Lasers continue to develop and improve, creating more effective and safe treatments. Research will continue in this growing and popular field and new and improved equipment will continue to emerge. Dozens of lasers are now approved by the FDA, making it confusing for the consumer, to say the least.

Here is a breakdown of the most popular lasers used for hair removal:

The Ruby Laser

The ruby laser was the first to be approved for hair removal after the Soft Light in 1997. Because of its longevity it is the most widely tested and used. It directly targets the melanin in the skin. It is most effective for dark hair and light skin. Researchers discovered that there was a risk of hyper-pigmentation on clients with tan or dark skin. Also, the laser didn’t damage the hair shaft enough to guarantee permanent hair loss.

Alexandrite Lasers

Alexandrite lasers use alexandrite (a gemstone) that sends out a wavelength of light. This particular laser has a faster repetition rate, which means that it can cover a larger area faster, reducing overall treatment time. Alexandrite lasers are most effective for clients with dark hair and lighter skin, and has been found to be more effective in treating finer hair as well. It is safer for darker skin tones than the ruby laser, but its effectiveness is still limited.

Diode Lasers

Diode lasers use an electrical component (a diode) that create a beam of light. Diode lasers have a longer wavelength and therefore a longer penetration depth than Alexandrite lasers, which means that it can be used on darker skin tones.

Nd: YAG Lasers

Nd: YAG lasers have longer wavelengths than the Alexandrite and Diode lasers. This longer wavelength means that the laser bypasses the dark pigment in skin and directly targets the hair follicles, making it ideal for those with darker complexions. Like the ruby laser, a carbon lotion is applied and is then removed from the skin. The laser targets the absorbed carbon in the hair follicles. It has been found to cause the least damage to skin of all laser treatments. Also it has been found to be the least painful of all the laser hair removal options.

IPL Lasers

IPL lasers use pulsed light which use multiple wavelengths of light to different depths. It has been found to be effective for coarse as well as finer hair. It is potentially effective for darker complexions, although doesn’t seem to be as effective as the Nd: YAG lasers. It seems to require more treatments to achieve desired results, which in turn can make it more expensive and less satisfactory in the long run.

Researching the different type of lasers for hair removal can get overwhelming. We have omitted talking about the depth of lasers in millimetres and getting too technical. Lasers can be ideal for effectively and permanently reducing unwanted hair, but there is not one laser that is right for everyone. Depending on the type of hair you have (coarse or fine, dark or light) and your skin complexion, there is a laser that will be best suited for your needs. It is important to meet with an experienced technician for a consultation. They can assess you and determine what is the ideal treatment for your needs. Ask around, investigate and go to more than one clinic in order to make the best choice.

It used to be that hair removal for men would be limited to athletes like cyclists and swimmers to make them more streamlined. Most bodybuilders remove their body hair to better showcase their muscles. The average Joe would just live with what he had, even if this made social situations like swimming and the locker room embarrassing.

Today the same options that women have for hair removal are available for men and more males are opting to do something about their unwanted hair. Indeed “manscaping” is a common practice for most men, whether it is something as simple as tweezing between the eyebrows to avoid the “unibrow” look, trimming unruly brow and nose hairs, or more involved processes such as waxing their chests and backs. More male only spas are opening and men are becoming more used to regular male grooming.

More men are investigating laser hair removal. Some men just have more hair and find it unsightly. Many men do not want to deal with regular upkeep of shaving or waxing their backs and then dealing with embarrassing stubble. Likewise some men are more prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs from shaving and then have to deal with unsightly and painful bumps. Laser hair removal is a good alternative for men who want to decrease unwanted hair permanently.

Most men don’t necessarily want to be completely smooth. A little hair looks natural and not overdone, therefore thinning of unwanted hair is what they are looking for. Because laser hair removal damages the hair follicles, it leads to a gradual thinning of dense patches of hair and looks more natural than waxing and shaving, without unsightly regrowth. Usually at least five treatments are necessary to thin out larger areas, but some men may opt for more or less, depending on how much hair they want to thin out.

Males interested in laser hair removal should have a consultaion at a clinic to discuss their goals and cost. Smaller areas like the face take little time and cost less per session. Larger areas such as the back and chest can take longer, sometimes closer to an hour and cost more due to the larger area covered. It is an investment, but a worthwhile one to make if it can increase self esteem and confidence.

Whatever their reasons, men definitely have options for removing unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is the most permanent option.

The number of treatments required can vary but most people need at least six treatments. This number can vary depending on factors such as the area being treated, coarseness of the hair and skin color. Light skin with coarse dark hair seems to be the best combination for best results. Laser does not work as well on light and red hair, grey or white hair and very fine hair, although new lasers are improving and making it more effective for everyone. Some newer lasers are now available and can treat darker skin clients with black hair.

Less treatments will still be effective to decrease the amount of hair, and for some this may be enough. For example, I used to have insanely hairy arms which I found mortifying. I had five sessions of laser hair removal and although I still have a smattering of fine hair on my arms, I now feel like a normal person and not a gorilla woman. I don’t need every single hair gone on my arms and five treatments was perfect for my needs.

The most common side effects of laser hair are temporary and minor. Normal side effects of laser hair removal can include pain, redness, itching and swelling. This often depends on how sensitive your skin is.

Firstly, the pain experienced during a laser hair removal treatment can vary according to the area being treated and your own pain threshold. The sensation is described as a rubber band snapping against your skin, not pleasant, but not unbearable. Like they say, no pain, no gain. It is well worth a little discomfort if you can kiss your razor and waxing sessions good bye.

Most likely your skin will be red and swollen after a laser treatment. This is most evident immediately after the treatment but subsides reasonably quickly, depending how sensitive your skin is. At the most it can last 1-3 days.

Some people experience itchiness during or after a laser treatment, but again this is temporary and usually dissipates quickly.
In rare cases more serious side effects can occur such as burning, bruising, bleeding, infection and changes in skin pigmentation. You should consult your technician or doctor if they persist.

Burning of the skin can occur if a laser hair removal treatment is performed improperly or the wrong type of laser for your specific skin and hair type is used. Discussing your goals, learning about your technicians qualifications and the type of laser used will help prevent this. Also burning of the skin can occur if you don’t shave the area of surface hair prior to your session.

Those with sensitive skin and are prone to bruising, may get bruises in the treated area. Some people find that applying ice packs or cool compresses post treatment can lessen bruising.

Laser hair removal can irritate hair follicles which can cause slight bleeding. As a result of the bleeding scabs can appear. Usually this only happens if an area is being over treated. Again, discuss your goals with your technician and make sure that you wait the proper amount of time between sessions.

Minor infection can occur if treated areas aren’t cleaned and disinfected properly prior and post treatment. Infection is rarely serious and can be treated with antibiotics and topical ointments.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the hair removal gel used with certain lasers or to topical analgesic numbing creams. If you are concerned do a patch test first and wait 24 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction.

Some people can experience skin discoloration in the treated area. If the laser is absorbed by the skin rather than the hair follicle, it can decrease or increase melanin production, which can lighten or darken skin tone (hypo-pigmentation or hyperpigmentation). This can occur by using the wrong type of laser or not using the proper setting for the treatment area and client’s skin type. Tanned and dark skinned clients seem to be at a higher risk for this occurrence.

Additionally there are a few other side effects to keep in mind for those with a history of some conditions.Those who have had cold sores or an incidence of herpes simplex, for example, you can have an outbreak after a laser treatment. Your physician can provide medication before to your treatment to avoid an outbreak. If you are prone to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring (raised scars) you should opt for a less aggressive laser treatment approach. Options can be be discussed with your technician. Likewise, those who suffer with psoriasis or vitiligo, could possibility get more lesions in the treated areas. Finally if you are taking acne medication (like isotretinoin) it is recommended that you wait a year prior to having laser hair removal due to the possibility of scarring.

Definitely, the best way to avoid any complications or side effects is to be well informed and choose your clinic wisely. Discuss your hair removal goals, concerns and options with your technician prior to your treatment. They should analyze your skin and hair type to determine if they can successfully and safely meet your goals. They should inform you of any risks you may be susceptible to. In general, the side effects are minimal and most people go back to work or their regular activities immediately after a treatment. Like any treatment however, you should always be cautious, well informed and pay attention to any unusual reactions.

First of all, forget about feeling shy. You are dealing with trained professionals. They chose this career, they have seen it all and they are here to help you.You will not shock them. They are not judging you. Regardless of how hairy you may think you are or what area you want treated, be frank and be clear. Don’t worry about it. That is why you are there. If you are not comfortable or feel at ease with the technician or clinic, you can go elsewhere. There are many options and it is important to feel confident with your choice.

Once you’ve chosen your clinic and had a consultation, you will probably be given some prepping instructions. If you normally wax your hair you should stop and let the hair grow in. The same applies to tweezing. Shaving is still okay. Because lasers target melanin (that gives hair and skin its pigment) you should avoid tanning or using tanning lotions. Increased pigmentation can affect how the laser works with the skin and hair follicles and can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

Within 24 hours of your appointment, you should shave the area that will be treated. If there is hair on the skin surface, the laser targets the existing hair rather than just the hair follicle under the skin. The surface hair gets burned, which in turn can burn your skin. Most likely you will be instructed to not wear lotions or other substances on the area to be treated that day, as they can possibly interfere with the laser’s effectiveness.

A laser hair removal session involves some pain. Usually the sensation is described as a rubber band being snapped against your skin. It is not particularly pleasant,(unless you are fond of rubber bands snapping against your skin) but a bikini wax is no walk in the park either. Some people apply a topical analgesic cream half an hour prior to a treatment to dull the pain. Just make sure to check with your provider beforehand to make sure it will not interfere with the laser. You can also take an oral painkiller 15-20 minutes prior to your treatment. Keep your eye on the prize. Permanent reduction in unwanted body hair is worth a little discomfort.

Remember, you are able to ask questions or voice concerns at any time. The clinic is offering a service and will want to provide the best treatment possible.

Laser hair removal offers an efficient and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted hair. Laser hair removal has been practiced since the mid 1990′s and has steadily risen in popularity. It is widely available in numerous clinics and is a popular choice for permanent unwanted hair removal.

Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed to permanently remove all unwanted hair forever. Some people require touch-up treatments over time, especially on large areas. Nevertheless, having a significant reduction in unwanted hair is compelling enough. Dealing with a smattering of hair is certainly easier than struggling with unmanageable amounts.