Since laser hair removal first hit the market in 1998, it has become one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States, according to WebMD. The wish to permanently remove unwanted hair is prevalent, but shaving and waxing can be time consuming or costly. While technology has improved in just a few decades, not everyone is a perfect candidate for laser hair removal. Here we detail who makes an excellent candidate for laser hair removal and who should consider other methods for hair removal.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Several factors go into making someone a good candidate for laser hair removal. To understand these factors, it’s important to understand how lasers work when targeting hair. Lasers are a type of pulsing light that is very intense. This light targets the melanin in the hair, which is what gives the hair its color. By targeting the melanin, the laser is able to break down the hair follicle at the end of the hair under the skin without damaging the skin. With that in mind, your specific hair and skin types make a difference in the effectiveness of laser hair removal.
Hair and Skin Type – The ideal hair type for laser hair removal is dark and coarse. However, with the changes in technology, laser hair removal can work on some types of lighter hairs. The best candidates for this type of hair removal are those who have pale skin and dark hair. The contrast between light skin and dark hair allows the melanin to be easily targeted. Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal. This does not mean there aren’t options. More recent laser hair removal technology can target lower contrast hair to skin tone types. The Fitzpatrick table is used when evaluating hair and skin types for laser hair removal.
Treatment Area– When deciding if laser hair removal is right for you, consider the treatment area. Laser hair removal is excellent for larger areas of skin such as underarms, legs, arms, and back. This does not, however, rule out facial hair such as the upper lip and chin or the bikini area, all of which see good results from lasers. Laser hair removal is best for groupings of hair that need to be permanently removed over the occasional hair here and there.
Who is NOT a good candidate for laser hair removal?
This leaves us with questions about who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal. As we mentioned, light, fine hair does not respond well to laser treatments. Also, areas close to the eyes should be avoided, such as between the eyebrows, as even with protection there is an added risk of the lasers damaging your eyes. Lastly, just as a precaution pregnant or nursing women should forgo laser hair removal to not cause harm to their child. Even though there is no evidence to substantiate any harm would happen, it’s better to be cautious.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into laser hair treatments, contact Allura for a free consultation to see if you’re a good candidate and create the ideal hair removal plan for you!
FAQs
The best candidates for this type of hair removal are those who have pale skin and dark hair. The contrast between light skin and dark hair allows the melanin to be easily targeted. Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method.
Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Patient with history of keloid scarring – Unfortunately if you have a history of developing keloids laser hair removal will be an absolute no, as the treatment in rare cases may cause scarring. Recent sun exposure or tanning – Laser hair removal should not be performed on skin that is sunburned or recently tanned.
Who are the best candidates for laser treatments? ›
Patients should remember that lasers can drastically improve their skin's appearance but are not guaranteed to produce flawless or perfect skin. Ideally, candidates should have good skin elasticity, a non-oily complexion, a light to medium skin color, and light or moderate blemishes.
Who is the target clientele for laser hair removal? ›
2) Identify your target market
While adults of all ages and genders seek hair removal treatments, urban professional women between the ages of 21 and 45 tend to seek the treatment more than other groups of people.
Who is not suitable for laser? ›
Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.
Who should not receive laser therapy? ›
Contraindications. Cold laser therapy should not be used over any suspicious cancerous lesions, or carcinoma, over the thyroid, on pregnant patients, and there should not be direct irradiation of the eyes, as the laser can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal? ›
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Who is not a candidate for laser? ›
The surgery may not be ideal if you have an autoimmune disease that causes dry eye. Other conditions that can disqualify a patient are diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, and glaucoma. To be a good candidate for laser vision correction, you must be an adult over 18 years old.
What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›
Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.
What is the best age to get laser done? ›
Young teenagers have raging hormones that are rapidly changing; one of the major side effects is rapid hair growth. Since these hormonal changes impact hair growth, the most effective time to start laser hair removal is after eighteen. The results are more long-lasting when significant hormonal changes aren't at play!
Age Group Guidelines for Laser Surgery
For the majority of the population, the ideal age range for LASIK surgery falls between 20 and 40 years. However, there is no upper limit for lasik provided the eye is healthy and does not have any other associated conditions(as discussed further).
Who is best suited for laser hair removal? ›
Coarse hair responds better to laser hair removal than fine hair. This is because the thicker the hair, the more pigment it contains, allowing the laser to target it more effectively. Individuals with thick, dark hair on areas like the underarms, legs, or bikini line can expect more quicker results.
Am I good candidate for laser hair removal? ›
The best candidates for this type of hair removal are those who have pale skin and dark hair. The contrast between light skin and dark hair allows the melanin to be easily targeted. Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method.
What client would be the best candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Almost everyone who has unsightly body hair they would like to have permanently reduced is a good candidate for laser hair removal. Although the results of the procedure will depend on the amount of hair in the area and the patient's skin type, laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair.
Who does laser hair removal work best on? ›
Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients who have light-colored hair and light skin and patients who have dark skin. Laser hair removal must be performed very carefully in these patients. Dermatologists know what precautions to take to provide laser hair removal safely and effectively.
Does laser hair removal not work for some people? ›
Although our lasers work for all skin types, but will be less effective for patients with blonde, grey or red hair. As there is little or no pigment in the hair follicle for the laser to target.
Are there negatives to laser hair removal? ›
Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?