Laser Hair Removal: Facial Hair

Everyone points fingers and laughs at the bearded woman and the man with the messy bush of a face. Now more than ever, no one wants to be hairy. For women especially, facial hair is seen as unfeminine, even disgusting. Shaving is one option, but hair grows back the next day and men experience the doomed five o'clock shadow. Even worse, once shaved, the hairs grow back fuller, thicker and with the goal of permanence. Technology has introduced a new grooming method: laser hair removal. Now more people turn to laser hair removal after questions of its safety and cost have been evaluated.

Laser hair removal is made possible by a long pulse laser, designed from years of research. During the procedure, the strength of the laser is dictated by the hair follicle's size, depth, and location. The laser light and pulse duration correlate with the hair follicle's dimensions. Specially-trained laser technicians or doctors distribute the light of the laser onto the skin. The laser then disables hairs in their anagen or active growth cycle. Because some hairs may be in a different growth cycle, more than one procedure of laser hair removal may be necessary.

Although many laser centers assert that laser hair removal is permanent hair removal, this is not true. Legally, the FDA specified that laser hair removal centers cannot advertise their procedures as being permanent and painless. However, some operators such as the American Laser Centers offer a two-year guarantee. The guarantee provides that if any hair returns within two years following the laser hair removal procedure, the hair will be removed at no cost. For more permanent hair removal, the model candidate would have light skin and dark hair, and the treatment generally does not work well on people with white or light blond hair. Doctors also suggest to stay away from the eyes; for unkempt eyebrows, electrolysis works better.

People who think that laser hair removal is superior to the constant annoyance of waxing, shaving, and other methods of hair removal should be warned that the service comes at a high price. The cost varies from to clinic to clinic, but the procedures fall under typical ranges. For example, to remove all facial hair, the cost is usually between $150 and $300. To remove hair from the upper lip, the prices oscillate between $50 and $150. For the removal of hair from the chin, expect to pay between $50 and $150.

Another important thing people should consider is their pain threshold. Most people who undergo laser hair removal think that the treatment is no more painful than waxing, but the discomfort is described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. Normal side effects include: itching during procedure, redness for up to three days, swelling for up to three days, pain, tingling of a feeling of numbness. Abnormal and rare side effects may include a crust or scab formation of ingrown hairs, bruising, purple coloring of the skin on tan areas, or a temporary pigment change. However, these side effects are uncommon and for the most part, temporary.

Laser hair removal is a great alternative to other time consuming and repetitive hair removal techniques. Before undergoing the laser hair removal, however, people need to take into account the cost, the level of discomfort, and their skin type. But with these in mind, many people can experience smooth skin all the time without the daily hassle.


Sources:
American Laser Centers. 2007. 28 June 2007. http://www.americanlaser.com
Bernstein, Dr. Eric F. “Facial Laser Hair Removal.” Hair Removal Journal. 14 Jan. 2007. 28 June 2007. http://www.hairremovaljournal.org/whatislhr.htm
Laser Hair Removal FAQ. Hair Removal Forum. 2003. 28 June 2007. http://www.hairremovalforum.com