By: Deirdre Jones

Laser hair removal has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, mainly because it is a relatively safe way to remove unwanted body hair. Until recently, it was best for those with light skin and dark hair. But with the advent of the new YAG laser line and the reinvention of the IPL, even those with darker skin and hair can get excellent results with laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal has become such a popular alternative to shaving, waxing and creams because unwanted hair is permanently removed or reduced with treatment. Plus it is a relatively painless procedure and the costs have decreased dramatically as the technology continues to improve.

If you are considering laser hair removal as an option, then you should definitely do some research, especially if you are a darker skinned individual, because the options vary by individual organization. Although the treatment does not normally take much time, it depends on the amount of hair you want removed, where you want it removed from, and the skin type. So it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Laser hair removal works by the use of a low energy laser that disables hair follicles. Typically, the laser is absorbed by the darker material, the hair, in fair skinned individuals. This disables the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair removal or reduced hair growth. Recently, the procedure has been adapted for darker skinned individuals also.

If you opt for laser hair removal, you will most likely need multiple sessions because hair grows in cycles. This means that some of the hair that you want removed may not be in the growth phase during the time of your first treatment. Thus, it will need to be removed later once it is in the growth phase.

Though laser hair removal is relatively painless, you may experience a bit of discomfort from the procedure. Usually, the only discomfort is similar to mild sunburn, and you would treat it as such - using cool compresses and moisturizers. If there are any blisters, you should apply a topical antibiotic until they disappear. Also, your skin should be protected from the sun using sunblock for about 6 weeks after your laser hair removal treatment.