Salon or Clinic Laser Hair Removal Risks
Deciding on a hair removal method can be challenging. You might find the idea of paying a professional to conduct treatments in a spa or salon appealing. Or you could be thinking that it’s better to perform treatments in the comfort and privacy of your home for a fraction of the cost. Both are reasonable options and it’s about finding the one that best suits your lifestyle, budget and goals.
Many people seeking hair removal treatments are unaware of the risks associated with laser treatments, even when performed by a doctor in a clinical setting. Incidentally, at-home treatments are proven to be as safe, if not safer, while allowing people to spend less in exchange for greater convenience.
To start, let’s explore the laser hair removal method with respect to the process and what a typical treatment entails. Next, we’ll review the risks that you need to be aware of. Finally, we’ll compare laser treatments to the Silk’n line of at-home devices so you can determine what option is best for you.
Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal has been popular for some time. These treatments employ a concentrated beam of laser light to remove hair from areas of your face or body. Scientifically, the concept is straightforward. The light emitted from the laser targets hair pigment. The pigment then absorbs the light, which has been converted to heat, to attack follicles within skin that are responsible for hair growth. This method also aims to prevent regrowth, but in most cases, it only delays hair from resurfacing.
The common areas that people treat are arms, chin, upper lip, bikini line and legs. The only area that is usually off-limits is around the eyes, including eyelids. Both laser and at-home hair removals are guided by the same principle, the contrast between hair and skin colour. This determines a treatment’s ability to target an area and remove hair. Hair pigment absorbs the light as to not damage the skin, meaning that the difference between pigments needs to be distinct to achieve the best results and to not harm a person’s skin.
What Does a Treatment Look Like?
Laser hair removal’s initial steps focus on preparing for the procedure. Here are some tips to make sure you are well prepared and don’t just show up for an appointment and hope for the best.
- Make sure you limit sun exposure as this could disrupt the treatment’s efficacy.
- Do no use any bronzer or skin darkening cream.
- Avoid all other hair removal methods, including plucking, waxing or depilatory creams for at least four weeks prior to treatment.
- Do not take any blood thinning medications.
- Shave or trim the treatment area(s) a day before laser treatment.
As part of your preparation, book a consultation and come equipped with questions. A consultation should consist of the following:
- Your medical history will be reviewed and you will go over any skin conditions that could interfere with treatment. You might be asked to list any other hair removal treatments you’ve undergone dating back to your teenaged years. Consider making a list before your appointment.
- You will be made aware of the potential risks and an expectation for the results should be set. Push back if it sounds unrealistic.
- A discussion on maintenance care
- Most maintenance programs include but are not limited to applying ice or a steroid cream if it appears to be red. You might have to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to limit sun exposure.
- It may be requested to take some before photos of the treatment areas for long-term assessment.
Downside to Professional Treatments
Now that you understand a bit more about how laser hair removal works, you need to understand the risk and potential pitfalls you might encounter if you go this route.
The downside to laser treatments are worth noting because some can impact your health. Even with respect to cost or convenience, it’s always best to have all the information to make informed decisions.
Multiple treatments
Laser hair removal isn’t a one and done situation. It requires a heavy commitment consisting of multiple appointments, which can increase cost and be unmanageable for your schedule. This procedure can only be performed by trained professionals in the proper setting so there isn’t much choice in the matter.
If you can afford treatments, you need to consider if you can carve out enough time in your weekly schedule to travel to and from the salon in addition to the time it takes to undergo treatment.
Cost of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal pricing can vary based on the salon. There’s no industry standard so technically a salon can charge what they want or whatever they think the market can bare. Regardless, these treatments are expensive with prices ranging in the neighbourhood of $200 per session or $1200-1700 for full body.
Both the number and size of treatment areas dictate price. If you go this route, make sure you request a consultation and ask for exact pricing before booking.
Skin irritation
This is a common side effect. Treated areas can experience temporary discomfort, redness and swelling. Signs can appear an hour or two after treatment and will most like disappear after a few hours.
Pigment changes
Treatments have a propensity to darken or lighten the target skin. This is usually temporary. Skin lightening primarily impacts people with darker skin or who have lengthy exposure to the sun before or after treatment.
In rare instances, treatments can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or result in treated hair turning gray. Remember, side effects can also be the result of not following the post-treatment instructions.
Salon and spas are not certified medical clinics so be careful. It’s recommended to seek treatment from board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon if possible.
At-home Technologies
At-home hair removal devices like the Infinity or those in the Flash&Go series are wonderful alternatives to laser hair removal.
They offer these benefits:
- Professional-level treatments with devices developed by physicians.
- Results include smooth skin that appears young and healthy.
- Each device fits a different lifestyle giving users options as to what is best.
- These devices are portable so you don’t have to interrupt treatment if you go away.
- Permanently remove body and facial hair.
- Much more affordable than salon treatments. The only cost is that of the device.
- Safely remove hair without leaving any traces of redness, stubble, ingrown hairs or razor burn.
- Can perform treatments from the privacy of your home. This means it’s convenient and safe enough that you don’t require supervision from a trained professional.
- Complete treatments in roughly six months similar to laser hair removal.
Safety, affordability and convenience—it’s no surprise that these devices have grown in popularity over the last decade and now have millions of fans all over the world.
Discover Silk’n Today!
Laser hair removal or at-home hair removal treatments? The choice is yours. If you go with laser hair removal, then it’s important to acknowledge and understand the risks.
If you decide to invest in a device, be sure to browse the full line of Silk’n hair removal devices and see which product is right for you.
Curious to learn more about hair removal? Check out our Hair Removal Resource Centre. Here, you can access advice on how to conduct treatment, use devices or learn facts about hair growth that will help you formulate a plan.
