Most people know laser hair removal is the best long-term solution to smooth skin, but the popular medical aesthetic procedure has other benefits that might surprise you.
Beyond the obvious perks, like not having to shave every day or endure weeks of grow-out to get a painful wax, there are a few lesser-known benefits that make laser hair removal even more worthwhile (#5 probably shocked us the most).
Keep reading to discover the benefits of laser hair removal you didn’t think of, as well as some answers to commonly asked questions about this popular hair removal method.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical aesthetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light (lasers) to remove hair by destroying the root of the hair follicles, delaying future hair growth in the area it is zapped. It gets to the root of the problem (literally.)
The laser emits a specific wavelength of light absorbed by only the pigment in the hair, keeping the skin undamaged in the process. Within a few weeks, the body sheds the damaged hair. It then grows back finer, lighter, and slower.
While one laser hair removal treatment is shown to provide up to a 25% reduction in hair regrowth, multiple sessions (spread out about every 4-6 weeks) are needed before your treatment is complete. This is because our hair grows in cycles. Each session can only target a certain percentage of hair follicles.
When lasers for hair removal first came out, they were limited in the types of hair and skin tones they could effectively treat. However, laser hair removal technology has advanced over the years.
With improved technology, there are more versatile and precise lasers that can treat a range of skin tones and hair types. These advancements have also made treatments much quicker, less painful, and safer.
Laser hair removal is most commonly used on areas like the legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip, and chin. However, hair removal lasers can also be used on areas people might not immediately think of, such as the back, chest, stomach, and even the hands or toes.
5 Surprising Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of laser hair removal is that you don’t have to shave, wax, pluck, or use any other method of hair removal. Once all of your sessions are complete, you will wake up every day with silky smooth, hair-free skin.
Laser hair removal also has many benefits over other hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, IPL, or electrolysis. For instance, unlike electrolysis, which targets one hair follicle at a time and can be a time-consuming process, laser hair removal treats multiple follicles in a single session.
But there is more… there are several other less obvious benefits of laser hair removal that most people are unaware of.
1: Smoother Skin
Hair isn’t the only thing that stands between you and smooth skin. Razor burn, razor bumps, and “strawberry legs” (the dots on your legs after shaving or waxing) can also make your skin feel rough or prickly.
These bumps and skin irritations can occur when hair follicles or pores are irritated, clogged, or inflamed, which is typically the result of shaving and sometimes when hair starts to grow back after waxing.
Once all your laser sessions are complete and you are no longer regularly shaving or waxing, your skin will have fewer opportunities for these irritants that prevent your skin from feeling silky smooth.
2: No More Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are hairs that curl back or grow sideways into the skin instead of growing out of the hair follicle. They are unsightly, painful, and itchy and are common if you shave or wax.
That’s because, with these hair removal methods, the hair is often cut or pulled at an angle, which can cause it to grow back into the skin rather than straight out.
The likelihood of ingrown hairs is almost unheard of during the laser hair removal process because the laser targets the hair follicle directly, destroying the hair at the root. This prevents the hair from growing back incorrectly, significantly reducing the chance of ingrown hairs.
3: Softer Skin
If you’ve ever touched someone’s skin after laser hair removal, you’ve probably noticed how soft it feels. Two obvious reasons for this are that no hairs are poking through the skin, and you aren’t shaving or waxing anymore, so you reduce the likelihood of razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
But there are actually other reasons why your skin can feel softer after laser hair removal. By reducing skin irritation that often comes with traditional hair removal methods, like shaving or waxing, you’re less likely to experience rough patches or inflammation that can leave your skin feeling bumpy or textured.
Additionally, laser hair removal not only targets hair follicles but it is believed that it can also stimulate collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness. Over time, this gives your skin an even softer, healthier feel.
4: Improved Skin Texture and Tone
This benefit alone might make laser hair removal worth it for some. Many report an improvement in skin texture and tone after completing their laser hair removal sessions. That’s right, the process not only gets rid of hair but can also potentially enhance your skin’s youthfulness.
If you have dark spots or rough patches, you may notice these fade. Additionally, as you reduce the irritation from traditional hair removal methods, you’re also minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation and redness that can occur from shaving or waxing.
It is believed this can happen because the heat from the laser not only targets hair follicles but also stimulates the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production. This boost in collagen helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness, giving your skin a smoother texture over time.
5: Potential Reduction in Acne Breakouts and Acne Scars
Another interesting benefit reported by those who have completed laser hair removal is an improvement in acne breakouts. There are a couple theories as to why this unexpected benefit occurs for some patients.
One being that the heat generated during treatment can help shrink oil glands, potentially leading to less sebum production. Since excess oil is a significant contributor to acne, this reduction can result in fewer breakouts over time.
Another theory is that by stopping hair growth in the affected area, the source of irritation (the hair shaft growing into or irritating the skin) is removed, which may reduce the chance of acne flare-ups or similar skin issues. Additionally, by eliminating the need for shaving or waxing, you reduce skin irritation, which also helps prevent acne flare-ups.
Beyond reducing acne breakouts, many also report that acne scars and dark spots become less noticeable after laser hair removal. So, if you have oily skin, are prone to breakouts, or have scarring from past acne, laser hair removal may offer an added bonus of a clearer, healthier complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
If the thought of never having to shave, plan your life around wax appointments, or deal with bumpy, irritated skin wasn’t already enough to make you consider laser hair removal, now that you know about these extra benefits, we’re sure you’re eager to learn more.
Chances are, you will have plenty of questions as you explore this popular hair removal option.
To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about laser hair removal. You can also read this article– “Hair Removal: Your Long-Term Solution to Smooth Skin.”
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at a Relive Health clinic near you.
Can I get Laser Hair Removal Anywhere on My Body?
Almost, but not everywhere. Laser hair removal is very versatile, but there are some areas where it’s not recommended, like around the eyes. This is due to the sensitivity of the skin and the potential risk to the eyes from the laser’s light.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Light Hair?
Lasers of the past were less effective on light hair because they relied on a strong contrast between the hair color and skin tone to effectively target the follicle.
Modern lasers have improved technology that can successfully treat light hair, especially if the hair has darker roots. While darker hair still responds best, if you have light hair you can typically still achieve great results with some modern lasers.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Laser hair removal is much less painful than you might think. Most people describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin—unpleasant but manageable.
The misconception that it’s extremely painful likely comes from experiences with older laser technology. Newer lasers are designed with cooling mechanisms that help minimize discomfort. Most clinics also offer numbing creams to enhance comfort during the procedure.
Is There Downtime After Laser Hair Removal?
Your skin might be slightly red or sensitive for a few hours, but significant downtime is not typically needed after laser hair removal. Most people can return to their normal activities right away.
However, to minimize irritation, it is a good idea to avoid sun exposure and intense workouts that promote heavy sweating for a day or two.
Do I Have to Let My Hair Grow Out Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
No! One of the biggest perks of laser hair removal over other methods, such as waxing is that you do not need to let your hair grow out between treatment sessions.
In fact, you will be asked to shave before your treatment to ensure the laser can effectively target the hair follicles without interference from longer hair.
How Soon Will I See Results After Laser Hair Removal?
You should notice that your hair is a little bit lighter and thinner with less re-growth as soon as a few weeks after your first treatment. However, you shouldn’t expect a significant reduction in hair growth until all your sessions are completed.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment. Multiple treatments are necessary because the laser works best during the hair’s active growth (anagen) phase, known as the anagen stage. This is when the hair is still connected to the follicle, allowing the laser to effectively damage the follicle and prevent future growth.
Everyone’s a little bit different, but most people require 6 to 8 treatments spaced a few weeks apart to effectively target hair during its growth cycle.
Is Laser Hair Removal Really Permanent?
Laser hair removal is often marketed as a way to get rid of hair forever. That isn’t exactly true.
If you complete all of your laser sessions, you should be hair-free for months or even years. However, it is possible for the damaged hair follicles to regenerate, resulting in regrowth.
The good news is that any hair that does grow back should be lighter and thinner. Most people only need one or two touch-up appointments to continue to achieve the results they want.
Does Laser Hair Removal Have Risks or Side Effects?
Like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal has a few risks and side effects, but they are typically minimal. Serious complications are rare when performed by trained professionals in a safe environment.
Common side effects may include mild redness or swelling in the treated area, similar to a sunburn, which usually subsides quickly.
Do Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Work?
Don’t waste your money. While home devices may seem convenient, they lack the power and precision of professional-grade lasers. These devices can also lead to inconsistent results and potential skin damage.
For a more in-depth comparison, read “At-Home Laser Hair Removal vs Professional Laser Hair Removal.”
Where to Get Laser Hair Removal Near Me
If you are considering laser hair removal, you’ve probably read reviews where people say laser hair removal was painful, didn’t work, or, even worse, resulted in burns or skin damage.
Do not let this scare you! While unfortunate, these negative experiences are likely due to outdated equipment or inexperienced providers.
When performed in a professional, clean environment and by a trained laser hair removal expert, modern laser hair removal is safe, well-tolerated, and delivers effective results.
To find out if laser hair removal is right for you, book a consultation with one of our experts at a Relive Health clinic near you.
