There aren’t many “IPL ruined my skin” stories out there, though they do exist. Alas, the odds you’ll end up regretting your laser hair removal are highly unlikely. If you’ve used a laser hair removal device and not gotten the results you were looking for, you might be surprised to learn that you’re not alone. Many people have an irrational fear of something unsatisfactory coming out of their decision to finally get laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a highly unique process that most people are largely unfamiliar with. If it’s not done the right way at the right times, you might end up with results that just aren’t what you expected. Most men and women who use laser hair removal products are quite often looking for a ‘quick-fix’ to their unwanted hair problem. For those looking to remove hair on their underarms, bikini areas, or other “hidden” places on the body, laser hair removal is one of the best solutions to this issue.
Many first-time users are expecting to get the same type of obvious results you might find in shaving or waxing, but it’s more common that you might think to regret your first laser hair removal session.
In this article, we will cover some of the areas related to laser hair removal that most companies don’t talk about. We will answer some of the most important questions people typically have related to laser hair removal and try to help provide guidance in this topic that can so often be misconstrued or misunderstood.
Why People Get Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal, and many at at home laser hair removal devices, is / are a practice approved by the FDA to help people remove unwanted hair throughout their body. You can get laser hair removal done on just about every part of your body, and by using an IPL device such as the Silkn Sensepil, you can do this from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re looking into getting a laser hair removal device, it’s important to know upfront that this treatment method is nothing like the traditional forms of hair removal like waxing or shaving.
Laser hair removal is also very different from other, more modern methods, that involve using devices that literally burn the hairs off at the skin. Laser hair removal is an ongoing process that takes time and effort to work effectively.
Some people who have trouble sticking to a schedule when it comes to using their laser hair removal device will quite often be disappointed with the results. These devices work in a way that collectively treats each hair follicle over the course of a few weeks and months in most cases.
Each use helps to slow or stop the hair follicle’s growth a bit more each time. While it is true that you will see some results after the first use, laser hair removal devices are not made to be a one-and-done treatment method.
If you decide to use a laser hair removal device, you’re going to need to commit to using the device in the exact manner that’s outlined in the instruction manual. It’s very important that you adhere to these instructions because failure to do so will undoubtedly leave you with less-than-adequate results.
“It Wasn’t What I Expected”, I Regret Getting Laser Hair Removal
This statement is quite possibly one of the most common complaints when it comes to laser hair removal. Most people are expecting the hair in the treated areas to completely disappear after their first use and they might often be upset that this doesn’t actually occur in the same time frame that they hope it would.
Reasons people regret laser hair removal include:
- It’s not as effective as they’d imagined, especially on those with light skin and light hair, or darker skin
- The hair can grow back (and it can grow back more aggressively)
- Aggressive growth in untreated areas
If you’re looking for a treatment method that will leave your skin smooth immediately after, laser hair removal is not the right form of treatment for you. If you want immediate results, there’s nothing wrong with using a quality razor, wax, or other method to help get rid of unwanted hair in problem areas.
Now, these are just a few of the reasons you may reconsider getting laser hair removal. On paper, getting laser hair removal on your legs and growing a mustache seem a little scary.
In reality, when you consider all the pros and cons of laser hair removal and home IPL device use, the pros far outweigh the cons. As I said earlier, IPL skin damage doesn’t happen super often.
In fact, if you’re in a time crunch and simply aren’t able to wait a few weeks to see the full effects of your hair removal efforts, we recommend going another route. However, if you are interested in a truly permanent hair removal solution that leaves your skin unbelievably smooth for an extended period of time, then laser hair removal is the best form of treatment you’re going to find out there.
Here is a list of side effects of laser hair removal.
Tips for Using Laser Hair Removal Method
If you’re going to use the laser hair removal method, you’re going to have to commit to doing it and adhere strictly to the schedule that’s outlined in the manufacturer’s guidelines. Each brand of laser hair removal device comes with a set of specific instructions which will outline the times that you should use the device and exactly how it is to be used each time.
Some users will need to modify their use of laser hair removal devices depending on the sensitivity level of their skin as those with fair skin might not need to use the device with a very high setting in order to achieve the results they are looking for.
Those with darker skin can usually get by using a stronger setting in order to be effective. It’s very important that you maintain the exact schedule that’s outlined in your laser hair removal device’s instructions since you’ll be almost certain to get different results from even the slightest variation.
It’s also important to start with clean skin before each treatment in order to get the best results. Some users might be a bit apprehensive about using their laser hair removal device, but there’s no need to worry. It’s perfectly acceptable to use the device in a small test patch first in order to gain a better understanding of how using the device will feel on your skin, as well as any pain or other sensations that might be associated with using it.
Never pluck the hair out or wax the area of skin that you plan on using your device to remove hair. This will only cause undue irritation and could lead to serious discomfort.
If you’re going to use the laser hair removal device, you’ll have to trust that it will get the job done in a safe and effective manner, as long as you follow the results as best you can.
Also, be sure to take your time using the device. There’s no need to get in a hurry and try to shorten the amount of time you might spend in each session.
Related: List of Frequently Asked Questions About Laser and IPL Hair Removal
The odds you’ll regret laser hair removal are highly unlikely
Chances are, if you’re considering laser hair removal, or the use of an at home IPL device that gives similar results to salon like laser hair removal, you’re not going to regret taking the time to get the procedure(s) done. Sure, you may have to return multiple times, or complete the process over the span of a couple months, but unwanted hair reduction does wonders for people.
As we’ve already stated, if you’re going to use an IPL device at home, it’s imperative that you follow the manufacturer’s directions on your laser hair removal device as best you can. This will ensure that you get the best results out of your device and also that you won’t have to deal with any unwanted side effects that might occur.
