Hair Removal: Laser vs. Wax

Laser Hair Removal: Is It for You?

With a growing number of facilities and salon operators offering laser hair removal, the types of services vary, and so do the reviews. They range from "It´s fantastic!" to "It´s the worst thing I ever did to my skin."

It´s up to you to do your homework before letting anyone zap your hairs with a laser beam. Let caution rule your decision to undergo (or forgo) laser hair removal.

The hair follicle, which is under the skin, has pigment with a big bull’s-eye on it. The laser beam hits the target and burns the follicle, rendering it incapable of producing any more hairs. Because of its attraction to pigment, laser hair removal works best for people with light to medium skin and dark hair. Dark hair has more pigment; hence, the laser has a clearer target. Dark skin combined with dark hair, on the other hand, confuses the laser beam away from the hair follicle. While some new laser technologies claim to work on darker skin or lighter hair, be sure to inquire about for the facts before signing up for treatments.

Laser hair removal costs hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and is not usually covered by insurance. The most commonly treated areas include the lip, chin, underarms and bikini zone for women. Men often request treatment on their chest and back.

Set up consultation appointments -- usually free -- at several facilities. Meet the doctor or laser technician, and start asking questions. It´s your skin, so make sure your doctor or certified technician is going to keep it safe. Have the laser operator fully explain the procedure to you. If he or she acts like your many inquiries are a bother or taking up too much time, leave the office. You don´t want someone zapping your hair follicles if they´re not thorough or patient about your concerns.

Here are some questions you should be asking:

• What happens when you remove hair with a laser?
• Will it hurt? No matter what the claims, you can count on laser hair removal being at least a little painful.
• What kind of results should I realistically expect?
• What are your safety and hygiene precautions? Safety goggles, cleaning between clients are examples of what to look for.
• Will it work on my dark hair?
• Will it work with my dark skin?
• Will it work on my gray, white or very blond hair?
• What will my skin feel like afterwards? Is there any downtime?
• How many sessions will it take to notice dramatic results?
• Will I need touch-up sessions even after the last hair removal appointment?
• What should I do to prepare for laser hair removal? Examples may include: stay out of the sun, don´t bleach, and don’t wax.

Make sure you choose a doctor´s office, medspa or salon that is clean, professional.

Realize from the beginning that your laser hair removal treatments will take several sessions to complete. Why? Your hair goes through a cycle: It is growing, transitioning or taking a break. The laser tech or doctor will only be able to zap hairs that are in the growth (anagen) stage.

When you go in for laser hair removal, you´ll be given special safety goggles to guard against the laser light harming your eyes. Also, the technician or doctor will probably apply a cooling substance to protect your skin from overheating during the procedure.

If you´ve done your homework and laser hair removal just doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, try waxing. It’s a great way to get rid of hair for up to six weeks, not to mention the fact that it costs a lot less than a laser hair removal treatment. With waxing, hairs are pulled from their follicles and grow back weaker and softer over time (unlike with shaving, where hairs grow back quickly with the same thickness and a blunt tip).

To use hot wax, make sure the wax you’re using is at the right temperature (read instructions carefully), then dip a little spatula in the melted wax to cover the hairs you´re tired of seeing. Smooth the wax on the hairy area, patting it down so it has a lot of hair to stick to. Next, apply the strip, press down, exhale (holding your breath will actually make you more tense, and therefore more sensitive), and pull!

Sugar Waxing is great for do-it-yourselfers who may be shy about going to a salon and baring all. The bad news is that you´ll need to let your hair grow to at least a quarter of an inch long (around two weeks!). The good news, however, is that the wax will adhere very nicely to this length of hair. Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit comes with a mug of Poetic Cosmetic Wax, a bottle of Gentle Skin Cleanser (for before waxing), a bottle of Gentle Waxing Lotion (for after waxing), application spatulas and directions for use. For brows, try Eyebrow Threading (link to philly Threading.com).

It´s a fact that no hair removal technique -- whether hot wax or laser hair removal -- is painless. So the next time you read or hear a bold statement like "Easy, Painless Procedure!" or "Hair Will Never Grow Back!" step back and reconsider. Nothing´s guaranteed, and you should be wary of a laser hair removal doctor or technician who makes such claims. Small areas of hair may return even with excellent technique.