Laser Hair Removal Side Effects: What You Need to Know

If you are someone who regularly removes their body hair, you may or may not have heard about laser hair removal. This revolutionary hair removal method has been around for decades, but it didn’t become a widely-used cosmetic procedure until the late 1990s. Since then, countless people have used the laser method to successfully remove hair from all over their bodies. When it was first used in the ‘90s, it was more common for celebrities and models to get the treatment done. Now, anyone and everyone can (and does) get laser hair removal so that they can feel more comfortable in their own skin. 

Let’s be real- pretty much all traditional hair removal methods are annoying and tedious. The upkeep and regular maintenance it takes just to stay hair-free is such a hassle. This leaves most people feeling like it’s almost easier to just be hairy than deal with hair removal in the first place. On the other hand, those who have tried laser hair removal know that it’s the holy grail when it comes to hair removal. There are so many reasons why more and more people have decided to use a laser treatment to go hair-free. 

Laser hair removal is safe, effective, and easy. The great news is, there really aren’t any side effects at all, which we will discuss in detail later in the article. We will also talk about what laser hair removal is and how it works, where you can get it done, and the difference between laser hair removal and IPL. There are pretty much no downsides to getting laser hair removal done. If you are intrigued by this method of hair removal, keep reading to learn more.  

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a device that uses a single wavelength of energy to destroy your hair follicles. Over time and through regular sessions, your hair will grow back more slowly until, eventually, it doesn’t grow back at all. The goal of laser hair removal is to achieve permanent hair loss. Since there is only a single wavelength that is being used, it makes the device much more targeted. This means it can only treat smaller areas with each light pulse. 

It can be used on all skin types, and it is highly regarded as a safe and effective treatment. It is also known for being a very expensive treatment. Typically, people spend around $700 to over $1,000 on treatment packages. This is the biggest drawback of laser hair removal, as the price discourages many people from getting it.  

What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

As we briefly mentioned, there are little to no side effects of laser hair removal. It is a very safe and effective procedure as long as a trained medical professional performs it. The biggest issue that people report is that the procedure itself is a painful process. It often feels like a hot rubber band being snapped repeatedly on your skin. Because of this, most people will opt to have a topical numbing cream applied to the treatment area.  

While this might sound like no fun, other people report no discomfort during the treatment. It really depends on your level of sensitivity and your pain tolerance. Thankfully, besides the possible discomfort, it is very rare that anyone reports having any side effects whatsoever. Of course, there is always the possibility that you might have some sort of reaction, but your doctor or esthetician will talk to you in detail about all of your risks before you have the treatment done. Below, we list some of the rare but possible side effects.

Redness and Sensitivity

This is by far the most common side effect people will have. Almost everyone will experience redness on their skin immediately after the laser hair removal treatment. This is completely normal and to be expected. The laser is going in to damage your hair follicle, so it makes sense that your skin would react in some way. The redness goes away almost immediately after treatment and usually within 24 hours. 

Some people also report experiencing some sensitivity in the area that was treated. The most common way the sensitivity is described is feeling like a minor sunburn. This can be easily remedied with things such as aloe vera, vaseline, lotion, or a cold compress. Again, the sensitivity should subside rather quickly. If you do experience redness or sensitivity, just know that nothing is wrong, and it’s a normal reaction. 

Blisters

This is a rarer side effect, but some people have reported getting blisters after their treatment. This is more likely to happen to people with darker skin complexions. Lasers work by finding melanin and pigment in your skin, so it makes sense that those with more melanin in their skin might experience worse side effects. Thankfully, there are easy ways to avoid getting blisters.

First of all, make sure you are going to someone who is highly experienced with performing laser treatments. If you go to someone good, they will recommend you start out with lower strength levels on the laser. This will allow your skin to get used to the laser, and you can work your way up to a higher strength as your sessions progress. Blisters are the result of the skin burning, which means the laser was on a setting that is too strong for your skin type.  

Scarring

This is a very rare side effect that has only been reported a handful of times. Still, it’s important to be aware of nonetheless. Similar to blisters, scarring is the result of your skin being unable to tolerate the laser. If it is used improperly or if the setting is too high for your skin type, it can scar the skin. If you have very sensitive skin, it would be a good idea to do a few zaps of the laser on a small tester patch of skin before treating a larger area. 

We can’t stress this enough: make sure you are going to a reputable doctor or esthetician to get your treatment. Be wary of coupons and deals on the internet. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is! As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and this couldn’t be more true for laser hair removal. It is worth it, in the long run, to do your research before getting this treatment done. 

Is Laser The Same as IPL Hair Removal?

No, laser hair removal is not the same thing as IPL hair removal. They are very similar, and they both give you the same results, but the devices themselves work differently. They offer different means to the same end. You already know how lasers work in regards to hair removal. IPL is different because it uses light energy with a multi-spectrum wavelength. This type of light energy is scattered rather than targeted. 

Basically, an IPL device can target larger areas than a laser can. This makes it more ideal for hair removal. The side effects and process of using it are exactly the same as a laser device. 

Do You Have To Go To a Dermatologist?

That’s a great question, and the answer is no, you don’t have to go to a dermatologist’s office. While most people do choose to go to a dermatologist or esthetician’s office to get this procedure done, there are alternative options. There are different at-home laser devices you can use, but more often than not, they aren’t strong enough to give you any results. 

The best option you have is to use KENZZI’s at-home IPL Hair Removal Handset. This IPL device is just as effective as in-office treatments, but you can use it from the comfort of your own home. It is also much more cost-effective than buying in-office treatments. Instead of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on laser hair removal, you can make one payment and own the device. Plus, it will give you ten years of hair-free skin!  

In Conclusion

Laser hair removal is a good option for removing hair permanently from your body. However, there are a few minor side effects, such as redness and sensitivity. In rarer cases, people can experience blistering and scarring. Laser hair removal is also a very expensive treatment. KENZZI’s IPL device is a great alternative that delivers the same results at home. 

Sources:

Laser hair removal: FAQs | AAD 

Laser hair removal | Mayo Clinic 

Article Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost | Web MD