What is laser hair removal?

LASER stands for "Light amplification by Simulated of Radiation", including "Luminous Amplification by Radiation Amplification". The laser emits radiation captured by the melanin contained in the hair. These radiations run along the hair to the root and destroy it by heating it and ensure a definitive epilation (include "long duration", one or two catch-up sessions to be expected every 8 years).

What You Should Know Before Laser

Who says method using "melanin", says special precautions of use! In France, laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure and can therefore only be dispensed by a physician who has undergone specialized training; dermatologists are the specialists. There are many risks associated with the laser : burning in the first place, which can occur if the machine is not properly adjusted, or worse, touch organs such as the eyes; depigmentation , which may be caused by exposure to the sun or the use of the laser on a skin that is too dark; used on a very light skin (red type), the laser will not work properly (it will not find melanin to follow); the "paradoxical regrowth " : if it is used in an area where the hair is too fluffy or if the patient suffers from hormonal disorders, the laser can stimulate the hair growth rather than destroy it. Finally, laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women .
First of all, you must make an appointment with a dermatologist and / or one of the leaders of the laser center of your choice. It must produce a mandatory estimate for the areas to be treated and test the machine on the said zones. This first contact is sometimes free, sometimes paying (at the rate of a classic consultation); the rates and services offered vary considerably from one practitioner to another, and several estimates must be made before making a decision. Dermatologists practicing in the office are more reassuring than the large dedicated centers that see dozens of patients a day, but their rates are often higher.

The laser works for who?

The greater the contrast between the color of the hair and that of the skin, the more efficient the laser. This hair removal technique is therefore particularly suitable for people with light skin and black hair . However, in recent years there has been a specific type of laser to treat matt (but not black!) Skins, the NdYag laser , which is a little more painful than its big brother but just as effective. If you are particularly cozy, doctors can prescribe a local anesthetic cream (it should be applied 1 to 2 hours before epilation, in thick layers, so that the skin is always in contact with the product, act itself, which is not always practical).

How many sessions are required to see the results?

Radiation emitted by the laser mainly affects hair in the growth phase (which represents 15 to 20% of the hairs) because they produce a lot of melanin. It is therefore necessary to have several sessions at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks (8 weeks for the thighs and the zones where the hair grows slowly, 4 weeks on average for the underarms or epilation of the jersey) to overcome a given area. Between these sessions, exposure to the sun is prohibited.

Concretely , before epilating a laser area, it should be shaved closely (the day before). After passing the machine (whose head is between 2 cm² and 8 cm²), the skin can blush. The hairs, burnt, make small black points rather unsightly; at the end of a week, they begin to fall. 15 to 20% of them will not grow back. We wait for new growth hairs to appear and we put it back ... and so on until the stock of hair is exhausted. Before having the skin soft and crisp dreamed, it is necessary to provide for months of hide-and-seek with the areas to be treated : the best is to have a comprehensive companion and begin a laser hair removal two months after its last exposure in the summer sun to consider being presentable the following summer.

It varies according to the area to be treated: count about one hour for a large zone type thighs, 15 minutes for a small , like the upper lip, and ½ hour for an average area like armpits.

How much does it cost ?

Rates vary from single to double according to dermatologists; to depilate a laser zone, count several hundred euros (for small areas), several thousand for large ones . Laser hair removal requires a big budget but proves very profitable in the long term! And then, do not ask, as soon as you wake up, if you can put on a skirt or go to the pool, it is priceless!