Did you know that your hair can speak to you? Well, maybe not literally, but analyzing your unwanted hair can help you figure out how to get rid of it most efficiently. That is if you plan to have a laser hair removal procedure. That’s because different types of hair should be treated by different types of lasers.
The Most Important Hair Treatment Factors
The most important factors that go into choosing the right machine to treat your problem are hair color and thickness. You see, most lasers for hair removal are built in such a way that they scan for dark areas on your skin, which are expected to be the hairs. If your hair is not very dark your skin tone, can make it harder for certain lasers to get rid of your unwanted body hair properly.
The effectiveness of certain devices can also be hindered by the thickness of the hair that needs to be removed. Again, thicker hair can “confuse” some lasers. Also, certain machines are simply not that powerful. They are only meant to perform simple, precise treatments.
Intense Pulsed Light Machines Perform Basic Treatments
Intense pulsed light is a form of laser hair removal treatment that is best used for simple hair removal procedures. If you have a very small stubborn area where unwanted hair grows, you can even treat it with a home IPL kit if you want to. However, the IPL devices used in clinics are quite a bit more powerful and accurate. Nevertheless, even they are weak as compared to many other types of machines.
Yag Lasers Are Better for Major Hair Removal Problems
If you have thicker hair or a larger area of hair that you want to treat, you may need to utilize a stronger device. A YAG laser is one possibility. YAG stands for yttrium-aluminum-garnet, which refers to the construction of the device, as opposed to other machines that might use diodes or other components to produce their beams.
Skin Type Can Also Be an Issue
Another thing to consider is your skin type. Is it light or dark? Is it oily or dry? Do you have acne or other medical issues that affect your skin? Depending on your answers to those questions, you can rule out a lot of hair removal treatments in or out.
Always Ask an Expert for Advice
As you can see, there are a lot of things to think about before you can select the best procedure for you. That’s why asking an expert, such as a dermatologist or doctor, is so important. They can analyze the complete picture of your skin health and help you to get rid of your unwanted hair in a way that will maximize results and minimize side effects.
You’ll Still Have Maintenance to Do
Finally, keep in mind that you’ll still have some maintenance to do after having a hair removal procedure. You might need multiple ongoing treatments to keep the hair from coming back. Even so, some of it might return. So, you might still find yourself shaving it away at home occasionally. But it shouldn’t be as thick or return as often. So, laser therapy is a definite time saver.