As hair removal methods go, laser hair removal is one of the best. It works on large areas of skin very quickly and following a course of treatment it usually results in a permanent reduction in hair growth. But there are varying results for different people whereas with a process like electrolysis you know that whatever your skin or hair type you will achieve permanent hair removal in every case.
In the past laser hair treatment was not always effective and there were many stories of disappointment with the process. Now we are wiser and know that not all hair will be destroyed completely so our expectations are more realistic and with the latest laser hair removal equipment most people achieve such a reduction in hair growth that they are happy with the results and usually go on to have other areas of their bodies treated.
Still, it has to be said that laser hair removal treatments are not suitable for everyone. If you have fair hair (including blond, red or gray) it will not work for you. It will not work even if you dye your hair as it is the pigment at the root of the hair which the laser attacks.
It will also be less effective for you if you have dark skin. Although there are new laser hair removal machines which can work in these cases, it is still more difficult to attack the pigment in the hair with sufficient power without affecting the pigment in the skin so it may take longer and result in less hair being permanently removed. Even sunbathing can reduce effectiveness, so it is better to stay “pale and interesting” if you are about to embark on a course of treatment and you should be given instructions about this at your first consultation.
If your hair or skin color make treatment difficult, at least you will know this in advance and you may be advised against laser hair removal treatment by the clinic at your first appointment. At least the better clinics will do that. Always ask about success rates for people with your particular coloring before you sign up for treatment. The cost of laser hair removal is far from trivial and you don’t want to waste your money.
There will also be a few cases where the hair is not as affected by the laser as you would like. You will not know about this before you have treatment and see how your particular skin and hair react. You just have to hope you do not fall into that category. In any case, you are likely to experience significant unwanted hair reduction so it is usually still worthwhile.
