Month: October 2012

Why do we need it?

Laser hair removal is a popular technique which many thousands of people across the world decide to invest in. The reason for this is that many people wish to get rid of unwanted or unsightly body hair, and traditional methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking simply do not cut it in the long term.

Everybody knows that the more you shave your hair, the quicker, stronger and thicker it grows back. This makes body hair an ongoing issue for many people across the world, including both men and women.

When did it begin?

When laser hair removal was invented, some people were sceptical. Some people thought that it would be unsafe but the FDA cleared the first laser for hair removal in 1995. The traditional machines that were used and the technology that was part of the light treatment was only available to people with light skin tones. This is because the laser beam itself could only differentiate between what was hair and skin by the light and dark of both elements. It would target the dark hair from the light skin so in order to be truly effective lighter skin tones were the only ones treated.

How did it develop?

However, as advances in laser and light-based technology improved, various different skin types could also be treated with the laser. This included ethnic skin tones as well as darker skinned individuals. For these people, the laser would need longer wavelengths and pulse widths in order to treat the hair and technology began to include this.

What can you expect now?

Nowadays, it is important that if you have darker skin, you are not put off by the idea that the laser might not be able to treat your particular ethnicity. This is now a common myth associated with laser hair removal. Many different clinics will be able to treat different kinds of skin tones now, but it is important to go for a full consultation to see what your chances of success with the laser hair removal machine actually are.

Visiting the clinic:

In the consultation, you will be asked about whether you have any issues with your skin, whether you have any skin infections, or whether you have any tattoos. The technician will compile a file which will evaluate your effectiveness with the laser machine and your expectations. For example, you might want a small area treated or you might want a very large area of skin treated.

Experts developed the Fitzpatrick skin typing scale as one way to classify different skin colours and how they react to UV light. The skin tones are divided into types 1 to 6, which gives technicians and professionals the ability to determine the best technique required for that specific client with their particular skin tones. This also allows the clinic to provide a safe and effective treatment for the client.

The Fitzpatrick skin typing scale:

1	Very White or Freckled	Always Burns/Never Tans
2	White	Usually Burns/Sometimes Tans
3	White to Olive	Sometimes Burns/Always Tans
4	Brown	Rarely Burns
5	Dark Brown	Very Rarely Burns/Moderately Pigmented
6	Black	Highly Pigmented

One clinic which has vast experience in treating people with darker skin is the premier laser clinic. The premier laser clinic has special technologies, including the GentleYAG laser system, which is perfect for treating people with darker skin.

Laser hair removal treatment is fast becoming the most effective method of hair removal across the world. The unique aspect of laser hair removal is the fact that after around six or eight sessions under the laser, you can be virtually hair free. This is a treatment perfect for both men and women and all over 18.

However, there are some general myths about laser hair removal which many people listen to. This might make people reluctant to invest in the treatment.

Here, we crack down on some of the most popular myths and put the record straight:

Myth 1: Laser hair removal is a painful process

Many people believe that laser hair removal is a painful and uncomfortable process. Actually, the truth is that many people say that the feeling of the laser on your skin is just like the feeling of an elastic band snapping against your skin. It is not necessarily painful, and many people do not feel anything at all. For those people who are extra sensitive, the technician will put an anesthetic cream on the area before they start the laser process. They may also apply ice to the area before or after the laser. This will give the patient the most comfortable treatment possible.

Myth 2: People with dark hair and dark skin cannot be treated with laser hair removal

Traditionally, people with dark hair and dark skin would not be able to be treated with laser hair removal. This is because the laser differentiates between skin and hair – and light and dark. This means that if the hair and the skin are both dark, the possibility of burning the skin might occur.

However, with modern technology constantly evolving, this is no longer the case. There are certain systems like the GentleYAG laser system which is designed to work with darker skin. Of course, it is best to check with your laser hair removal clinic about your particular hair type so that you can have a full and comprehensive consultation.

Myth 3: Laser hair removal is not safe

The technique is safe. Within the process of laser hair removal, the laser will focus on the hair follicle itself, which means that the surrounding skin is left unharmed. The laser hair removal treatment has been performed successfully on many thousands of people across the world. Also, a lot of research has been conducted into the technique and has proved that there are no long-term side-effects from the process.

Myth 4: Laser hair removal is an expensive treatment to invest in

Many people see laser hair removal as an investment in the body. Think of all of the savings that you will make over the many years of not having to buy razors, shavers and waxing strips. Also, laser hair removal is getting more cost-effective each year. Traditionally it was quite expensive, but now clinics are making it more affordable and even offer some value for money packages.

Take a look at our laser hair removal guide for everything you need to know