Laser hair removal: clear all your doubts –

If your hair forms a discreet and soft blonde fluff, harmoniously distributed over your body, laser hair removal is definitely not a priority in your life. But, if you are part of the legion of women who suffer from a mass of dark, thick, rebellious hair, spread all over the body, the method can be liberating.

Yes, because after a few sessions, practically 100% of the hair will be gone. In addition, already in the second application, they will be clearer and thinner. Another good news is that the laser is democratic: new machines allow black, brown and tanned skins to also be depilated. heard specialists in the field who shared all the secrets of the technique.

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How does the laser work?

It eliminates hair because its energy, in the form of light, is attracted and captured by melanin, a pigment present on the hair shaft and responsible for its coloring. This thermal energy destroys or delays the ability of the follicle to produce a new thread. Hair that is not shed on time grows slowly, lighter and finer. “The darker the hair, the better the result with the laser”, explains dermatologist Claudia Marçal, from Campinas (SP).

Does the application hurt?

It depends. If you hold tight to the wax, you won’t suffer as much from the laser. But know that there is, yes, a discomfort in each shot. “The burning sensation varies according to the sensitivity of each woman, the area being depilated, the level of stress and even the period of the menstrual cycle”, explains laser specialist Alessandra Passos, from Clínica Dicorp, in São Paulo (SP). ). “The thinner and more sensitive the skin, the greater the feeling of discomfort”, adds dermatologist Claudia Marçal. The use of local anesthetics, such as Emla and Anestop, make the sessions less painful – especially in more sensitive areas, such as the upper lip, or in long sessions.

How is the skin after the first session?

The spot gets hot and red. “The discomfort lasts from two to four hours on average and, later, some areas may darken a little and form small crusts, which disappear in a matter of days”, says dermatological surgeon, laser specialist, João Carlos Pereira, from São José do Rio Preto (SP).

What areas is the laser best suited for?

“All areas of the body respond well to it”, says plastic surgeon Marcelo Mariano, from Brasília (DF).

What is the minimum number of sessions? Why?

According to the Brazilian Society of Laser, the treatment lasts six sessions, on average. With each application, many of the hair follicles are destroyed, no longer producing hair, while others are damaged, allowing hair to grow back. With each additional session, the survivors decrease and, after four to six applications, only a few hairs will remain in the treated area.

If I have few hairs, can I eliminate them in one session?

No. Hair is only destroyed during the growth phase. Even in an area with few wires, some will be growing, some will be resting. Sessions are held on average every 30 days so that they can reach the hair in both phases. “After the first application, the results are already visible and, at the end of six applications, almost all hairs are eliminated”, explains dermatological surgeon João Carlos Pereira.

What precautions should I take before and after the session?

“The ideal is to spend at least three weeks without sunbathing before starting the treatment”, says dermatologist Erasmo Tokarski, from Brasília (DF). After each session, it is common to apply a soothing gel while still in the clinic. Avoid intense heat or perspiration and sun in the area. In case of burning or burning, make cold compresses for 30 minutes.

Are there any dangers in using the laser?

Yes. If the intensity of the device is not well calculated, second-degree burns, blistering at some points or even temporary darkening of the affected region may occur. “For this very reason, the ideal is for the first session to be very light, with a low graduation on the device. Thus, the professional can evaluate the skin”, highlights the dermatologist Alessandra Passos. Depending on the type of laser used, if you sunbathe directly on the waxed area in the first few days after the session, you run the risk of staining.

Read more: 3 methods to shave at home

Are black women more at risk of having spots?

It depends. Despite the fact that the laser is attracted by color and that black women have a greater amount of melanin (a substance that gives skin tone), modern devices have a mechanism for regulating the length and intensity of light. This allows dark-skinned or black-skinned women to epilate without the risk of staining.

How will I know which is the best type of laser?

In Brazil, most clinics work with Quantum and Light Sheer, both diode, which can be used on all skin types. But there is also the Alexandrite laser (from the Apogee machines, GentleLaser), another diode laser and intense pulsed light. Only the doctor specializing in laser knows what’s best for you.

Is laser the same as intense pulsed light?

Not exactly. The result and the principle of hair destruction are the same, but the operation is different. Pulsed light – unlike laser – has a specific light wavelength to reduce the follicle gradually. “Since it is softer, it can be used on dark, black and Asian skin, on any hair color (blonde, brown, red or black) and on the whole body”, explains dermatologist Claudia Marçal. The big disadvantage is that treatment with pulsed light takes a little longer: it requires, on average, two or three sessions more than laser.

If I use bleach, does the laser not work?

There are controversies. Some professionals release the use, since the discoloration is only on the outer part of the fur. Others claim that the bleach impairs the action of the laser. When in doubt, it’s best to keep the thread dark before each session.

Is waxing forever?

“No. No laser provides permanent hair removal, as some can grow back after some time. Annual maintenance is necessary for the most stubborn hair that may appear,” explains dermatologist Cássio Villaça, assistant professor of dermatology and surgery at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo (SP). However, the association of the right technique with a good professional and a qualified device for the type of skin guarantees long-lasting epilation.

Read more: Trick to prevent your bikini line from turning dark after shaving

How is the maintenance?

It depends on the appearance of new hairs on site. Imagine the skin as a sown field. You can remove the entire mature crop, but nothing prevents a forgotten seed from germinating after a few months or years. The same thing happens with fur. “This is possible because there are immature follicles, which will develop in the future”, explains plastic surgeon Cristina Camargo, from São Paulo (SP).

Can I shave during treatment?

Hot or cold waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis should be avoided for four to six weeks before and during laser treatment. “The use of razors and depilatory creams is allowed because these procedures preserve the structure of the hair, keeping its shaft intact in the follicle”, explains dermatologist Jozian Quental Mendes, from São Paulo (SP).

Can I sunbathe after the session?

It depends. There is already a type of laser that allows the sun after the session. “It crosses the epidermis without marking it, acting directly on the hair root. This prevents the skin from staining”, explains dermatologist Alessandra Passos. “The downside is that, as it works on a very vascularized layer, full of nerve endings, the session is more painful than the normal laser”, she adds.

Did you know?

The areas close to the knees and ankles are more sensitive The laser prevents ingrown hairs, very common in the groin The armpits can be shaved with a blade during the treatment Be prepared: the upper lip is one of the most painful places