Hair Removal Myths

Hair removal is one of those annoying maintenance to-dos that everybody wishes would just go away. The nature of our culture says that a sexy body is one free of unpleasant body hair. Not everyone subscribes to this thinking, but most do. So, if the hair on your arms, legs, face, or neck has you feeling like Chewbacca, you need to actively wax, tweeze or shave it.

There is no escaping this tiresome routine. To make their lives easier, many Vancouverites have adopted the beneficial and proven method of laser hair removal. The technological advancement has been successful in removing the body and facial hair.

However, many people are hesitant to book a laser hair removal treatment because of the misinformation floating around. Here are a few of the most common myths about laser hair removal.

1. Laser Hair Removal Hurts

Many people avoid the treatment because they believe it involves serious pain. However, it does not hurt at all. Most describe feeling a slight tingling sensation, and those with sensitive skin might feel some warmth.

Even if you do experience a small degree of discomfort, it is less intense that the feeling of waxing your skin. If you fear even the slightest pinch on your body, discuss these concerns with your practitioner. In specific cases they are able to administer a topical anesthetic to make you feel more at ease.

2. Laser Hair Removal Won’t Last

Yes, in fact it will. Laser hair removal is the most feasible long-term hair removal solution, lasting for up to 12 months. The new growth will be much lighter and thinner than the pre-existing hair on your body and, going forward, it will require only one touch-up session to be eliminated.

This option is far superior to the daily shaving or a fortnightly waxing regimen. These methods come with real problems (i.e. thick stubble, darkened skin and hair, and painful hair removal). Make sure your treatment is performed by an expert laser technician so there are no side-effects of laser hair removal.

3. Laser Hair Removal Can Affect Your Organs

This is the most unfounded myth as the laser beam used in the procedure is highly targeted. It is unable to penetrate deep into the human body. It works on the outer layer of the skin, isolating the hair follicles and destroying them without harming the surrounding tissues.

4. Laser Hair Removal Only Works on Caucasian Skin

This may have been true ten years ago when the lasers could only differentiate between contrasting skin and hair colour. However, this is a thing of the past. Technology has made great progress in this area and now every skin colour ranging from black and brown to pale and white can undergo the treatment. Dark skin laser hair removal has become possible with the help of special lasers designed for dark skin tones.

5. Laser Hair Removal Can Lead to Scarring

Some people believe that laser can cause skin problems and scarring, but this is far from the truth. When performed by trained professionals with the proper technology, laser hair removal never results in any marks or discolouration. At most, you may experience some inflammation. This would last only 1-2 days and heal on its own.

The only time scarring would be plausible is if untrained individuals are hired to perform the laser treatment. Besides unsuccessful hair removal, this can also lead to a dangerous outcome like burns and scars. Make sure you visit a certified technician.

6. Laser Hair Removal is Only for Women

It is a common misconception that laser hair removal is only effective on women’s bodies because they have less growth in comparison to men. But in fact, recent hair removal statistics show more men have been undergoing the treatment to get unwanted hair removed from their legs, arms, chest and back. It is becoming a very popular choice for shaping beards and sideburns to enjoy a neat and slick look, permanently.

Laser hair removal is quickly becoming the most popular method of removing body hair among 20 to 50-year-olds in North America. It is a highly successful and risk-free procedure without side-effects. Hello laser hair removal—goodbye razors and waxing strips!