How does hair grow?
Hair growth starts at the base of each hair follicle where special protein cells create a strand of hair. Each strand of hair pushes up through the skin and continuously cycles through the three stages of growth:
- Anagen: the active growth stage, when hair is formed
- Catagen: the transitional stage, when hair stops growing
- Telogen: the resting stage, when the hair sheds
How can I get rid of unwanted body hair?
You can remove unwanted body hair in one of several ways:
- Plucking: pull out individual strands by hand or with a tweezers
- Shaving: use a razor to cut off hair at the skin level
- Waxing: pull hair out at the root with wax and strips of cloth
- Dissolving: use depilatory creams to dissolve hair at the surface
- Lasering: utilize laser hair removal to destroy the follicle permanently
How does laser hair removal work?
Dr. Singleton uses the Cynosure Icon™ laser to send targeted laser beams into the hair follicles, damaging them and inhibiting hair growth. The lasers use melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, to “find” and destroy the follicle. If you have dark skin or light hair, you may not be a good candidate for laser hair removal.
During the treatment, Dr. Singleton passes a handheld wand over the treatment area. You may feel a momentary stinging sensation from the lasers, but Dr. Singleton offers strategies to relieve discomfort.
You need three to eight treatments spaced six weeks apart, with no plucking or waxing, to treat each hair follicle in its growth stage. The procedure takes from a few minutes for smaller areas like the upper lip to a half-hour for a larger treatment area.
Although this process significantly decreases hair growth, the lasers can’t permanently eliminate 100% of your hair, and it’s still possible for new hair follicles to grow.
The procedure can cause skin irritation, itching, redness, and swelling. The lasers can also burn the skin or cause pigmentation.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
The biggest advantage of laser hair removal is the freedom from shaving, waxing, and plucking. The procedure is one of the most effective, permanent hair removal options for hair on the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line.
Laser hair removal is also safe when performed by an appropriately trained provider like Dr. Singleton. The quick procedure causes minimal side effects for most.
To learn more about laser hair removal, contact The Ageless Institute online or over the phone.
