To laser or not to laser

Do you struggle with stubborn or ingrown hairs, or do you just want to stop having to shave or wax all the time? Then laser hair removal might be right for you. The treatment is becoming increasingly popular, but some people still have reservations. How does laser hair removal work, and is it safe? And why does it work better for some people than others? We’ll explain!

The hair growth cycle: a three-phase cycle

Before we delve deeper into laser hair removal, it’s important to know that hair goes through three growth phases and that not all hairs grow at the same rate. This means that every hair on your body is in a different “life cycle.”

Because all hairs are at different stages of growth, it sometimes seems as though they start growing back just a week after hair removal. But in reality, these are simply different hairs—ones that are at a different stage of the hair growth cycle.

In the hair growth cycle, there are three phases:

• The anagen phase, or growth phase, is the first part of the cycle. This phase lasts an average of three to five years. Between 80% and 90% of hair follicles are in this phase.
• During the catagen phase, or transitional phase, the hair follicle retracts and detaches from the hair root (dermal papilla). This phase lasts an average of 2 to 3 weeks. About 1% of all our hair is in this phase.
• The telogen phase, or resting phase, is the final stage of the hair growth cycle. During this phase, which lasts an average of four months, hair loss occurs. Less than 10% of your hair is in the telogen phase.

After the telogen phase, the anagen phase begins again.

What is laser hair removal?

“Laser” is an acronym for“Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” It’s quite a mouthful, but essentially, lasers are powerful and highly focused beams of light that can be used in a wide range of applications—from communication to navigation and, yes, even hair removal.

Laser treatments use medical-grade lasers. These lasers convert the light from the laser beam—which is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair—into heat. This damages and destroys the hair follicle and root.

To destroy a hair follicle, the blood supply and the stem cells responsible for hair regrowth must also be destroyed. This requires a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Celsius.

Why does my hair keep growing back after a laser treatment?

Many of us choose laser hair removal so we never have to shave or trim again. However, hair may still grow back over time. There are three reasons for this:

1. Only hair that is in the anagen phase, or growth phase, can be successfully removed. That is why a series of treatments is necessary to remove all the hair.
2. In addition, only hair with sufficient pigment can be treated. The darker and thicker the hair, the easier it will be to destroy it. But the lighter and finer the hair, the harder it is to remove.
3. Finally, skin tone also plays a role. Do you have fair skin? If so, you can be treated at a high intensity. Do you have darker skin? If so, there is a risk of minor burns. A laser cannot distinguish between the pigment in the skin and the pigment in the hair. That is why it is up to the specialist to adjust the laser intensity on an individual basis.

Is laser hair removal safe? 

It is generally accepted that laser hair removal is a safe treatment. The vast majority of researchers see no long-term health risks, and serious side effects are rare even in the short term.

Although taking the proper precautions can significantly reduce risks, the use of powerful laser beams naturally carries certain risks. So be sure to protect your eyes, use high-quality equipment, and choose the right products—especially those that are gentle on the skin.

In addition, a number of specialists recommend ensuring good air circulation and filtration, and advise wearing a laser mask (special goggles) during the treatment. This will help protect you from the numerous tiny particles released into the air during the procedure.

What are the contraindications for laser hair removal? 

Before any treatment, the specific circumstances are thoroughly assessed, and the potential effects of the treatment on those circumstances are evaluated. For example, there are several factors you should definitely take into account when considering laser treatment:

• We’ve mentioned this before, but laser hair removal isn’t recommended for tanned skin or darker natural skin tones. That’s why it’s important to stay out of the sun as much as possible before undergoing the treatment. It’s best to schedule your laser treatment during cooler, less sunny periods.
• Make sure you are not taking any photosensitizing medications (such as Roaccutane for acne) at the time of treatment.
• Avoid laser treatments if you have a skin condition or injury, such as ulcers, herpes, or similar conditions;
• The treatment also doesn't work well on tattoos;
• Pregnancy is a relative contraindication for laser treatment. Although laser hair removal is safe for the developing fetus, it is the mother’s skin that may react unpredictably to the treatment. For this reason, laser treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

Experiencing irritation after laser hair removal? 

Laser hair removal destroys the hair follicles and roots. However, since your hair is directly connected to your skin, the treatment can also cause mild side effects such as irritation, itching, or discomfort in the treated areas. People with light or fine hair, or those with darker skin, are particularly likely to experience these side effects.

To prevent and relieve minor ailments, use the intimate oil spray from shinncare. This soothes the skin between and after each laser session. Our formula safely nourishes, repairs, and protects the intimate skin. The intimate oil spray is unique, natural, and vegan.

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