Laser Hair Removal For Men

The FDA has approved laser hair removal treatments for men for permanent hair reduction. Laser hair removal uses a laser device that emits pulses of light which target the dark pigments on the hair. Hair is not immediately removed but will fall out from between ten and fourteen days after treatment. As the light targets the dark pigments in the hair this method is not suitable for fair or white hair. The laser is most effective on hair in the growth stage so hair that is resting or shedding is not affected. For this reason treatments need to be undertaken over time to effect all the hairs in an area.

Lasers can be used to reduce the thickness of hair by between 40% and 80%. Many men use laser treatment to reduce thick growth of hair on backs and chests. hair can be removed by laser even if the area has been shaved. The treatment is faster than electrolysis which focuses on one hair at a time. Treating the back can be done in about an hour.

Some Disadvantages

Expensive - treatments can vary from $400 upwards depending on the size of the area being treated.

There is a possibility of burning, scaring and formation of blisters although this is fairly uncommon. Reduce the possibility by making sure the provider is experienced in this type of treatment.

Works well on light skin with dark hair but at present is not suitable for fair or white hair on light skin.

Can be painful although the pain often decreases with subsequent treatments. People with dark and thick hair often find the treatment most painful.

More and more men are using hair removal methods to remove or reduce hair on various parts of their bodies including the chest, back, arms, stomach, shoulders, ears, brows and genitals. Laser hair removal, popular for women for many years is now gaining ground with the men. What are the things to consider if you are considering this option? We've put together some information that will help you decide if laser hair removal is the right option for you.

Firstly it's a very safe technique when performed by experienced operators so always make sure the establishment you choose has a good reputation and the operators are qualified. Recommendations from friends goes a long way to ensure you pick an establishment that you can feel safe with.

How does laser hair removal work?

The laser produces pulsed light that targets the melanin in the hair. This is the dark pigment in the hair so, sorry guys, if you have very fair or white hair you probably can't use a laser hair removal system. No pigment to target! Laser hair removal is recommended for thinning out thick patches of hair rather than completely removing the hair. The treatment works best on dark hair and light skin. If you have dark skin the laser is attracted to the pigments in the skin rather than the hair and can cause blistering and pain. The laser light is absorbed by the hair and travels down to the follicle which is damaged by the heat produced so that the hair cannot grow. Research is on going to get around this problems of lighter hair and dark skin so there should be better laser treatments in the near future.

Laser hair removal can be used on practically any area of your body with the exception of around the eyes as the skin is too sensitive in this area. There is some temporary redness and sometimes a little swelling but most men can expect their skin to be back to normal in a couple of days. Hair grows in cycles a growth phase, a resting phase and a shedding phase. laser treatment works in the growing phase so you will need more than one treatment to catch all the hair you want to remove in its growing phase.

How Long Does it Last?

Hair removal is very long lasting if not quite permanent. There may be some small amount of regrowth and most men will develop thicker hair as they age so it it necessary to do some follow up treatments to deal with this new growth.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal is relatively expensive usually starting from $400 per treatment but as it is effective for a very long time the long term cost is going to be less than using more temporary solutions such as waxing or depilation. Make sure you know before you start how many treatments you are going to need for the hair removal you want to achieve and the overall cost.

Read more about Methods of Hair Removal for Men

Laser Hair Removal For Men