Laser hair removal is permanent when the hair follicle is destroyed. When the hair follicle is only damaged, the hair will eventually grow back. Some waxing treatments can offer long-term results, although they are unlikely to permanently remove hair. This may include laser hair removal and electrolysis, among other options.
In these cases, a person may choose to use other methods of hair removal, such as pulling out loose hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body, with the exception of the eye area. On the contrary, a paradoxical increase in hair growth, a rare complication of laser hair removal, has also been described in the trunk after laser hair removal with alexandrite. It's recommended by dermatologists because it looks a lot like the technology a dermatologist would use for in-office laser hair removal, but it's still safe enough for a non-professional user.
The lasers used for laser hair removal are specifically chosen because darker colors absorb more of their wavelength than lighter colors. That said, if you think you're a good candidate for a home treatment and you decide to experiment with laser hair removal at home, you're likely to use an IPL device, which uses “a broad-spectrum light-based technology that attacks melanin to destroy the hair follicle after several treatments,” as Dr. Maiman recommends Silk'n Infinity, which allows you to customize hair removal with five different energy levels and is safe to use all over your body (However, it's a small device, so it may be easier to use for use on small areas (such as the face or upper lip). To permanently remove hair, the technician must know how to direct it and choose the right type of laser. When hair grows back, it is possible to re-treat it, so people who want to remove all the hair may need several treatments.
First introduced in the mid-1990s, laser hair removal has become an accepted treatment modality for patients seeking to reduce unwanted hair, and has been found to improve the quality of life for many patients. To get a realistic idea of what to expect from laser hair removal, discuss treatment goals with a doctor or hair removal specialist. Keep in mind that, since laser hair removal focuses on melanin, certain types of lasers may not be compatible with certain skin tones and hair colors (we'll talk about this soon)). You should also research which laser might work best with your skin tone and call the office to make sure the device they're using is approved by the FDA for laser hair removal (search the 510 (k) database on the FDA website to make sure).
The removal of unwanted hair on the body and face is usually done safely and effectively using laser hair removal therapy. Hair that has recently been removed and is at rest will not be visible to the technician or the laser, so a person may have to wait until it grows back before removing it.