Nobody enjoys shaving or waxing, right? Laser hair removal is a long-term solution that eliminates the need for regular hair removal and the side effects that go with it (think ingrown hair, redness and sensitivity).
For many years laser hair removal was only available to people with light skin and dark hair. This was because lasers targeted pigment: the dark pigment of the hair against the lighter tone of the skin made it possible for the laser to target the exact spot where the hair grows. Darker skin tones couldn’t undergo this type of laser treatment because there was a possibility that the laser would target the pigment in the skin, leading to pigmentation, and even burns.
Laser hair removal technology has advanced, meaning there are now safe and effective methods available for people of all skin tones. Skin Renewal is always home to the latest technological innovations, and now offers laser / light treatment for any skin type. Depending on your needs, there are four three options on offer: CoolGlide Excel, the ProWave, or Lightsheer.
CoolGlide Excel
This Nd:YAG laser treatment is available to patients of all skin types. It is also unique in that it may be performed year-round and not just in the cooler months.
ProWave
The ProWave IPL hair removal treats skin types I-IV (meaning very fair, fair and olive skin types). Thanks to its large spot size and fast repetition rate, large areas on the body can be treated quickly and effectively in as little as 6 – 8 treatments.
Lightsheer
This is a Diode laser is more suited for people with fair skin.
How does laser hair removal work?
A laser beam, functioning at a certain wavelength, is used to target the germ cell in the hair follicle. It can only work if the hair is present in the follicle, therefore no waxing or plucking can be done before the treatment. On average, eight to twelve treatments are required. If the patient suffers from hormonal hair growth or a condition that encourages hair growth, however, more sessions may be required.
The laser treatments available at Skin Renewal have been approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. Between 30% and 90% of the hair does not grow back after the last session, and occasional maintenance or touch-ups are usually needed.
Dark hair is the easiest to remove, and light hairs the most difficult.
What does it feel like?
People often wonder whether laser hair removal hurts. There is a bit of discomfort during the procedure, which some people have likened to the sensation of a snapping warm rubber band against the skin. For most people this is entirely tolerable. Ice packs are usually applied to the skin beforehand to minimise discomfort. After the treatment the area may be slightly swollen or red, but this dissipates within a few hours.
If you have dark skin and you’re interested in undergoing laser hair removal, we recommend the CoolGlide Excel Nd:YAG laser treatment. Thanks to its unique design and longer wavelength, it’s one of the only lasers on the market that can treat men and women of all skin tones. It is considered one of the most diverse hair removal lasers and has been nominated as the best hair removal laser for dark skin types.
Book an appointment at your nearest Skin Renewal branch to discuss the various options available and to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
This post was sponsored by Skin Renewal.
2 Responses
I feel these sessions are so expensive and the “Between 30% and 90% of the hair does not grow back after the last session” feels like a really huge risk and then maintenance or touch ups on top of that! I would love to go if i had money like that to spend but budget wise vs the 30% minimum effectiveness scares me
Finally laser hair removal for all skin types. Well worth the try if less painful.