Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a pulsing laser light to get rid of unwanted hair. It works by directing a laser beam through the skin at the hair follicle. This beam targets the dark pigment in the hair. When the intense heat from the light hits the hair follicle, it destroys it instantly. As you understand this concept, you will quickly understand if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Since laser hair removal is based on the laser targeting the dark pigment in the hair, there are two things to think about. The first is, “Do you have dark hair?” If you have light colored hair, it is more difficult for the laser to target the dark pigment. Treatments are not as successful on lighter hair. Laser hair removal is most successful on people with brown or black hair. The melanin or dark pigment in the hair enables the laser to be more effective.
The next question is, “How dark is my complexion?” If you have fair skin, the contrast of your skin and hair will be greater, allowing the laser to focus on the hair. If you have a darker complexion, it will make it more difficult for the laser to determine where the hair follicle is, thus making it a less successful treatment.
Now let’s combine the two together. You might say, “Great, I have dark hair so it will work for me.” Ok, you might have dark hair but how is your complexion? If you have a darker complexion, it will more difficult for the laser to pinpoint the hair follicle. If you have a lighter complexion it will be more successful. Now, if you have light skin and have light brown hair, it won’t work as well. The laser would have a hard time locating pigment. The ideal person for laser hair removal would be someone with a light complexion and dark hair. This creates a large contrast enabling the laser to be most effective by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle.
Don’t be discouraged if you are not the ideal candidate. Most people aren’t. Laser hair removal can still work for you. You will probably just need more treatments for it to be permanent. That isn’t as desirable because it increases your laser hair removal cost. One way to increase the effectiveness would be to do the treatments during the winter when your skin is naturally lighter. In fact, treatments are not recommended until your tan has fadded.
The best way to determine for yourself if you are a good candidate would be to consult a professional. Most treatment centers or clinics offer a free consultation, so the most you could lose is some time.