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The aversion to body hair is almost universal. And while
sugaring is a solution currently in fashion among those who want a more natural alternative,
shaving is clearly not something that can be done to get rid of hair on the back or chest, for example. So as people look for other solutions, an emerging option is user of lasers.
Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA approval in the mid 1990’s. Older generation lasers were slow, painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and
very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating
tanned skin.
This type of treatment was also
brought into the spotlight when it was
learned that John Karr (the murderer
of JonBenet Ramsey) had his facial
hair removed using laser in Thailand. Kile Law, president of Blue Water Spa, has some great tips on
laser hair removal.
Which laser to choose? Leave that decision to your
spa professional who will ask you the right questions if needed.
Which facility should you pick? Now that is a question you should try to answer after
well doing some research on laser
hair removal centers in your area. The rule of thumb is that if a facility does not have a board certified physician on the premises at the time of the
treatment, you don't want to go there. Most
laser technicians are pretty good and know what to do when problems happen, but it always helps to have an expert around if complications do arise.
So what are some likely complications? Some of the older equipment does create problems but new equipment is very safe. And if there is a physician available at the facility, it is not something for you to worry.
What type of treatments should you have?
Laser hair removal works on hair while it is in the growth phase only. At any given time, between 20% to 40% of the hair on any face or body area may be in a growth phase. Multiple treatments are required for complete clearance of the hair. However, each person may respond slightly differently. Your spa should charge for just one treatment at a time and not ask you to pay for all treatments in the future, though you might want to consider paying up front if you are getting a great deal. The only caution here is that if you don't see good results on your skin, you may not want to have additional treatments.
What if you have doubts? Before signing up, you should be able to speak to the technician and the physician and even experience a laser pulse or two. If you are not sure, don't do it.
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