Laser hair removal is a growing trend in more than just Australia. In 2020 alone, more than 1.8 million hair removal procedures were performed worldwide. The majority of those procedures were performed in the female population.
Although hair removal techniques such as waxing and threading serve as affordable options for clients, they aren’t very long-lasting. The laser hair removal process is by far the most advanced and most effective option even if it comes at a higher cost.
Here’s why you should consider purchasing laser hair removal machines and how to choose the best ones.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Machines
Laser hair removal is by far the best method for mostly permanent results. Despite its higher cost, people who use the procedure can expect to save money on things like razors and other hair removal methods. Even better, they don’t need to get any more treatments once they’ve completed all of their visits.
Quick Procedure
First of all, laser hair removal machines work fast. The overall process takes less than an hour, but it all depends on the area you’re treating.
For example, doing both of your full legs can take about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the upper lip only requires a minute. Doing different areas of your body will increase the amount of time it takes, but it’s an easy process.
Keep in mind that the laser hair removal process requires multiple treatment sessions. Women are recommended to get at least six laser treatments spaced out about a month apart. Men may need at least eight, depending on their hair density and what areas they want treated.
In comparison, something like electrolysis takes multiple treatments for up to a year to achieve similar results.
Precise and Effective
There’s some fear among people that lasers are dangerous or can damage your skin. In reality, these machines are some of the safest and most effective beauty solutions out there.
Ablative treatments like laser hair removal target and destroy hair follicles with heat. While they technically do cause damage, it only affects the problem area. The same kind of technology is used to address issues like warts and wrinkles.
This precision is particularly helpful when dealing with smaller areas like a person’s eyebrows or upper lip. The same goes for changing someone’s hairline without affecting the rest of their hair’s growth.
On top of that, laser hair removal is only as painful as a slight pinch. It’s easy to endure when treatments can last as short as a few minutes at a time.
Works Anywhere on the Body
Pretty much any hair on your body can be removed from your body with lasers. Because it isn’t very painful or aggressive, there isn’t any increased risk on certain parts of your body compared with others.
Laser hair removal is especially useful when doing your back and bikini areas. Those spots are normally difficult to reach for someone waxing or shaving at home alone.
They may also find that their private areas are more sensitive and react poorly to a normal hair removal approach. Lasers are no more painful on your pubic hair than they are anywhere else. The same goes for the hair on your face.
No Risk of Ingrown Hairs
One reason some men and women avoid shaving is because of the risk of ingrown hairs. People with curly or kinky hair are especially at risk of developing this problem when using razors. Improper waxing can also cause them.
Left untreated, ingrown hairs can easily grow infected and cause permanent damage.
Laser hair removal machines get rid of the hair at the root. It destroys the hair follicles that the shaft grows from.
Since no hair is left behind, there’s no risk of them growing and curling back into your body. Laser treatment is also good at eliminating ingrown hairs and preventing their regrowth.
Longer-Term Results
The problem with most hair removal methods is that they’re only temporary. Women that shave their legs have to do so every two to three days to maintain a clean shave. Skipping a day or two can result in itchiness and a spiky feel to the new growth.
Laser hair removal is an option that’s widely touted as a permanent solution. In most cases, the results stick around for up to six years. While most people will see very little to no regrowth years later, hair follicles can grow back with time.
It’s a great way to maintain your skin and its texture. There’s no need to worry about prickly legs or your hairy upper lip filling out overnight.
Maintenance-Free
Since laser hair removal lasts so long without regrowth, there’s no need for maintenance when it’s complete. You’ll be able to go for years without worrying about shaving the treated area. You won’t need to shave the area or suffer through waxing.
However, there is some post-care required while you’re getting the treatments. For example, you have to keep the treated area clean and dry for the first 24 hours. It’s also normal to see dead hair shedding throughout the first month after the treatment.
Who Can Get Laser Hair Removal?
Since laser hair removal is so safe and effective, it’s perfectly safe for most people with extra body hair. Whether you’re in your twenties or a senior citizen, you can get the procedure done. There are a few exceptions, though.
First, pregnant women should not get laser hair removal. This is mostly because of the lack of studies evaluating its safety during this time.
Certain medications may make your skin more sensitive to the lasers, such as with acne treatments.
Keloid scarring can complicate laser hair removal and cause additional scarring. It’s also recommended that anyone with a history of skin cancer avoid treatments.
The Laser Hair Removal Process
For your clients, getting laser hair removal is relatively simple. They hold still while you do the procedure and they walk away with mild irritation.
The actual process requires the technician to know light physics, how it interacts with skin tissue, the different types of lasers, and laser safety. You can take an online laser course to cover all of these different topics. The course is ideal for assistants and nurses as well as anyone looking to pursue a career involving lasers.
How It Works
Laser hair removal involves emitting a light into the melanin in your hair, which is then converted into heat. The light itself does not touch the hair follicle, which is what needs to be destroyed for it to work. Instead, the heat damages the follicle through the hair itself.
What this means is that laser hair treatment won’t work as well if you’ve waxed. Shaving is fine, as you still need some amount of hair sticking out of your skin to absorb the heat.
The laser light is applied over an area of your skin, but the wavelength of light is primarily absorbed by the hair. That way, your skin doesn’t overheat or get burned.
Additionally, different skin types require their own unique laser. Shorter wavelengths work better on lighter skin but are dangerous to use on darker-skinned patients.
Although the follicle is killed in the process, it can take a few weeks for your hair to fully shed. However, the follicle should be completely destroyed and prevent regrowth.
Length of Time
How long a treatment takes depends on the areas getting treated and how many areas you’re doing at one time.
For example, it’ll only take about ten minutes to do the upper lip and both underarms. If a patient wants their legs or back done, then it could take as long as an hour.
Full-body laser hair removal is an option, but it’ll require multiple sessions. The human body can only handle so much before the treatment becomes unsafe.
Prepping for Treatment
Any patient that wants laser hair removal needs to follow some guidelines to prepare for the process.
First, they need to avoid excessive sun exposure before and after. A skin bleaching cream may be recommended if they recently tanned.
Other hair removal methods can disturb the hair follicle and reduce the laser’s effectiveness. However, they may need to shave if the hair in the area is particularly long.
Finally, they’ll want to speak with their doctor to see if their medications have any kind of interaction with the procedure.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Purchasing a laser hair removal machine is a big investment, so you’ll need to be sure you’ve picked the right one. Some things to consider include:
- The type of laser hair removal machine
- What features your clinic wants or needs
- Your clinic’s budget
- A machine provider with a good track record
Type of Laser Hair Removal Machine
The three most common types of hair removal lasers include the Alex 755nm, Speed 810nm, and Yag 1064 nm. There’s also the AFT SHR 700-950nm hair removal method.
Alex 755nm, or Alexandrite, is ideal for a wide range of hair colors. It’s one of the most used systems in the market today. However, it’s not safe to use on darker skin tones.
The Speed 810nm technology is safe for darker skin types. While there is less research to establish its long-term safety, it does penetrate deep into the hair follicle.
Yag 1064nm is the best solution for darker skin. It has a lower light dispersion and deeper penetration, which means that it doesn’t affect skin with darker pigmentation.
Finally, the AFT SHR 700-950nm delivers light energy at a wider wavelength range for optimal absorption.
Laser Hair Removal Machine Features
Although there are many different options for laser hair removal, your clinic doesn’t necessarily have to choose between them. Some machines feature a single type of laser paired with other applicators.
Then there are more expensive models that can do multiple types of treatments for the best coverage. A good example is the Alma Harmony XL Pro (Special Edition) which has the ability to treat 72 FDA-cleared indications.
However, your clinic can make do with a machine that only offers an 810nm laser. It provides good coverage for a wide range of skin types.
Laser Hair Removal Budget
The machines you purchase will partly depend on your clinic’s budget. While the high-end models offer many more types of applications, they’re also more expensive. If one of those expensive models breaks down, then you’d lose out on a key piece of technology.
Try to find a device that lines up with your current needs to save money. For example, one of the more affordable options includes NIR Face & Body, Dye SR, and Dye VL alongside a Speed AFT applicator.
Finance options can help cover the bill. They may also include service and maintenance at no extra cost.
Laser Hair Removal Machine Provider
Try to find a laser hair removal machine provider with a good track record and strong customer support. Even better if they’re operated locally, though it isn’t necessary.
At the very least, your provider should include service and maintenance with your purchase. There should be options for training and clinical support.
Trade-in plans may be available which help if you intend to upgrade your current equipment. The same goes for financing options, which are good for both new and returning customers.
If you’re interested in a specific brand, they may have a list of certified providers on their website. That way, you can avoid making purchases from questionable businesses.
Upgrade Your Laser Capabilities
Laser hair removal machines may not be a necessary addition to your beauty clinic, but you won’t regret the investment. They’re the top way to remove body hair and ensure a safe and effective way to do so. These machines also usually offer multiple applications, so they help round out your clinic’s offered services.
Alma Lasers is a top global industry leader with equipment suitable for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and much more. We’re dedicated to total customer satisfaction and have the documentation and certifications to prove it.
Contact us to learn more and get a free consultation.
