If there is one struggle many women experience in silence, it is the question of body hair. Maintaining a hair-free zone in the right places is a lifelong issue for many women, and there are just as many methods to deal with hair, such as electrolysis, waxing and shaving. While it is totally okay to have body hair, you might not be sure about the best method to do it that is both safe and effective.
Brazilian laser hair removal is among these methods, but there are tons of myths that surround it, such as the fear some people have of it ripping your skin off in the long term. The internet is great for searching up on what you should know, but it also breeds confusion about processes such as these – hopefully, we will help to set the record straight.
Darker-skinned people cannot do laser treatment
The source of this myth is unclear, but dermatologists unanimously agree there is no skin color that laser hair removal treatment will fail to work on. This is because different machines and settings will be used depending on your skin type – and the color of the hair itself will determine whether it will be effective or not.
Brazilian laser treatments will not work if you have blonde or red body hair
This specific form of treatment is highly popular, particularly for women who wear bathing suits regularly due to living in warmer climates. The good news is that pubic hair tends to be coarse and darker than what you will find on the rest of the body, so it is easier to remove using this method.
However, that does not mean that the treatment is ineffective if you have red or blonde hair, even though it was a problem in the past. The advancement I technology means that laser treatments have become more effective for these hair colors, as machines continue to improve.
You must be clean-shaven before going for removal, and the process is painful
While you might prefer to shave the area in question yourself, it is not necessary as the consultant can do it for you. The only disadvantage you will have here is that it is a dry shave.
In addition, you might experience some pain when in session (key word here is might) in combination with the shaving.It helps to have some painkillers 30 minutes before treatment starts.
Pro tip: If you are a woman, avoid these treatments when you are just about, just ended or are within your period dates. This is because the skin is more sensitive at this time, and you will feel a lot of pain after the hair removal procedures.
Laser hair removal is expensive
This is not necessarily the case. While it is more expensive compared to other removal methods like shaving, it is cheaper in the long run because of its effectiveness. That comes into play when you consider the cost of buying a packet of razors every month, compared to a series of a few laser treatments.
What makes laser treatment effective is the slower growth of hair, because the hair follicles slowly become inactive until hair stops growing entirely. That means you will no longer need to struggle with hair in the shower after a few sessions.
Only women can get laser hair removal
While many women seek this treatment to deal with annoying body hair, it is not only beneficial to them. The rise of awareness among men when it comes to body grooming also plays a role in the increasing numbers of men getting the treatment. The good news is that it is open to all.
For guys, it can really help with removing body hair on the chest, arms and back, as well as the jawline and along the neck for a smoother and neater appearance.
Hair grows back
This might be true, but only in certain cases.
During the first few times you go for a laser hair treatment (once is not always effective!) you will notice hair growing in these areas. That is due to the hair removal process – laser hair removal will only target the hair that is in its active growth stage, not before or after. For the treatment to be effective, you will need to go for several sessions that target all the hair in question.
You might notice some stray hair growing in these areas afterwards, but they gradually decrease – that is, unless there are hormonal changes such as pregnancy. The frequency of your sessions will depend on your hair and skin type, so that is something to discuss with the consultant.
Laser hair removal treatments will expose you to radiation
The truth is, all the machines you will find in approved consultants are FDA-approved. Therefore, you will not receive harmful radiation after a session. Even though it is true that the barriers of light that are in the laser contain some radiation, it will only remain within that space. That means you will never get it on your skin, ensuring that the process is as harmless as possible.
You cannot have these treatments in summer
Numerous people believe that laser hair removal cannot be a summer thing because you will need to avoid the sun for several weeks before and after the procedure (at least two weeks for both). However, that does not mean the clinic will close when summer arrives, as long as you protect your skin as much as possible before and after.
However, sun exposure before and after the procedure is bad news, because it can result in infections of the skin and blisters.
Final thoughts
There are many myths that surround laser hair removal, but these will hopefully help you know what to do and what to avoid. As long as you do the treatments at a qualified consultant’s office, you will not have much to worry about in the long term because it will be safe.