Tired of waxing? Suffer too many nicks from shaving? Ellen Alexander from the
City Laser Clinic tells us why it's worth permanently reducing unwanted hair with laser hair removal.
1. It's permanent. No more stubbly razor regrowth! "Laser hair removal destroys the hair at the root, and [so] over time, [it] will eliminate hair growth in the treated area," says Alexander.
2. So long as the hair is dark, you can have it done anywhere. The darker the hair, the more effective the laser treatment. "The hair follicle absorbs the heat and destroys the hair," says Alexander. Laser works well on legs, bikini areas and under arms.
3. No more ingrown hairs. "Using laser on ingrown hairs kills the bacteria in the follicle and helps the healing process," says Alexander.
4. Bye-bye razor burn. "This often occurs because there are oil glands attached to nerve endings, which are easily irritated," says Alexander. Laser hair removal doesn't irritate the skin — but it will be a little pinkish for a few hours after treatment.
5. It makes your skin feel smoother. "Waxing, plucking and tweezing can cause folliculitis," says Alexander. "This condition results in a tender red spot, often with an angry surface pimple." Laser hair removal does the opposite — it can help clear folliculitis.
6. It can save you money in the long run. If you spend $75 a month on a Brazilian and underarm wax from age 25 to 40, that's a total of $13,500 over 15 years. You'll spend an average of less than $4000 over the same period for laser hair removal in the same areas.
7. Laser hair removal can get rid of pigmentation, too. It works on the same principal as with the hair — the darker pigment in the skin absorbs the laser's heat and is destroyed. Not all blemishes can be zapped effectively though, so consult your therapist if this is what you're after.
8. It doesn't hurt (too much). It feels like being flicked with a rubber band. If your pain threshold is low, ask for a numbing cream (available from chemists).
9. It's low maintenance. Once you've had a course of six to eight treatments every six weeks, most people only need a maintenance treatment every six months to rid any stray hairs.
10. It won't damage your skin. Waxing can worsen varicose veins but, "laser is designed to directly target the hair without affecting the surrounding pore structures or skin tissue," says Alexander.
