That is as a result of “lasers have completely different wavelengths which can be used to focus on chromophores, [the part of a molecule responsible for its color], beneath the floor of the pores and skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. Finer, lighter-colored hair is just tougher for the laser to focus on.
That stated, some laser hair removing gadgets and sure wavelengths can work on darker pores and skin “if utilizing the suitable settings,” says Dr. Bhanusali. The incorrect settings can lead to pores and skin discoloration and even burns, so you probably have darkish pores and skin, it is particularly essential to get laser hair removing from a board-certified dermatologist, by no means at a medi-spa (extra on that in a bit). “Numerous wavelengths will also be used for lighter hair, however the outcomes are usually not all the time nearly as good.”
Over time, laser therapies destroy hair follicles on the root, which prevents the hair from rising as a lot or as rapidly because it did earlier than. The remedy can be utilized on most areas of the physique, together with delicate areas like your face and bikini zone, and works nicely on giant areas of pores and skin like your legs and again.
The remedy itself isn’t very painful, however your physician would possibly apply a cooling or numbing cream earlier than beginning. Dr. Farhang says newer gadgets are even much less uncomfortable and don’t require any topical numbing beforehand. The DiolazeXL laser system she makes use of in her practices, for instance, comes with a cooling system that counteracts the ache or burning sensation sometimes related to laser therapies. Basically, although, the remedy feels just like the snap of a rubber band. “It may be extra intense the place there may be thicker, darker hair,” she says, “just like the bikini space.”
Classes can take a couple of minutes to over an hour, relying on the scale of the world being handled. So, an armpit gained’t take so long as a full leg. And since your armpit hair might be darker and thicker than your leg hair, it gained’t require as many classes.
Outcomes you possibly can count on from laser hair removing
You may see a right away lower in hair after your first session, however you’ll possible want just a few laser hair removing classes, unfold out over a number of months, to see full outcomes. “New laser gadgets require fewer classes, round 6 to eight, in comparison with over 10 for different gadgets,” says Dr. Farhang.