  

Laser hair removal devices

Alexandirite Laser Hair Removal Device: This device has 755 nanometre wavelength and permanently destroys dark hair. When applied by experts, risk for skin burns or dark sports are minimum. Alexandirite laser system uses single shots. In Alexandirite laser technology, laser light turns into heat and absorbed by melanin pigment. Absorbed heat damages hair roots and permanently ends hair growth.

Diode Laser (Ironing system): Since this device has 800-810 nanometre wavelength, this system has deeper effect on hair roots compared to other laser technologies. Since this laser penetrates deeper, pain is higher. Therefore, cold gel is applied to decrease pain. Since device nozzle is applied on the skin by applying cold gel, it is also known as ironing system.

Soprano Ice Laser: This is one of the latest laser systems. This system enables larger application area. Special nozzle enables applying ice to the same area. This is a comfortable and painless laser hair removal.

Most Effective Laser Hair Removal Device

Most effective laser hair removal device is relative. Effects of each device will be different for each individual. Because each device in laser hair removal application will offer more efficient results for different skin and hair colour combinations. Laser hair removal device must have FDA approval. While Alexandirite laser system has maximum efficiency for light skin a dark, thick hair combination, this system may show negative effects for thin, light hair by stimulating melanin pigment. Diode laser system ensures high efficiency on dark skin and light, thin hair combination. Soprano ice laser technology can be applied to all skin colour. This method is effective on fuzz, light blonde and ginger hair.

Most Painless Laser Hair Removal System

Pain can be different for each individual. This is why while some people say laser hair removal is painless others feel high pain. In general, pain during laser hair removal application is similar to hitting your skin with rubber.

Does laser hair removal application has age limit?

Women can start laser hair removal after their first period. Men can start when they complete their adolescences period. Menopause does not cause any problem for women.

Does laser hair removal remove tattoos?

If you have a tattoo on laser hair removal application area, laser light will directly focus on the colour pigment under your skin and emitted by these pigments. This is both painful and damage your tattoo. During laser hair removal application, tattoo area and surrounding 2 cm should be covered. Additionally, if you are having laser on your lip and if you have permanent make-up, you need to warn your expert aesthetician.

Best time for laser hair removal

Laser hair removal application can be made in 4 seasons. But you need to be careful during summer when sun rays are maximum. This may cause skin spots. For example, if you are having laser hair removal during summer, you should avoid bronzing. If application area is not protected with high sun protection creams, skin spots or irritation may occur. You may experience permanent deformation like scars. Therefore, best time for laser hair removal application is autumn and winter where effect of sun are minimum.

Holiday after laser hair removal

If you are planning to go on vacation during summer, laser hair removal is not recommended for your skin health. Laser hair removal before sunbathing or swimming may cause permanent damage on your skin. Experts recommend protecting your skin for the first 3 days but depending on your sensitivity, this process can take up to 15 days. If you are planning a holiday where you will be exposed to sun, you must protect your skin with sun protectors. Also, you should moisturise your skin with moisturising lotions and prevent dry skin.

Laser hair removal for men

Men show high interest to laser hair removal as women. Men often want to have laser hair removal operation on shoulders, back, belly, chest and back. Other than mucosa areas and eye area, all areas are suitable in men’s body.

Who cannot have laser hair removal?

Individuals with diabetes and under heavy drug treatment must consult to their doctor first. Laser hair removal cannot be made if there is open scar or inflammation. If you have chronic or hereditary disease or any skin conditions, you need to inform the expert before application. Underdeveloped hair and white hair are not suitable for laser hair removal. Individuals who use medication with isotretinoin active ingredients that is used for acne and psoriasis cannot have laser hair removal for at least 6 months. Individuals who have epilepsy or pacer cannot have laser hair removal.

Things to Do Before Laser Hair Removal

• You should avoid plucking your hair (wax, tweezer, epilator) at least 1 month before laser hair removal.
• You should avoid sunbathing or solarium at least 1 month before application. You need to keep your natural skin colour to have maximum results from laser hair removal.
• You must avoid hair bleachers before application.
• If you are having peeling, you should stop this 15 days before the application.
• You must clean all cosmetic products (foundation, creme, perfume, body lotion etc.) before laser hair removal sessions.

Things to Do and Know During Laser Hair Removal

• Slight redness is perfectly normal after application. This redness is temporary.
• Since application will last at least 8 sessions, you need to protect your skin from sun. You must always use sunscreen with at least 30 protection factor.
• After laser hair removal sessions, warm-cold bath is okay. But, you should avoid contact with hot water to prevent irritation.
• After each session, you must apply moisturising cream 3 times per day for at least 1 week. (If you expert recommends any creme, you should use it in recommended doses.)
• If your hair do not shed after the session, you can ask for free retouch in 15 days.
• You can shorten your hair that grow between laser hair removal sessions. (You should avoid removing your hair roots.)
• You must not use perfume or deodorant (on application area) for 48 hours after sessions.
• You should avoid irritating applications such as peeling after laser sessions.