Laser hair removal is a medical procedure used to eliminate unwanted hair. This method operates by sending energy at specific wavelengths to melanin (hair pigment) using laser light. Melanin absorbs this energy and converts it into heat. This heat damages the hair root, preventing the hair from growing back.
The rays of laser hair removal devices can reach up to 5 mm below the skin, where hair follicles are located, ensuring no internal organs are harmed.
Effect of Laser Hair Removal on Hair Roots
In laser hair removal, the hair follicles are not exposed to rays, but to amplified ultraviolet light. The light of laser hair removal is absorbed only by the melanin pigment, without traveling through the skin.
The laser hair removal light absorbed by the melanin pigment creates a certain destruction in the hair follicles and terminates hair production. In laser hair removal, which does not cause any damage to the skin, only the hair follicles in the active period are affected.
The main reason why the procedure consists of at least 8 sessions is to destroy active hair follicles in each session. Because not every root enters the active period in the same period.
Here are the effects of laser hair removal on hair follicles:
- Targeting the Anagen Phase: Laser treatment is most effective when the hair is in its anagen phase, the active growth phase. In this phase, the hair is directly attached to the follicle and the heat of the laser can effectively travel along the hair shaft to disrupt the hair follicle’s growth mechanism.
- Follicle Damage: The main goal of laser hair removal is to damage the hair follicle sufficiently so that it cannot produce hair. If it does, the hair will be much thinner and discolored.
- Permanent Reduction vs. Permanent Removal: While laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth, it is often referred to as “permanent hair reduction”, rather than “permanent hair removal”. This means that some hairs may be resistant to laser treatment or may grow back lighter and thinner after treatment.
- Multiple Sessions Required: Because not all hairs are in the anagen phase at the same time, more than one session is usually needed to treat all hairs.
Types of Laser Hair Removal Devices
Hair removal devices are classified according to the systems they contain and their wavelengths. Therefore, when selecting a laser device, the laser system is essentially being chosen. Each device has a different laser system.
To get efficient results from the procedure, it is crucial to choose the right laser hair removal device. If the wavelength of the device isn’t effective on the hair root, it’s impossible to get positive results.
Alexandrite Laser
Wavelength: 755 nanometers. Suitable for individuals with fair skin and dark, thick hair. In Alexandrite laser technology, laser lights convert into heat, which is absorbed by melanin. This absorbed heat damages the hair roots, permanently ending hair production. It’s not recommended for people with thin hairs as it can sometimes increase hair growth and thicken the hair.
Diod (Diode) Laser
Contains a wavelength of 800-810 nanometers. Due to its longer wavelength, it can penetrate the skin deeper compared to other laser technologies. The pain felt during the procedure can be slightly higher, so a cooling gel is often applied. Suitable for individuals with dark skin and thin, light-colored hairs.
Ice Laser Hair Removal
Can be applied in all seasons and is painless. It is a method applied regardless of hair color. During the procedure, a cold massage effect is felt. This method is highly preferred because it can be applied year-round and can even detect the thinnest hairs.
Nd Yag Laser Hair Removal
Wavelength: 1064 nanometers. Effective for different skin types, but most efficient on fair skin with dark and thick hair.
Laser Hair Removal Efficacy
The efficacy of laser hair removal devices can vary depending on your skin type, hair color, hair thickness, and the type of laser used. To achieve optimal results, it’s essential to visit an experienced and trained professional who will use a laser suitable for your skin and hair type.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is not a laser. However, it operates similarly to laser hair removal and is often marketed under the term “laser hair removal.”
Ruby Laser
Effective for individuals with fair skin and fine hairs. Generally not recommended for dark-skinned individuals as it can cause pigmentation changes.
Ideal Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
To achieve the best results from laser hair removal, there are some ideal criteria:
- Hair Color: Dark-colored hairs (black or dark brown) are most responsive.
- Skin Color: Light-skinned individuals, with a contrast of black or dark brown hairs, usually see the best results.
- Hair Thickness: Medium or thick hairs are more effectively treated by the laser.
- Hair and Skin Contrast: The laser works best when the hair is noticeably darker than the skin.
- Hair Cycle: Not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time. The reason multiple sessions are needed is that not all hairs are in this phase.
- Previous Hair Removal Methods: Avoid methods like waxing or using tweezers since they temporarily remove the hair root.
- Health Status: Some health conditions or medications can increase the side effects of laser hair removal.
The Conveniences Offered by Laser Hair Removal
The procedure, which is applied with the principle of destroying the hair follicles and preventing the formation of new hair, is an application that makes our lives significantly easier. We can list the advantages of the procedure as follows;
- In each session, hair formation is permanently stopped by intervening in different hair follicles in the targeted active state.
- It makes it possible to get rid of unwanted hair painlessly and painlessly.
- Provides a definitive solution to the problem of ingrown hair.
- It allows you to have a smoother and well-groomed skin.
What Determines the Success of Laser Hair Removal?
The success of laser hair removal depends on several factors. These include hair structure and color, skin and hair color combination, choice of device suitable for these parameters, and the treatment area.
Some argue that gender can also affect the outcome, but when the right device is chosen based on individual characteristics, gender doesn’t have a significant impact.
How is Laser Hair Removal Done?
The decisive factor in laser hair removal is which device system is used. The device suitable for your skin color and hair structure is chosen. If the device is an Alexandrite laser; the area is treated shot by shot. For Diode laser hair removal; cooling gel is applied, and the device head is glided over the skin at a steady speed. Ice laser hair removal involves gliding a lop over the skin with gel applied.
What to Consider Before Laser Hair Removal?
Since laser systems destroy the hair root, you shouldn’t use hair removal methods that remove hair from the root, like waxing or tweezers, for 4 weeks before treatment. Avoid hair bleaching products. You can shave 2-3 days before or use a home epilator’s trimming head. If using the Alexandrite system, your skin shouldn’t be tanned.
For other systems, the wait time is shorter. (Click here for more information on the best time for laser hair removal). If you’ve had skin-peeling treatments on the face, you should wait at least 2 weeks before facial laser hair removal. Don’t apply any creams or cosmetic products before sessions. If necessary, remove before the session. Avoid wearing makeup before facial sessions. If worn, clean thoroughly before starting.
What to Consider After Laser Hair Removal?
Protect your skin from the sun during the laser treatment period. Avoid hair removal methods that remove hair from the root between sessions. You can shower with lukewarm or cold water at least 8 hours after the procedure.
Stay away from aggressive and chemical skin treatments between sessions. Avoid skin-irritating activities like visiting hammams, saunas, and scrubbing for at least 4 days after the procedure. Use moisturizing creams as recommended by your specialist. Avoid using drying white soaps to maintain skin moisture.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas
Cheeks, chin, upper lip, neck, chest, underarms, arms, abdomen, back, waist, legs, torso, bikini area, and hands can all undergo laser hair removal. In short, the procedure can be performed on all body parts except the eye sockets, eyelids, and mucous membranes.
It can be applied to everyone over 18, provided they don’t have any conditions that might contraindicate laser treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Laser Hair Removal?
For facial areas, laser hair removal typically requires 6-12 sessions with intervals of 25-30 days. For body areas, sessions vary between 4-6 times, every 8 weeks. As hair follicle activation decreases, session intervals can vary and become longer. Hair density reduces by 10% to 15% with each laser session. For successful results, it’s important not to skip any sessions.
What Should Be the Interval Between Laser Hair Removal Sessions?
Initially, for body parts, session intervals average between 6-8 weeks, and for the face, it’s around 4-6 weeks. These durations can increase with subsequent sessions. The best time for the next session is when the hair has grown visible again. Visible hair indicates active roots that can be affected by the treatment.
Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal?
- People with white hair.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with skin diseases (e.g., Psoriasis) or epilepsy.
- Those on medications that have side effects, like acne drugs, or those with peach-fuzz-like hair.
- Patients using a pacemaker are not suitable for laser hair removal.
Side Effects and Risks of Laser Hair Removal
Side Effects:
- Redness and Swelling: Mild redness and swelling can appear in the treated area but usually subsides within a few hours to days.
- Burning Sensation: A slight burning feeling might be experienced during and after the treatment.
- Itching: Mild itching can be felt in the treated area.
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Laser hair removal can sometimes lead to color changes in the treated area. Hyperpigmentation is darkening, while hypopigmentation is lightening. Though often temporary, it can sometimes be permanent.
Risks:
- Burns: Burns might occur due to incorrect laser settings, wrong laser type, or an inexperienced operator.
- Scarring: Scarring can occasionally occur after treatment.
- Hair Thickening: In some cases, laser treatment might cause hair to grow back thicker and darker.
- Bacterial Infections: There’s a risk of infection in the treated area, though it’s rare.
- Retinal Damage: There’s a risk to the retina when treating areas around the eyes if proper eye protection isn’t used.
Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The problem of hair density and darkening in hair color, which is experienced in parallel with the increase in melanin pigment caused by hormonal changes, passes when hormones return to normal after the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Since the lights used in laser hair removal do not make any progress in the tissue, there is no evidence or case that it harms the baby during pregnancy. However, since pregnancy causes various hormonal changes, it is better not to have laser hair removal and other dermotocosmetic applications during pregnancy.
Another epilation method, electrolysis (needle epilation), which is applied by applying electric current to the hair follicle with needles, is not a recommended application for expectant mothers during pregnancy. Although the electrolysis application performed on the chest and abdomen in the last 3 months of pregnancy is not harmful for the baby, it is not recommended especially for expectant mothers who want to breastfeed due to excessive skin sensitivity.
Laser Hair Removal During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a process that cannot be separated from pregnancy. The pain threshold is lower and the skin is more sensitive during breastfeeding, when the mother continues her hormonal changes due to milk production. Breastfeeding mothers may experience an increase in melanin pigment due to hormonal changes, which may reduce the effect of laser epilation.
Laser Hair Removal Alternatives
Laser hair removal is just one of the methods to get rid of unwanted hair. Here are popular alternatives to laser hair removal:
- Electrolysis: This method stops hair growth by sending an electric current to the hair follicle via a needle. Electrolysis is more time-consuming than laser hair removal but may be more suitable for people with white, blonde, or red hair.
- Waxing: In this method, hot or cold wax is applied to the skin and swiftly pulled off, removing hair from the roots. The smooth effect from this method can last for several weeks.
- Epilators: These electric devices pull out hairs from the roots using many small tweezers. The results are often similar to waxing.
- Shaving: Shaving cuts the hairs just above the skin’s surface. This method is quick and painless, but the results only last a few days.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Similar to laser hair removal, this method uses intense pulsed light to prevent hair growth.
- Hair Removal Creams: These creams cause the hair to shed by weakening them. However, they can cause skin irritation in some people, so a patch test is essential.
- Natural Methods: Some natural hair removal mixtures (e.g., sugar-based pastes) can be used to remove hair from the roots, but their effectiveness can vary among individuals.
- Hair Growth Inhibitors: Some products may promote slower hair growth. Such products are usually used in conjunction with other hair removal methods.
Laser Hair Removal for Men
Men can be as bothered by unwanted hair as women. In recent years, the number of male clients requesting laser hair removal has notably increased. Men’s hair generally has a darker color, and their hair roots and thickness are more prominent. With the right device selection, very successful results can be achieved for men. Laser hair removal can safely be applied to all areas in men, except for eyelids, eye sockets, and mucosal areas.
Laser Hair Removal Prices
The prices for laser hair removal vary based on the treatment area, the recommended number of sessions, and the type of device used. To inquire about laser hair removal prices and any other details, you can contact us, and our experts will provide comprehensive information.