Hair removal is something that we've probably all thought of, or even attempted, at some point in our lives. We all have that one problem area that we're constantly trying to keep smooth and clean, whether it is visible or not.
Here's the deal: trying out different hair removal methods might bring new benefits to our lives, especially if we find that one method that really works for us. However, the hair will almost always come back.
Laser hair removal uses targeted laser energy to provide long-term reduction of unwanted hair, reducing the need for frequent shaving, waxing, or other temporary methods.
Still not convinced? Let's take a deeper look at the case of laser hair removal vs. other methods.
The good thing about hair removal is that it's generally a quick and easy process. This is great considering that many people around the world are unhappy with their body hair. In fact, a 2019 survey uncovered that around 55% of men (from a total pool of 2,000) reported that they were unhappy with their body hair.
So what do people do in this situation? Well, they try to remove it through various different methods. For those of us unhappy with our body hair, we're fortunate enough to have access to plenty of hair removal options.
But each method of removing unwanted hair has its own pros and cons. To make things simple, we've made a comprehensive list of these which you can find below.
Shaving is probably the most mainstream method of hair removal. Its most commonly done on facial hair but people also shave other body parts such as their arms and legs.
Shaving is great because it's quick, easy, and very cheap. All you need is about an hour every few days (depending on how fast your hair grows), a razor, and some shaving cream.
The results from shaving are good, too. You're left with smooth, hair-free skin... with a catch. The results only last for a very short time. Some people even say they have to shave every day.
What's worse is that shaving can cause ingrown hairs. Shaving incorrectly can also cause injuries such as shaving burns and cuts.
Waxing is most common for people around areas of the body with large spaces, such as the back, legs, chest, and pubic areas. It's extremely quick and can often be done in under an hour. You can do it at home or go to a professional salon to have someone do it for you.
This is probably the most dangerous hair removal procedure, though. The hot wax can be super irritating to your skin and sometimes causes burns. These burns lead to infections.
In the worst-case scenario, waxing can tear off a few layers of skin if not done properly, or if the person is taking certain acne medication.
Results from waxing last longer than shaving, but still need multiple appointments to maintain that smooth look.
These three are all miniature forms of hair removal typically only used in smaller regions. The reason why? They take a long time to do.
However, they're very precise for shaping something such as eyebrows out. Another great thing about plucking and tweezing is that they can be done anywhere at any time. Just grab a mirror and get to work.
Threading is very common for eyebrows as it's super simple to do and inexpensive.
Unfortunately, all of these three can be extremely painful and often cause sore and irritated skin. The results only last a few days too.
There are also other forms of laser hair removal, such as using creams to annihilate the hair follicles or electricity to burn them. But these are not as common and of course, potentially harmful.
We're now left with laser hair removal. This is another one of the more popular hair removal methods, and for good reasons at that.
Before we get into how laser hair removal triumphs over the hair removal methods, let's explain how it works.
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light (or a laser) to target unwanted hair. The laser energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and helps reduce future hair growth.
It’s important to understand that laser hair removal requires multiple sessions because individual hairs are in different stages of the growth cycle. Each treatment targets a portion of actively growing hairs, gradually reducing hair growth over the course of a treatment series. You'll need to follow up appointments to maintain the hair removal.
How many follow-up appointments you'll need depends on how thick your hair is, the location of the hair, and how much you want to be removed.
With a recommended series of treatments, laser hair removal can provide significant long-term hair reduction, although results vary and occasional maintenance treatments may be needed.
In addition to providing long-term hair reduction, laser hair removal offers several advantages compared with temporary hair removal methods.
There are also other benefits to laser hair removal, but they are specific to the person having it done. Consult a technician to learn more about what laser hair removal can do for you!
One last thing to mention about laser hair removal is that it is higher in price than any other method. One-time appointments can range anywhere from $500 to-1500 depending on location and amount of hair.
While laser hair removal requires an upfront investment and multiple treatment sessions, long-term hair reduction may decrease the need for frequent shaving, waxing, and other temporary hair removal methods.
Over the course of a treatment series, laser hair removal can significantly reduce unwanted hair and may decrease the time and expense associated with ongoing shaving or waxing.
Are you considering laser hair removal for long-term reduction of unwanted hair? Laser hair removal can be an effective option for reducing unwanted hair when performed using appropriate technology and treatment settings for your skin and hair characteristics.
If you're comparing laser hair removal with shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods, explore our blog to learn more about treatment benefits, preparation, expected results, and what to consider before getting started.
When you're ready, contact us here at Park Slope Laser for all your hair removal and coolsculpting needs.
