Laser Hair Removal used to be an expensive alternative to the more conventional methods of hair removal such as hot wax or a razor.

Now the prices are more affordable and more people are turning to this modern alternative. Indeed, it can now be performed in your doctor’s office or in your local hair salon. Before making an appointment however, you should do your homework and find out all you can about the procedure, its costs, as well as any follow-up treatments.

Light versus Dark
One of the first things you should know is that Laser Hair Removal produces best results in people with light skin and dark hair. This is because of the greater heat absorbing properties of light colored skin. Darker skin tends to need more exposure to greater heat and the risk of suffering burns is greater.

Sensitive People
Some people have extra-sensitive skin and they tend to feel a greater level of pain on application of the laser. In cases of extra sensitivity, the usual procedure is to apply numbing or cooling creams to the area before applying the laser. The patient would only feel a slight tingling as the laser is applied.

After Effects
After the hair has been removed, the area would be red for a few days and some tingling would also be felt. Some people can also experience a certain degree of swelling in the area that will disappear in a few days. It is also advisable to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days until the area has regained its usual state.

Rare Occurrences
Once the follicles have been killed by the application of the laser, the hair does not grow back. In certain cases however, the follicles spring back to life and begin producing hair once again. Certain medications have this effect, as do some changes in the medical conditions of the patient. A good salon or spa will bear this in mind and will provide a touch-up treatment if such an event happens.

Technical Requirements
The results obtained from Laser Hair Removal depend greatly on the type of laser equipment used as well as on the technical expertise of the technician or nurse. Some states require a certificate of competence or license for the personnel involved in the actual application of the treatment, while others do not.