When it comes to hair removal there are many options. You can quickly shave away your hair, but they grow back as quickly and often cause itching and bad ingrowths. Waxing will snatch away not just your hair but also the protective lipid layer causing irritation and folliculitis. Depilatory creams are known to cause dermatitis and pigmentation in their aftermath.

People often associate laser hair removal to be a painful procedure which will burn a hole in their pockets. These and some more myths prompted us to clear the air about some wrongful beliefs about LHR and why LHR should be your go-to procedure for smooth hairless skin.

Myth 1: Laser Hair Removal causes the hair to grow more dense and frequent.

Fact 1: Laser Hair Removal doesn’t cause the hair to grow more dense. Infact, each treatment should cause a reduction of between 10 percent and 25 percent in hair growth. There is a visible reduction in the density, thickness and growth rate of hair at successive sessions. The hair that does eventually grow back typically returns much finer and lighter than before, as indicated by the American Academy of Dermatology, so areas that were once problematic may be less bothersome even when the hair grows back.

Myth 2:  Laser Hair Removal is not safe.

Fact 2: Laser Hair Removal safety is dependent on the laser system that is used. FDA has recommended and approved hair removal systems which are safe to use. It is always recommended to go to certified Dermatologist who are using FDA approved system to avoid problems during and after Laser hair removal process.

Myth 3: Laser Hair Removal exposes you to radiation

Fact 3: FDA recommended and approved hair removal systems do not emit radiations. So it’s not harmful for patients going through LHR.

Myth 4: One can get permanent hair removal in one sitting or session

Fact 4: Laser energy damages the follicles in the growing phase (anagen). Several treatments are needed to target ALL hair in the active growth phase. Approximately 6-10 weeks after every treatment, additional treatment is required to eliminate the hairs that came out of the dormant phase and are now active. About 6 to 8 sessions are recommended to get significant hair reduction. Depending upon hair type and genetic factors, some clients may require additional treatments beyond these initial treatments.

Myth 5: Hair Removal Treatment cause burns

Fact 5: This is very rare. Depending on the skin condition. Usually this treatment causes burns if you have dark skin. Talk to your dermatologist regarding it and they will give you some pre- and post- treatment medications.

Myth 7:  Laser Hair Removal is very costly compared to other hair removing methods like waxing

Fact 7: Waxing costs less per session, but costs more than laser hair removal over the long run. The total investment is much less with lasers with permanent reduction in comparison to the cost of temporary procedures like waxing. For example, over the course of 20 years, women spend nearly 2,40,000 only on underarm waxing! Laser hair removal for underarms will cost about 14000/-. Not to mention the number of trips made to the parlour and energy spent with traditional method like waxing and threading. LHR is much more cost effective, safe, quick and efficient compared to other hair removal techniques.

Myth 8:  Laser Hair Removal is done only for women

Fact 8: It used to be that hair removal was strictly a female thing. Not so anymore.  More and more men are opting for laser hair removal to get finer and lighter hair. Beard shaping, chest, neck, back, arms etc. are favoured sites for LHR in men.

Myth 9:  Laser Hair Removal can be done in beauty parlours

Fact 9: Laser hair removal can go very wrong and lead to irreversible damages like scarring  if done by an untrained individual with substandard machines. The best way is to talk to a certified dermatologist regarding  LHR for you. Using the wrong laser or the wrong settings can lead to discoloration of your skin, failure of the laser to work, pain and redness, and even scarring.

Myth 10: You can’t get Laser Hair Removal treatment in summer.

Fact 10: You can get LHR in summer. However people with darker skin tone can face some minor issues. It is always recommended to talk to your dermatologist regarding LHR. A sunscreen is always recommended to prevent pre and post laser treatment.