Are you tired of constantly dealing with unwanted hair through shaving, plucking, and waxing? At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA, we offer laser hair removal treatments for everyone in the Northern California area! If you’re ready to enjoy our gorgeous Norcal weather without worrying about whether you shaved today, come talk to us.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
About Hair
Hair is composed of a protein called keratin and is produced in small tubes in the skin called follicles. The hair follicle contains blood vessels that provide nourishment for the growing hair. Each hair follicle goes through cycles of growth and rest, and it is during the growth phase that hair can be effectively treated with a laser.
About the Laser
Lasers emit light energy, and this energy targets the follicles via your hairs themselves. The light energy is attracted to the melanin in your hair, which is what gives hair its color. The light energy is transformed into heat, which damages the hair follicle and prevents it from producing new hair. The laser emits light in the near-infrared range, which is well absorbed by melanin.
When the laser is applied to the skin, the energy goes harmlessly through the skin because the laser is calibrated to ignore the skin pigmentation and target the pigmentation in your hair. The heat generated by the laser damages the hair follicle, causing it to stop producing new hair.
What Do Hair Growth Phases Have to Do With Anything?
The laser works best on hair that is in the growth phase because the follicle is larger and contains more pigment at this time. It’s important to note that not all hair is in the growth phase at the same time, which is why multiple treatments are typically needed.
Hair growth cycles can vary from person to person, but on average, hair goes through three stages of growth: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the active growth phase. The catagen phase is the transitional phase, when the hair is no longer growing but has not yet shed. The telogen phase is the resting phase, when the hair has shed, and a new hair is beginning to grow.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Typically, people need between 4 and 8 treatments, depending on the area being treated, the density of the hair, and the individual’s hair growth cycle. It is important to wait 4 to 6 weeks between treatments to allow time for the hair to enter the anagen phase and be effectively treated. The number of treatments needed can vary, but on average, hair growth is reduced by about 70% after 4 to 8 treatments.
How Does the Hair “Disappear” After Treatment?
After a laser treatment, the treated hair will begin to shed over the next few days to a week. This shedding process is normal and is a sign that the laser treatment has been successful. At first, this will look a lot like new hair growth, but don’t be discouraged. That’s actually your body getting rid of the treated hair!
Any hair that does grow back will be finer and lighter in color, and there will be less of it. Some of the follicles will only be damaged if they weren’t in the active growing stage when the laser hit them. Follicles that were actively growing when targeted won’t regrow any hair at all.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Unlike traditional hair removal methods, this one actually destroys the hair follicle, preventing it from growing hair again. This means the process can offer some pretty wonderful benefits:
Say Goodbye to Razor Burn
Razor burn can be a constant problem, especially for men with thick beards or women who shave areas of the body that society deems “unacceptable.” With this treatment, you can enjoy smooth, hairless skin and put an end to razor burn for good.
Enjoy Life Pain-Free
Shaving, plucking, and waxing can be painful and irritating to the skin. Laser treatments provide a comfortable solution that minimizes discomfort and saves you from the pain of traditional hair removal methods.
Gain Back Lost Time
The average woman spends about 72 days of her life shaving, and the average man spends 45 days shaving his face alone. We don’t notice this time sink because shaving only takes a short time each day: but with lasers, you can reclaim those lost hours and enjoy more time doing the things you love. (And just think about what that amount of time is worth. Even if you only value it at $12 an hour, that’s over $20,000 in a lifetime!)
Reach Everywhere, Easily
For some people, the physical act of shaving can be difficult, especially for those trying to reach hard-to-get-to areas, like the back. This treatment offers an easy solution for removing hair from these areas and stops you from feeling like an acrobat every time you need to shave.
Get Treatment, Even With a Darker Skin Tone
In the past, laser hair removal was only recommended for people with light-colored skin. With advancements in laser technology, the treatment can now be performed on a wide range of skin tones, including those with darker skin.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Laser treatments can be a great fit for many people, but the best way to determine if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with us. Our specialists will carefully consider your hair type, skin type, and goals to help you find the right answer for your unwanted hair. Here are a few things to consider as you decide if this is right for you:
The Color of Your Hair
The laser needs to be able to identify the melanin in the hair shaft to target the follicle. If your hair is very light in color, laser treatment may not be an option for you. The good news is that modern lasers can typically target all but the very lightest reds and greys.
Your Budget
This treatment might feel expensive when you compare it to the cost of a couple of cheap razors and a can of shaving cream: but it can save you money in the long run. The average woman will spend nearly $15,000 on hair removal products over a lifetime!
Areas of Treatment
This treatment can be used to treat hair on most parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, bikini area, and even the neck. The most common areas for laser hair removal are the underarms, legs, and bikini line.
The Face: Popular With Everyone!
The face is a sensitive area and requires special care and attention. Laser treatments on the face are usually limited to the upper lip, chin, and sideburns. However, in some cases, laser hair removal may be performed on the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
Popular With Men
Laser treatments on the chest, back, and abdomen are popular among men, though it’s certainly an option for women, too. Men may wish to be completely hair-free in these areas, or they may want to simply reduce the amount of hair they have to present a different look.
Popular With Women
The bikini area is a common target for women, as it can help achieve a cleaner and more defined appearance than shaving, and with a lot less risk of razor burn and missed hairs.
FYIs
Regardless of the area being treated, it is important to follow pre-treatment instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure, to ensure the best results. We’ll tell you what you need to know when you come to us for a consultation.
It is important to note that laser hair removal is not recommended for certain areas, such as the eyelids and surrounding eye area. Additionally, it is not recommended for use on moles or birthmarks.
Get Laser Hair Removal In Northern California!
If you’re interested in what this treatment can do for you, come talk to us at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA today. This treatment is the perfect way for people in Norcal to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin effortlessly!