Last updated : Wednesday, February 3, 2010

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The Pros & Cons of Laser Hair Removal

In case you haven’t heard, that furry little groundhog Phil saw his shadow this year and has forecast six more weeks of cold weather, cracked lips, and dry skin. We knew there was a reason we hate rodents. But while summer time swimsuit styles are far from your immediate concerns, the time to start thinking about hair removal is in fact, NOW! But only if you are considering permanent laser hair removal.

Why? Well the fact is it really takes 6-8 sessions to stop hair growth. And because each session should be about 4-6 weeks apart, you’ll want to start your treatments now so you can bare it all this summer.

Furthermore you’ll want to start laser hair removal during the cold months because tanned skin can cause discoloration as a possible side effect. Lasers use pulsed light to target, breakdown and destroy melanin (dark pigment) in hair. However, the laser will also target melanin in dark skin, which can cause the discoloration. Undergoing treatment with as pale skin as possible will provide the most effective results.

But wait, is laser hair removal even something you want to do? We asked Lena Vitolo, a clinical esthetician at the American Laser Center to shed some light on the pros and cons of laser hair removal.

Pros:
- Long lasting removal of unwanted hair
- If there is re-growth, it can come back lighter in color and less thick in texture
- Slows hair re-growth for a period of months to years
- Lessen ingrown hairs considerably

Cons:
- Mild discomfort, similar to a rubber band snapping your skin
- Not as effective on grey or blond hair
- Can be costly (a series of 6-8 sessions can range from $500 into the thousands)

We have tested some of the at home hair removal systems that have sprung up on the market, and found that while they do slow hair growth slightly, for permanent results you’ll want to go to a licensed professional.

For more on skincare and hair maintenance, go to the Beauty section. 

 

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