Tag: hair removal

Basic Laser Hair Removal Terminology

It is important to understand the basic terminology used in laser hair removal techniques. This gives you a better understanding of what the procedure entails. It also helps to put many people at ease to completely understand the words used in the treatment.

Absorption is the uptake of one substance into another.

Active medium is the part of the laser that absorbs and stores energy.

American bikini wax, is a standard bikini wax in which hair is removed from either side of the panty line at the top of the thigh.

Anagen is the growth phase in the hair cycle in which a new hair is synthesized.

Brazilian bikini wax, is a bikini wax in which all of the hair is removed in the pubic region, including the hair on the buttocks and labia.

Catagen is a transitional stage of a hair’s growth cycle, occurring between the growth and resting stages.

Chromophore is a group of atoms in a molecule that produces color through selective light absorption.

Coherent light are light waves that travel in parallel, and in the same direction.

Dermal scattering is the change that occurs between the laser’s spot size at the surface of the skin and the spot size deeper in the tissue.

Dermis is the underlying or inner layer of the skin.

Electrons are stable, negatively charged elementary particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Energy source is the device in the laser that supplies energy to the active medium.

Epidermis is the thin outermost layer of the skin.

Excited states is the conditions of a physical system in which the energy level is higher than the lowest possible level.

Fissure is a crack or cut in the skin.

French bikini wax, is a bikini wax in which all of the hair is removed from the pubic region except for a stripe of hair on the pubis.

Hair follicle bulb is the bulbous base of the hair follicle that houses the dermal papilla.
Keloids scars are raised areas of fibrous tissue.

Melanin are grains of pigment that give hair and skin its color.

Monochromatic light is of one wavelength, and therefore appears as one color.

Nanometers are each one billionth of a meter.

Optical cavity is a part of the laser that contains the active medium.

Polychromatic light consists of light of multiple wavelengths, appearing as different colors.

Pulse duration is the duration of an individual pulse of laser light, which is usually measured in milli-seconds.

Selective photothermolysis is the selective targeting of an area using a specific wavelength to absorb light into that target area sufficient to damage the tissue of the target while allowing the surrounding area to remain relatively untouched.

Spontaneous emission is the process or an excited atom, after holding extra energy for a fraction of a second, releases its energy as another photon then falls back to its grounded state.

Spot size is the width of a laser beam.

Terminal hair is hair found on the scalp arms legs Alexa lay in pubic areas.

Vellus hair is generally fine, non-pigmented hair found on the face that is often called peach fuzz.

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.

Areas That Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal

Just about any area of the body that is covered by hair, either facial or body, can be treated with laser hair removal. These areas include the face, chin, upper lip, neck, arms, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, legs, pubic area, and buttocks. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for both men and women.

Facial hair in women is one of the most common areas treated by laser hair removal. The two areas that are treated most often are the upper lip and chin. This is because most women find facial hair to be very troublesome and unsightly. Women who choose laser hair removal for facial hair like the ease and speed of treatment, as well as, and the long-lasting results. Hair removal in these areas usually takes anywhere from one to 10 minutes.

In women facial hair tends to grow thicker as the woman grows older. The entire face is covered with tiny hairs called vellus hairs, which are almost invisible. As the skin ages, more thicker terminal hairs grow on the woman’s face. This is actually the same thing that happens to men’s ears. Laser treatment for this type of hair usually takes between ten and fifteen minutes.

Many women also choose laser hair removal for eyebrow shaping. This treatment is an excellent way to remove stray and unwanted hairs, especially between the eyebrows. Eyebrow treatment usually takes about fifteen minutes and can result in a slight irritation of the skin around the delicate brow. This irritation generally disappears within a few days and is very similar to a mild sunburn.

Often men with very hairy backs choose to have laser hair removal treatments. Many are self-conscious of their back hair when going to the gym or beach. A full back treatment can take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour depending upon the extensiveness of the hair in that area.

Many women choose laser hair removal treatments for the pubic, or bikini area. They are often concerned with shaving bumps, a rash, or a stray pubic hair showing when they wear their bathing suits. It generally takes from four to thirty minutes to complete laser hair removal in this area. The amount of hair that is removed depends on the client’s wishes. Some people choose a full Brazilian bikini procedure, which is the removal of all hair in the pubic area.

Laser hair removal from the underarm area generally takes about 30 minutes and usually results in permanent hair removal.

Some women spend as much an hour a week removing their leg hair by shaving. This method is not only time-consuming, but often results in nicked, bleeding legs. Most often razor stubble can be seen within a few days as the hair regrows. Laser hair removal for legs can consist of the entire leg, half of the leg. It usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes for both legs to receive a full leg treatment.

Laser hair removal treatments are safe and effective ways for removing unwanted hair on any part of your body. Although several treatments may be needed, most people that choose this method are very happy with the results.

An Overview of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an excellent way of removing unwanted hair. This is accomplished by sending a light beam of a specific wavelength onto the skin from the laser. The beam of light is sent through a hand piece into the skin, where it attacks the darker pigmentation of the hair follicle. This causes damage and destruction of the hair follicle without damaging the skin tissues around it. Some people do experience permanent hair loss, while others do need to repeat the procedure. Sometimes when hair does grow back it is lighter in color and finer and texture.

There are four types of lasers that are used for hair removal. They are Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and NdYAG. Each of these four lasers are different in many ways and are used for different skin types. The ruby laser is able to focus in on small areas and can be used on both dark and light skin. However, this laser works best on light skin. The alexandrite laser is very versatile and can be used on many different types of hair. It is able to focus on large areas and is very easy to customize. The diode laser uses a much longer wavelength which makes it very effective on most types of skin. The NdYag laser works well on people with dark hair and dark skin.

Laser hair removal is not a good treatment option for everyone. It is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions or disorders. It also is not an effective treatment for people with white, gray or very light-colored hair. People that have hair of these colors do not have pigments in their hair to absorb the energy from the laser. Laser hair removal works about system on people with light skin and dark hair.

In some instances, such as the removal of facial hair, one treatment may be enough. In other areas of the body, often a series of treatments must be given to remove the unwanted hair. Many times, laser hair removal is the last resort for people after years of using other methods to rid themselves of the excess hair.

Although laser hair removal is considered safe, it is important to have your treatments done by an experienced, licensed professional. If the treatments are not done correctly, you run the risk of burns, blistering, skin discoloration, or a patchy uneven hair regrowth. Take the time to meet with several specialists in your area, and then decide which one is right for you. For the best results follow all the guidelines that your doctor gives you both before and after your laser hair removal treatments.

The cost of laser hair removal can be expensive, and since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Generally, a payment plan can be arranged for treatments. The average cost per treatment for laser hair removal in the United States is between $425 and $500 and many people need three to four sessions.

Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to other types of hair removal and should seriously be considered by those who are troubled by excessive hair growth.

All about Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of constantly shaving and dealing with unwanted hair on your body? If so, laser hair removal just might be the thing for you! Of course, there might be a better option for you. Some of those options might be shaving, bleaching, tweezing or waxing. Each of these has their ups and downs but might be better for you.

Laser hair removals work by the beams of light they produce. They apply the laser device to your skin causing it to get hot. This heat damages the follicle and keeps it from growing in the future.

One of the requirements for laser hair removal is that your hair is darker than your skin. Laser hair removal is also not recommended for naturally dark people because too much laser energy is absorbed into their skin. If you tan it also recommended you do not have laser hair removal done. You can wait until your tan is gone and then proceed.

If you have light skin you can expect an easier laser hair removal procedure as well as fewer treatments with quicker results. If you are darker skinned it could take longer for results to show and you will have more treatments. Each person is different when being treated for something just the same as being treated for laser hair removal.

Most areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal. The most popular areas:

Back
Neck
Legs
Chest
Bikini Line
Face
Underarms
Upper Lip
Abdomen

If you have a specific area you want done, talk to your local laser hair removal expert. If you are seriously considering laser hair removal you do not want to tan prior to having it done. The treatment will be less effective this way.

Laser hair removal is for women and men of all ages. Children can have it done granted they are old enough to cooperate. Laser hair removal is becoming more popular with men today. They are having their chests and backs done as well as their abdomen and sometimes face.

While laser hair removal is proven to be quite safe, there are still some cons to having the procedure. The main worry being who is giving you the treatment. If this person is not entirely qualified to perform this procedure, they could damage your skin. Be sure you know all about your professional performing this.

The cost of laser hair removal can be pricey but it really depends on your location. Every clinic is different so you want to contact a local clinic. Find out what their rates are and maybe even meet with a consultant to see if laser hair removal is right for you. You might think so just because you are tired of shaving. This may not be true though so it is better to consult a professional first.

As with any major procedure you might have done, do all your research on laser hair removal before making a final decision. If you do not get all the facts before committing to it, you might be disappointed in the end. You might not even be eligible for laser hair removal.