Traditional methods like waxing, shaving, bleaching or depilatory creams are a good temporary solution to hair removal, but laser hair removal gets to the root of the problem! Deeply penetrating the skin, heating the follicle and destroying it to prevent further hair growth, there are so many positives to using laser hair removal. Yet, it’s surprising how many myths still surround the treatment.

After determining the most common myths involving laser hair removal, we’re here to rectify the situation and tell you the truth about why laser hair removal is the best choice for unwanted body and facial hair.

Myth #1: “Laser Hair Removal is not safe.”

The safety level of a laser hair removal treatment depends entirely on the type of laser system. It is possible for some medical spas to use cheap laser systems that aren’t approved by the FDA, so it’s of the utmost importance that you check which system they operate before scheduling a treatment. At LightRx, we use an FDA-accredited laser system that utilizes leading-edge lasers with more power and a larger spot size for faster, more effective treatments.

Myth #2: “Laser Hair Removal causes hair to grow back thicker.”

If this myth were true, there would be a cure for baldness! But in reality, there is no way a laser can create more hair growth. Everyone grows hair at different rates, and people’s bodies are constantly changing. The truth is, lasers can destroy your hair follicles, but they won’t magically cause you to develop more.

Myth #3: “Laser Hair Removal is for women only.”

The areas most associated with laser hair removal are the face, underarm and bikini area, but that doesn’t mean those are the only options. Men can use the treatment to eliminate stubble that forms in odd places on the face and neck. More men nowadays are concerned with their appearance, making them choose this treatment to enhance their jawline by sculpting their beards. Men can even choose to use this service to remove unwanted body hair on their backs, shoulders and other areas.

Myth #4: “Laser Hair Removal costs a fortune.”

Some people view laser hair removal as an incredibly pricy treatment, but it can actually save time and money when compared to waxing, shaving or tweezing. Considering all the products involved in traditional hair removal, laser hair removal is far more cost-effective. Plus, the price fully depends on the area you want to be treated. We recommend scheduling a free consultation with at one of our clinics to discuss your laser hair removal needs and associated costs.

Myth #5. “Laser Hair Removal is very painful.”

 With numerous advancements in technology over the years, laser hair removal is much less painful. Typically, the feeling is compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin, but by using topical numbing creams and skin serums, pain is not our game at LightRx. The treatment may leave your skin a little red or with some goosebumps, but this normally disappears quickly after treatment. Additionally, there is no downtime! After a couple of sessions, your skin will be smooth and free of razor bumps, nicks, ingrown hair or stubble.

Myth #6: “Laser Hair Removal exposes you to radiation.”

This myth sounds very scary, but it’s not true! Laser hair removal systems approved by the FDA do not emit radiation. Although radiation does exist between the light barriers of the laser, it does not exit that space, so it is in no way harmful to the patient.

Myth #7. “You can’t get Laser Hair Removal in the summer.”

This myth goes along with the idea that if you have darker skin, it can affect the lasers’ ability to target hair follicles. That logic is not the case anymore. Today’s laser systems are used on people with darker skin quite effectively. If anything, you may have to get a couple of extra treatments during the summer, since professionals may not be able to use a stronger laser setting on your skin.

Myth #8. “You only need one Laser Hair Removal treatment.”

It’s impossible to eliminate hair growth in just one treatment. Hair grows in cycles and at different times, so it will always take multiple sessions to achieve desired results. In order to remove all hair follicles, you must wait for new ones to grow in between appointments. We recommend eight sessions to our clients so they can receive the best results. Overall, the actual number of sessions needed will differ depending on your hair color, hair type, body area and skin tone.

There are countless myths surrounding laser hair removal. Some may have been true in the past, but with advancements in technology, the treatment has changed for the better. At LightRx, we want to ensure you have all the facts, so you can make an educated decision regarding whether laser hair removal is right for you.

Have you heard any other myths about laser hair removal? Let us know in the comments below.