Australians spend more than $100 million on razors, $30 million for creams and waxes, and a few hundred million dollars on depilation at private clinics and with summer just around the corner now is the time when people start asking about hair removal. With so many methods out there at the moment, it is important for you to really understand your options before rushing into such a permanent decision.

So in this blog we will answer some common questions:
1. What is laser hair removal?
2. How is it done?
3. Who is suited to laser hair removal?
4. How many sessions will I need to see results?

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a specially designed treatment utilising guided laser beams to remove unwanted body and facial hair and restrict hair growth, providing a long term alternative to shaving, waxing, depilatory creams and electrolysis.
The technology of hair removal through laser can be used on any part of the body including face, bikini line, under arms, back and legs.
It works by the energy of the laser heating the hair follicle (root) which damages the heat supply to the hair.

How is it done (after initial consult)?
Step 1: Obviously this depends on the area, but for this example we will discuss the bikini line. The first step is to obviously remove your clothing from the bikini area (you will be given disposable underwear) and lie on the table in a splayed position (which can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but once you begin talking to your technician you will feel more comfortable and at ease).

Step 2: Cool gel or anaesthesia cream is put on the soon-to-be-lasered spots. This protects the skin and boosts the treatment as the light is able to penetrate the area better. For those concerned about the level of pain, anaesthesia cream can be applied one hour beforehand.

Step 3: Both you and the technician put on your safety goggles and the hand held laser is placed gently against the skin and pulses of light are passed towards the hairs. Pain wise, it feels like a rubber band snapping at the skin (so less painful than waxing and electrolysis). Throughout the treatment (depending on the area) you will have to move into various positions so the laser beam can reach certain spots.

Step 4: Clean up. Once the lasering is over, the gel or anaesthetic cream is cleaned up and a moisturising cream is applied to the area. And you’re ready to continue with your day…Two to three weeks later and the hair will start to fall out.

Who is suited to laser hair removal?
At your initial consult you are first checked whether laser treatment will suit you or not. A qualified laser therapist will check your skin and hair colour of the desired area. Usually a laser hair removal procedure gives the best results to people with fair skin complexion and dark hair. People with a darker skin are generally not considered to be ideal candidates however we have specific lasers for those with darker skin types.

People who excessively tan either through solariums, natural sun or tanning creams/lotions are advised to undergo the treatment only after their skin has regained its original colour. We do not treat patients who have had exposure to the sun two weeks prior to their treatment.
Laser hair removal can be much less painful than other hair removal methods and has proven to be a success in both males and females from 16 years of age onwards.

How many sessions will I need to see results?
Since laser hair removal gets to the actual root of the problem, most people can see visible results within just a couple sittings; however for optimum results, usually 6-8 sittings will be required.
For most people the appeal of laser hair removal is that it is a long term solution and will save you both time and money in the long run. On average a bikini wax may cost around $60 and this is required around every 6 weeks (depending on individual hair growth of course). Laser hair removal costs between $150 and $350 per treatment (depending on the area), so the price is equivalent to a few wax sessions. So in effect laser hair removal would have paid itself off within a few months. Shaving, waxing and other quick fixes can seem convenient but are just that! They are short term and often lead to skin trauma, irritation and abnormal pigmentation. Laser hair removal by qualified laser therapists leads to long term results with healthier and more natural skin which ultimately leads to a confidence boost.

For most the advantages of laser means that you are able to wear a bikini with confidence and not worry about regrowth or irritated itchy skin. And males just simply being able to get through a day without having a 5’oclock shadow at lunch time are well worth the investment.

See a qualified professional right away for consultation and quote and get organised for a hair free summer now. It could be one of the best summer gifts that you can give to yourself.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 12:13 am and is filed under General Beauty . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.