Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal? (2024)

FAQs

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal? ›

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

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.

Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.

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.

Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Another rare side effect is the treated hair turning gray or more hair growing around the treated areas.

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.

However, it's recommended that patients are at least 18 years of age or older before beginning their first treatment. It's important a child goes through puberty before starting treatment, as additional hair may appear in between sessions and cause a setback or delay in treatment plans.

Most people start to see results of laser hair removal il treatments within the first few weeks after their first appointment. Your results will be obvious as your hair begins to fall out, and while you may see hair regrowth, you should notice that hair is growing back more slowly than before.

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years.

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal. People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

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.

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.

You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. 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.

Having a condition that impairs healing. Conditions that inhibit the body's healing response, such as keloids or autoimmune disease, can be a contraindication to laser eye surgery as it may result in haziness of the cornea and suboptimal sight post-operatively. Corneal infection.