Unwanted hair is frustrating and messy, and it almost always comes back. For getting rid of unwanted body hair, laser hair removal is in and shaving is most definitely out! Laser hair removal is a process during which concentrated light beams are professionally applied to hair follicles, effectively killing the follicles and stunting their ability to grow. If you’re still fumbling with a razor and shaving cream, here are 5 of the many reasons you should consider switching to laser hair removal instead:
- Laser hair removal is more permanent.
If you have ever shaved any part of your body, you have likely noticed the need for re-shaving in a few days to a week. Hair is always going to grow back after shaving; shaving simply removes the exposed part of the hair follicle, allowing it to continue to grow. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, creates a more lasting effect on hair. Even after only one treatment, many follicles will never grow back. It may take multiple, dispersed treatments to effectively remove all the hair in any certain area, but permanent hair removal is possible.
- It is safe.
One of the first questions most people have about this topic is, “is laser hair removal safe?” A practiced professional can provide laser hair removal to patients with little potential for negative side effects. You are more likely to cut yourself shaving than you are to get hurt by a laser hair removal specialist. Some patients will initially notice skin irritation or discoloration temporarily after laser application, but your doctor will not provide laser hair removal if your skin is not suitable for this treatment.
- You’ll spend less money and less time in the long run.
Women in particular spend a great deal of time shaving numerous areas of their bodies which could instead be treated with laser removal. Let’s just take leg shaving, for example. If it takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to shave both legs and you shave them once per week, you would spend almost 9 hours every year shaving just your legs. That is 315 hours over a 35-year span (13 days of shaving)! Laser hair removal treatments would not consume as much of a woman’s lifetime because the treatments are less frequent and their effect lasts longer. Cost is a huge factor as well; though laser hair removal may have a higher initial cost, the total amount spent in a lifetime will be less than if you were always buying razors and shaving cream.
- Lasers can get to the hard-to-reach areas razors cannot.
Laser hair removal is a suitable treatment for both women and men. One of the most common hair complaints men have is about their unsightly or uncomfortable back hair. This is an area that is very difficult to shave but could be easily treated with a laser. Other areas that are difficult to safely shave are the bikini area and underarms.
- Laser hair removal is a common procedure and accessible to anyone.
Some people are scared away by this relatively new method for hair removal and think that it is only performed by cosmetic doctors and spas. While this procedure is generally used for cosmetic purposes, it is offered in safe, accessible environments such as your local dermatologist’s office. Many people have already discovered the joys of throwing away their razors and shaving cream- laser hair removal is the new normal!
The Dermatology Center of Indiana has offices in Plainfield and Zionsville, Indiana and services sounding cities including: Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Brazil, Bloomington, West Lafayatte, Terre Haute, Greencastle, Mooresville, and more.
Disclaim: This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.