5 Common Myths About Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is a common problem for both men and women, and as a result, laser hair removal is beginning to increase in popularity. Many people do not want the hassle of having to shave, wax, thread or epilate their legs and other areas of their body as often as they currently do and as such are turning to the method of laser hair removal in order to enjoy silky smooth skin for longer. Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common myths about laser hair removal, to determine why you shouldn’t be put off.
Hair Removal Is Permanent
This is a very important factor for patients to consider when it comes to laser hair removal – it is not a permanent method of hair removal. There have been no clinical studies to suggest that laser hair removal is able to remove every single hair permanently, and the FDA explicitly states this. However, laser hair removal can instead offer permanent hair reduction. This simply reduces the number of hairs, whereas permanent hair removal will ensure that there is no regrowth. Results vary depending on the hair type, skin type, length of treatment and hair density, but laser hair removal is often reported to offer approximately 80% reduction.
Laser Hair Removal Is Effective For Everyone
While laser hair removal is growing in popularity, it is not always effective on certain skin and hair types. For example, those with light hair such as blonde or red, or those with dark skin can find laser hair removal to be ineffective. The concept of laser hair removal is that it targets melanin, and as melanin is responsible for both hair and skin colour, the laser can become confused when it tackles dark skin which can actually result in burns – so make sure to consult a professional before attempting to undergo laser hair removal.
It Can Cause Infertility
The Environmental Protection Agency has previously reported that intense radiation can lead to infertility, but that does not mean that laser hair removal particularly on genital areas can cause infertility. Laser hair removal radiation is very minimal, and therefore is not even close to being strong enough to cause fertility issues.
It Will Cause Harm To Your Internal Organs
Similar to the infertility issue, some people believe that hair removal can also cause damage to your internal organs, but once again, the radiation from laser hair removal is not strong enough to cause any kind of damage. The laser does not penetrate deep enough to cause any issues, as the laser itself is only able to reach up to 4mm beneath the skin.
The Procedure Is Painful
This is one common myth that has actually resulted in a number of patients being put off from obtaining the procedure. When the procedure was first available, it was often unpredictable as the technology was still far from being perfected. As a result, a few patients experienced some discomfort, and if the procedure went wrong then yes, the procedure was very painful. However, the technology has come a long way since then and as a result, modern iterations of laser hair removal devices offer very minimal discomfort. If you are experiencing discomfort then numbing creams can be applied if necessary.
