Laser Hair Removal Can Take Time

Laser hair removal has only been around for less than two decades, but in the past 15 years that it has been prominently available and has become quite popular for those seeking to smooth out hairy regions of their body. Yet while it can be effective for most patients, it may take longer for some than for others.

Laser hair removal itself was experimented with beginning in the 1970s. It was studied further for the next 20 years before it first became approved as a commercially available treatment in the 1990s. At that time, licensed dermatologists and other medical professionals were the only individuals licensed to perform such treatments, and the various approaches were far more limited than they are now.

Over the years, different variations of the process have evolved to the point where there are now more options than ever - either through a professional or over the counter - for achieving desirable results. These different approaches include do-it-yourself kits that can be administered at home, but are most typically centered on the various types of lasers and other instruments used to perform the process in a professional medical setting.

One of the most significant factors in determining not only the effectiveness of laser hair removal, but also how long the overall process might take is the type of hair and skin color of the patient. Multiple treatments are most often required for any patient to achieve desirable results, but certain individuals will need more visits than others to get where they want to be.

Most patients often require at least six or seven sessions to achieve long-term reduction of hairs, and most professional clinics recommend waiting anywhere from four to eight weeks between each session to let the affected area heal, depending on factors unique to the individual. From there, the necessary course of action is almost solely dependent on individual characteristics.

Thin, fine and light-colored hairs are usually more difficult to treat, as are those that are growing on lighter skin. At the same time, more coarse, darker hairs are relatively easy to treat when growing on lighter skin while any hairs growing on darker skin are much more difficult to eliminate. These characteristics that are more difficult most often require more treatments over a longer period of time.

While pigment and coarseness matters, the area on the body to be treated is also a factor. The male face requires considerably more time than other areas, while certain parts of the female body can be easier to treat.

Even with these general guidelines in mind, the effectiveness and timeframe of laser hair removal is almost solely determined by all of the combined characteristics of a specific individual. The most reliable way to best determine a suitable course of action is to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional.