Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Top 5 Questions to Answer Before You Begin Laser Hair Removal
When performed correctly, laser hair removal is a very effective method for removing unwanted hair. But are you a good candidate for laser hair removal? The answers to these common questions will help determine if you qualify.
1. How Old Are You?
- It's too soon!You’re too young to determine whether or not laser hair removal would be able to help you say goodbye to unwanted hair forever. Most places require you to be at least 16 years old to be eligible for laser hair removal treatments.You’re too young for us to know if laser hair removal is a good option for you. Most places require clients to be at least 16 years old.
- You may need permission!Laser hair removal might be a good solution to your unwanted hair, but some places might require a parent or guardian's consent in order for you to receive laser hair removal treatments.Laser hair removal might be a good solution for you, but some places might require a parent or guardian's consent for you to receive treatments.
- You’re eligible! You can consent to begin laser hair removal treatments on your own. At this point, the color of your unwanted hair and your natural skin tone are key factors to consider.You can consent to begin laser hair removal treatments on your own. At this point, the color of your unwanted hair is a key factor.
2. What Color Is The Hair You Want To Remove?
- You can likely be treated! It’s a common misconception that people with blonde or red hair won’t benefit from laser hair removal. The truth is that laser hair removal will work on most people with blonde or red hair as long as the hair has some pigment and isn’t “bleach blonde” or “platinum” in color. If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is to complete a consultation with an expert who has experience treating these hair colors. They will be able to tell you if there’s enough pigment in your hair for you to be treated.It’s a misconception that blonde or red hair won’t benefit from laser hair removal. Laser hair removal will work on most blonde or red hair as long as the hair isn’t “bleach blonde” or “platinum.”
- Unfortunately, you’re not a good candidate. As someone with white body hair, you are most likely not a good candidate for laser hair removal. During treatments, the laser works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. Hair that does not have any pigment, such as “peach fuzz” or “pure white” hair, will not respond to laser hair removal treatments.The laser works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, so hair with no pigment (“peach fuzz” or “pure white” hair) will not respond to treatments.
- It’s a possibility! Gray hair is well, a gray area in terms of laser hair removal. You’ll want to complete a consultation with an expert to determine exactly how much pigment is left for the laser to target.Gray hair is, well, a gray area in terms of laser hair removal. Complete a consultation with an expert to determine how much pigment is left for the laser to target
- You’re eligible! It looks like you have dark body hair, which responds well to laser hair removal treatments. Learn moreIf you have dark body hair, it will respond well to laser hair removal treatments. Learn more.
3. What Is Your Natural Skin Tone?
- You’re eligible! Laser hair removal will be a great option for you. You’ll most likely want to have your treatments completed somewhere that utilizes Alexandrite laser technology.Laser hair removal is a great option for you. You’ll want your treatments completed somewhere that utilizes Alexandrite laser technology.
- You’re eligible—as long as they use the right technology! Advances in laser hair removal technology have made it safe to use on all skin tones. However, you’ll want to make sure that you find a place that can complete your treatments using Nd: Yag technology.Advances in laser hair removal technology have made it safe for all skin tones. However, make sure you find a place that can complete your treatments using Nd: Yag technology.
4. Do you regularly use tanning beds and/or sunbathe?
- Can you handle not tanning for a little while? Laser hair removal may be able to help you say goodbye to unwanted hair forever if you take a temporary break from tanning. That’s because, in order to safely perform your laser hair removal treatments, most companies need your skin to be its natural color in order to choose the correct settings for the laser.Laser hair removal may be a good option if you take a break from tanning. For your safety, most companies need your skin to be its natural color to choose the correct laser settings.
- Great! Your skin is its natural color which makes it safe to treat! Avoiding sun exposure and not using tanning beds is a great way to ensure that you can safely begin your laser hair removal treatments.Your skin is its natural color, which makes it safe to treat! Avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds is a great way to ensure you can be treated.
5. Are you currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future?
- You’ll want to wait to begin your treatments! Laser hair removal might be a great solution to your unwanted hair, but you’ll want to wait to begin your treatments until after you deliver your baby. At that time, you’ll want to consult an expert to determine when to begin your treatments. The great thing is that most places don’t make you complete your treatments by a certain date—or even offer lifetime packages—so if you find a great deal, you can purchase at the discounted price and get treated later.Wait to begin treatments! Laser hair removal might be a great solution, but wait to begin treatments until after you deliver your baby. At that time, consult an expert to determine when to begin treatments.
- You can begin! There’s no reason to wait to begin your laser hair removal journey. One thing to keep in mind is that hormone changes associated with a future pregnancy or menopause could lead to new hair growth down the road. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to look for a company that offers unlimited laser hair removal treatments instead of just purchasing a set number of treatments.There’s no reason to wait to begin laser hair removal. Hormone changes associated with future pregnancy or menopause may lead to new hair growth down the road, so it’s always a good idea to look for a company that offers unlimited laser hair removal treatments instead of only purchasing a set number of treatments.
What's Next?
While this is not an exhaustive list of factors to think about when considering laser hair removal, it should give you a better understanding of whether or not laser hair removal is a good option for you.