Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that slows down or sometimes even totally stops the growth of unwanted hair. These procedures are becoming more popular and appealing because they are quick and painless as well as safe.

During a laser hair removal procedure, a tiny laser or beam of light is inserted into each hair follicle in the area where the unwanted hair is located. The light targets the pigment in the hair. The laser actually burns the follicle just enough so that the body is not able to repair the damage.

One treatment will slow down the growth of the targeted hair, but it can take several laser hair removal sessions to ensure a long “hair-free” period. After enough treatments, this period can be several months long or even several years long.

Laser hair removal can be done just about anywhere on the body that there is unwanted hair, generally the face, underarms, and bikini line. The procedure works best for people who have brown or black hair and fair skin. The procedure is not meant for those with red, blonde, or light brown hair. Dark skinned people can undergo laser hair removal treatments but there is small risk of lightening of the skin.

Some people are unsure about the safety of this type of procedure. However, if the procedure is done properly by a qualified physician, the laser never pierces the skin. Instead, it gets into the skin through the hole that the follicle makes. It is important to have a doctor trained in laser hair removal conduct this procedure. It is never recommended to go to people with no medical training to perform the treatment such as may be employed in a spa or salon.

Before a procedure, the laser is set based on the skin type and sensitivity of the patient. There are even treatments that can be done before the procedure that make the skin more receptive to the laser. These treatments can limit the amount of time that the laser must be used. When done properly using all the right precautions, laser hair removal is entirely safe and there are few risks of complications.