How Long Does the Laser Hair Removal Process Take?

Unwanted body hair is a problem for many people. While it does not present any medical or health concerns, it can be a source of embarrassment and frustration. Many men and women would prefer to get rid of unwanted body hair but hate the pain and effort associated with waxing or shaving. 

Also, shaving and waxing may only provide a temporary solution. That is where laser hair removal can come in handy. It is a highly effective way to remove body hair without the stress and inconvenience of shaving or waxing. It is a non-invasive procedure designed to remove unwanted body hair from virtually anywhere on the body. 

Who Can Benefit?

Men and women unhappy with the appearance of hair on specific areas of their bodies may benefit from this procedure. However, your hair must have pigment for laser hair removal to be effective. Otherwise, the laser cannot target your hair. The treatment is less effective with red, blonde, or grey hair. 

How Long Does It Take?

Previously, the only options available to remove unwanted hair were shaving, plucking, waxing, or melanin. Although shaving is relatively painless, it is time-consuming and only partially adequate. Plucking and waxing are more effective than shaving but can be very painful. Fortunately, laser treatments provide the best of both worlds without pain or rapid regrowth. 

The time it takes to remove your hair will depend on your situation, but this is usually a fast treatment. Removing hair from a small area like the chin or upper lip can take about five minutes or less. However, it may take up to 30 minutes to treat larger areas, such as your back or legs. 

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

You can only answer this question after a professional consultation. Most people achieve their desired results after four to eight treatments. However, you may require more to achieve the best results. Learning about the hair removal process will help you understand why you need multiple treatments.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The laser sends light down the hair shaft in brief but intense pulses to destroy the follicle and remove hair. The light generates heat that damages the follicle. However, the laser can only damage follicles in the active growing stage. 

Hair goes through several cycles, including growing, dormant, and shedding. The hair on your body is not at the same stage. So, this treatment can only work on hairs that are actively growing. You will treat those in other stages later, requiring multiple sessions to remove your unwanted hair. 

Conclusion

Laser hair removal can work on almost any area of the body where hair grows. Modern lasers are gentle enough to target sensitive skin without causing pain or damage. You can expect the laser to target between 25 percent and 70 percent of your hair at any session. The exact time it takes to do so will depend on the treatment area and how much of your hair is in the growing stage. 

For more about laser hair removal, visit Cooper Chiropractic & Wellness Center at our New York, New York office. Call (646) 941-5061 to schedule an appointment today.