Posted on October 10, 2017 by Paul A. Boulos As technology has changed over the years, permanent hair removal has significantly improved. However, many of the myths that were in place when these kinds of treatments were in early stages of development still exist.
Our free and comprehensive consultation for laser hair removal covers everything you need to know about the procedure. Rather than allow false rumors to deter people from laser hair removal, let’s bust some of the most absurd myths wide open.
Myth 1: You can’t receive laser hair removal treatments if you have naturally dark skin.
It has been a myth seemingly for decades that those with naturally dark skin tones aren’t candidates for laser hair removal. It’s true that when laser hair removal was first introduced to the public that clients with dark skin, especially those of African-American descent, experienced loss of skin pigmentation, giving the treated area a discolored appearance. This, however, is a problem of the past as the latest lasers used for laser hair removal emit different wavelength levels that, along with a highly skilled laser technician, can be customized to each client’s skin color and type.
Myth 2: Laser hair removal doesn’t work on the face.
Female facial laser hair removal has always been in high demand, however, older lasers couldn’t remove facial hair that wasn’t thick and didn’t contrast heavily in color against the client’s skin. This left those with facial hair closer in color with their skin to suffer the embarrassment of fuzz and sharp stubble. While it’s true that lasers still work best for those with light skin and dark hair, technology is constantly improving and certain lasers are now able to successfully target lighter facial hair.
Myth 3: You can’t have laser treatments done over the summer.
Many people think that laser hair removal can’t be performed over the summer since it’s recommended that clients avoid the sun several weeks prior to each laser session as well as for two weeks after. For those sun worshippers, it might be best to hold off for the cooler months to have your laser treatments done, however, there’s no rule against having a session over the summer. Laser clinics don’t shut down when June comes around, and since laser treatments are scheduled a minimum of 8-10 weeks apart, it’s likely clients who started their laser hair removal in the spring will only have one or two treatments where they will have to try to avoid the summer sun. Sun exposure will often cause problems during the healing process, such as blisters and infections.
Myth 4: Laser hair removal exposes you to radiation.
Laser systems used for laser hair removal are all FDA approved and do not emit any harmful radiation. While it’s true that radiation exists between the light barriers of the laser, it remains in that space and doesn’t come in contact with a client’s skin, making it harmless.
Myth 5: Laser hair removal won’t work on vegetarians.
This rumor was likely started by a vegetarian with a diet heavy in beta carotene, which includes carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and other orange-colored vegetables, ultimately giving the skin a yellowish hue. For anyone with this kind of diet, the lasers will have a more difficult time targeting the pigment in the hair because they’re absorbed by the extra pigment in the skin, however, vegetarians don’t all have yellow skin. This can happen to anyone who doesn’t have a well-balanced diet, regardless of being a vegetarian or not.
Myth 6: Laser treatments are incredibly painful.
Laser hair removal and other laser treatments have gotten a reputation for being extremely painful. This is a huge exaggeration. Without the assistance of a skin numbing agent, laser treatments are often compared to the sensation of a rubber band snapped against the skin. Since the procedure has such a strong reputation for being painful and everyone has a different threshold for pain, many laser clinics have found ways to assure their clients are comfortable. While a skin numbing cream can be purchased at most drug stores, laser clinics will often have it available for clients if requested. Additionally, many laser treatments are now performed with a cryogenic cooling device aimed at the treated area so that the skin is numbed and clients are more at ease.
Myth 7: Brazilian laser hair removal won’t work for those with red or blonde body hair.
Brazilian laser hair removal is highly popular, especially among women who live in warmer areas where they’re in a bathing suit more often throughout the year. The hair around the pubic area tends to be coarse and dark in color, making it one of the easier areas to treat, however, those with blonde and red pubic hair have been led to believe laser treatments won’t work for them. This may have been a problem in the past, however, the latest lasers have significantly improved in regards to this issue. It’s still easier to eliminate darker hair, but laser technicians have been able to successfully remove blonde and red hair using the right laser and the right settings.
Myth 8: Women aren’t getting laser hair removal anymore.
The natural look might be in style, but that doesn’t mean women aren’t still flocking to their nearest laser clinics to get rid of their unwanted hair. Just because a woman doesn’t mind letting the hair under her arms or around her pubic area grow in, that doesn’t mean she’s necessarily fond of the dark hairs on her lower back or upper lip. Styles are always changing, but some of the country’s most fashion-forward women demonstrate that hair removal is a trend that won’t be going away anytime soon.
