Laser hair removal has really become a popular trend in the cosmetic world. If you have been considering this for removing your unwanted hair, then you are not alone. Laser hair removal used to really only be ideal for people who had lighter complexions, with darker colored hair. The good news is that this not really the case anymore. The industry has made a lot of advances over time, so it is really something that is used with people of all different hair colors and skin pigmentations.
If you have
blonde hair, you may have heard that laser hair removal is not a viable option for getting rid of unwanted hair. The truth is, this is not necessarily true. While lighter hair does make it a bit more difficult for the lasers to work effectively, the lasers have really come a long way from where they used to be. It is important to understand that not all electrolysis centers will have access to the right laser machines for people with blonde hair.
Differentiating Between Types of Hair in Terms of Laser Hair Removal
Most people have a fine hair that covers their entire body, including their face. The only places that these hairs cannot be found are on the palms of your hands and the bottoms of your feet. These hairs do not respond to electrolysis, which means that laser hair removal will not be successful at removing them. Laser hair removal is designed for the thicker hairs that are found on your head, under your arms, on your legs, and in your bikini region. These are the hairs that can be targeted by electrolysis.
The Basics of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is not just a magical procedure that zaps your hairs and gets rid of them immediately. It actually works by targeting your hair follicles. The beam from the laser will ultimately heat up the hair follicle, and destroy the hair directly from it. This actually kills the hair follicle, and it will fall out on its own later on. Never try to pluck the follicles afterwards. You want them to come out on their own, naturally.
The follicles have pigmentation, and the darker the pigmentation, the easier it is for the laser to target the follicle. Darker hair color does not require as much strength behind the laser beam, because it is easily absorbed into the pigmentation. Lighter hair requires that the beam run on a higher frequency, which can be dangerous if the technician does not know what they are doing.
The Risks of Laser Hair Removal for Blonde Hair
While laser hair removal can be potentially dangerous for those with blonde hair, it is really not as risky if you have it done right. You need to make sure that you have it done by a professional. Make sure that they have had a good amount of experience with treating blonde hair. This can cut back the potential for risks dramatically.
Chances are you will not experience any of these potential side effects, but it is a good idea to be aware of them just in case. One of the biggest side effects is more of a nuanced than anything. The actual laser procedure can be a little painful. It gives the sensation of a slight sting on the skin.
Aside from some pain, the procedure can also lead to some skin irritation. It may make your skin swell some, and it can even cause some redness and slight bruising. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. The good news is that
this usually goes away within just a few hours after having the treatment done.
You may also notice some
other side effects, such as a difference in the pigment or texture of your skin, or even some scarring. The problem is that since the lasers must be run on a higher frequency to target the blonde hairs, it can actually be more prone to causing scarring or blistering after the procedure.
To see how your skin will react to laser hair removal, consider having a test patch treated just to get a better idea. This will let you know if you are an ideal candidate for laser hair removal.
Other Considerations to Keep in Mind
It is also important to remember that having laser hair removal is not a one time thing. You will have to continue having treatments if you want to keep up with the results. You will notice a pretty dramatic difference in the amount of hair in the treated area after just a few days of your first procedure, but it definitely won’t be silky smooth. It will take several sessions to get where you want to be with it.
You will also need to make sure that you maintain your results. Since your hair grows in different cycles, you will have to space the treatments out in a timely manner. It is recommended to space them about six weeks apart at first. Once you get the areas where you want them to be, you can hold off and only go in every few months or so in order to keep it up.
Is Laser Hair Removal for Blonde Hair More Expensive?
Chances are, if you want laser hair removal and have light-colored or blonde hair, you will have to pay a bit more for the procedure. This is just because it is much more specialized, and requires a special type of laser machine. While laser hair removal is affordable, it can be a little more expensive for people with lighter hair or darker complexions.
As you can see, laser hair removal for blonde hair is not necessarily out of the question. There are just some things that you need to consider before determining if it is right for you.