5 Common Myths About Laser Hair Removal Busted

Laser hair removal has emerged as one of the most popular hair removal methods in the world – and there are many scientifically proven reasons why. Unlike conventional methods, laser hair removal offers long-term and immediate results to the problem of hirsutism and intense hirsutism through a procedure, which is completely safe, painless and with almost zero recovery time.

Since 1996 when it became first hair removal study with the 694 nm ruby ​​laser system, laser hair removal piqued the interest of the scientific community. On this basis, several studies have clinically examined the effectiveness of different laser systems, concluding that alexandrite laser hair removal 755nm achieves excellent permanent results due to the strong absorption by the melanin of the hair, it is just as effective as diode laser systems 800nm ​​– 808nmAnd superior compared to the Nd:YAG system and the intense pulsed light IPL technology.

However, despite the numerous studies that have been conducted and the scientific data supporting the effectiveness of the method, there are still several misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding laser hair removal. In this article, we've rounded up the top 5 myths and debunked them one by one with the help of science!

Myth 1: Laser hair removal is only for women

This is one of the most stereotypical myths in laser hair removal that stigmatizes men, insulting their masculinity and instilling feelings of shame. Just think how easy it is for a woman to freely, without a second thought, share with her friends that she is doing lasers. Is it the same for men? Probably not, or even if it does, it certainly isn't as easily done.

This misconception is rooted in outdated gender stereotypes that want men to be hairy and women to be hairless – without considering each individual's personal will, preferences or comfort. Men, just like women, should challenge these outdated stereotypes and choose what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful in their bodies!

So, we remind you: Grooming has no gender. Laser hair removal, just like any other aesthetic intervention, is not exclusively the prerogative of women. It is intended for all men who wish to eliminate unwanted hair growth for cosmetic, dermatological (eg folliculitis) or other reasons (eg men who regularly exercise or swim and need smoother skin).

Fortunately, statistics show how these antiquated views, no matter how deep-rooted, are slowly being eliminated. According recent UK research, the number of British men waxing has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Specifically, 46% of men in Great Britain do hair removal, a 10% increase compared to 2016, where it was 36%. 42% of men opted for underarm hair removal in 2018, a figure that shot up by 26% from 2016, when it was just 16%, while chest hair removal has doubled between 2016 and 2018, now reaching 30% .

In general, the most sought-after laser hair removal sites for men are:

• Chest and abdomen
• Back, shoulders & waist
• Formation in the beard
• Hands from wrists to arms
• Middle brow, nose, ears, neck & cheekbones
• Armpits
• Apron

Myth 2: Laser hair removal is painful

I will hurt; It's a question we hear quite often. And in order to answer it correctly, we should analyze a little how the latest generation lasers work, such as Alexandrite Laser Candela Gentlelase that we use in our area.

These systems are based on in the theory of selective photothermolysis, where a completely harmless beam of light is converted into thermal energy and absorbed by the melanin of the hair follicle, destroying the regenerative cells that produce hair growth. In this way, the thermal destruction of the hair follicle is achieved without destroying the surrounding tissues, which are protected by the automatic injection with the special cryogen liquid. This special cooling technology cools the skin all the time the specialized beautician scans the area with the laser, offering protection and local anesthesia!

At the same time, several studies have examined, among others, the level of pain in patients who have undergone laser hair removal with Alexandrite Laser Candela Gentlelase 755 nm and 808nm Diode Laser. The findings of two long-term studies they come to the same conclusion that there is a mild discomfort, which is comparatively a little more than the toll, but 100% of the patients state that it is tolerable. Specifically, 62,50% of patients reported more pain with the 808nm Diode Laser, but all patients rated treatment with either laser as tolerable.

Therefore, while laser hair removal may cause some discomfort, this is minimized by the integrated cooling technology of the new generation systems and in no way can be described as painful – especially when compared to traditional hair removal methods such as electrolysis and waxing.

Myth 3: Laser hair removal does not work on dark skin

While it is true that not all laser systems are suitable for dark skin tones, science is advancing and today we have sophisticated systems, such as the 808nm Diode Laser, which allow safe and at the same time effective hair removal on any skin type and color.

This particular method, which offers just as fast, painless and permanent results as the Laser Alexandrite Candela Gentlelase, it becomes ideal on dark skin and in periods of sunshine. This property of the 808 Laser Diode system is due to to its long wavelength (808nm versus 755nm of Laser Alexandrite), which allows it to act deeper, without being affected by the skin's melanin, targeting the hair follicle directly. 

Thus, this system offers the possibility of hair removal also during the summer months, where the skin is usually tanned from exposure to the sun!

Myth 4: Η laser hair removal is very expensive

The reality: Even if it sounds like an oxymoron, laser hair removal is the most cost-effective solution offered today in the field of medical aesthetics for the treatment of unwanted hair. If you calculate the amount of money the average person spends on tons of razors, depilatory creams and waxing and do a rough estimate of the amount of money that accumulates over the years, you will be shocked. And we haven't even added the most valuable resource anyone wastes to the equation: their time!

And because only if you see the statistics will you be able to think about and consciously decide the way in which you want to invest the resources you have at your disposal, below we present you some facts concerning the time and money the average American spends on different methods of hair removal. The logic behind the calculations will help you estimate the money and time you spend in this direction.

Cost in Time

Average Time Spent Shaving

There are different types of shaving. From the quick shave that one does in a hurry during the shower and lasts only 4 minutes to the detailed & thorough shave that requires about 10 minutes. Depending on how often you shave, whether it's daily or a few times a week, the average American consumes 30 hours a year.

This practically means how he spends 1.800 hours shaving with a razor in his lifetime!

Average Time Spent Waxing

Depending on the application area, waxing can last from 15 minutes to 1 hour. In the event that we choose the legs, armpits and bikini area – the most common areas for hair removal – the session will last approximately 1 hour. If we assume that the result is well maintained and that only one session per month is needed, this means 12 hours per year. Now if we add to this the time of scheduling the appointment & transportation to the beauty center, we are practically talking about 18 hours a year.

This practically means how he spends 1.080 hours waxing in his lifetime!

Average Time Spent Getting Laser Hair Removal

Although the scanning time of small areas takes about 10 minutes, larger areas such as the entire legs can take up to 45 minutes depending on the case. If we choose the legs, armpits and bikini again, we will need about 60 minutes. Depending on the type and density of hair growth, the average person needs 8 to 10 sessions – that's 80 to 100 hours for permanent hair removal.

If we now add 4 more maintenance sessions that take about half the time of the initial treatment, we are talking about another 2 hours. Finally, if we add to this the time of planning the appointment & transportation to the beauty center 2 times a month (along with the follow up), it is estimated that approximately 1 hour per month is spent in this direction and therefore 12 per year.

This practically means how he spends 94 to 114 hours on laser hair removal in his lifetime!

Cost in Money

Average Cost of Shaving on a Budget vs with High-end Products

A pack of 10 razors costs about $10 and the average American changes a razor after about 7 uses. If we assume that the frequency of shaving is daily, this means that one razor per week is required. Not counting the cost of shaving cream, that's about $52 a year.

If we assume that an inexpensive shaving cream that costs about $5 is used and its use lasts for a month, then another $60 is required per year. So, in total, the cost is $112 per year!

This practically means how he spends $6.720 in razor hair removal during his life! In the event that he chooses a high-quality shaver with spare razor blades and a more specialized shaving cream, the cost climbs to $393 a year and thus to $23.580 during its lifetime!

Average Cost of Waxing

Waxing is one of the most expensive methods of hair removal. However, women tend to prefer it because the effect it offers lasts longer compared to shaving. In America, the average cost of waxing underarms is $20, legs $65 and bikini waxes $65. So we are talking about a total cost of $150 per month and therefore $1.800 per year!

That practically means he spends $108.000 on waxing in his lifetime! Now if we want to adjust this to the Greek data, the waxing session in these areas costs on average €55. By the same logic, the annual cost of waxing is 660€ and therefore 39.600 in our lifetime. You certainly don't call it negligible!

Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal

The average cost of a laser hair removal session is $235 – a price much higher than the Greek data. Given the fact that repeated sessions are required to achieve definitive elimination of hair growth, purchasing a laser hair removal package is usually the smartest and most cost-effective choice you can make. This is because by purchasing a package of 8 sessions for example, you can secure a lower price per session. In America, the average price of a laser package that includes 6 sessions for a medium-sized area, such as the bikini area, is $1.100.

So the average American spends on laser hair removal anywhere from $4.500 to $10.500 over their lifetime! The corresponding cost in the Greek market ranges from 1.500 to 2.500 euros for legs, armpits and bikini along with the maintenance sessions!

Myth 5: Laser hair removal is a simple procedure

Another important misconception surrounding laser hair removal is that it is a simple procedure that requires only one condition to be effective: the right machine! This misconception is expressed even by people who have had lasers done before. For example, we often hear: "I've tried diode hair removal in the past and it didn't work" or "Do you have an alexandrite laser?".

The machine certainly plays a primary role, but it is not enough to ensure an optimal and at the same time safe result. To achieve this, two other conditions are needed: the right protocol and the right operator.

At Medi Well we are well aware of this and have the most modern and reliable systems available Laser Alexandrite Candela GentleLase & Diode Laser 808nm! But beyond the equipment, our qualified staff follows a specific protocol. Thus, we achieve the best possible results without compromising on safety!⁠

• We adjust the parameters of the machine to the color, the diameter of the hair, the phototype of the patient and the treated area⁠
• We keep a record of the history and parameters we use in each session⁠
• We evaluate the result and ask for feedback from the patient after a completed session
• We schedule a free repeat session / follow-up session, approximately 12 to 14 days after each main treatment, to achieve the best possible result.

Why is the repeat session important?

Hairs that were in the anagen phase of the hair life cycle at the time of epilation will begin to fall out within 7-14 days from the day of treatment. Therefore, the repeat session that we schedule no later than 14 days after the main session, gives us the opportunity to retarget hairs that may have been missed in the initial scan of the treated area or neophyte hairs that were in another phase of growth.

In this way, we succeed

• better results
• in less time and
• no extra charge as repeat sessions are completely free!

What is the life cycle of hair and how does it affect the result of laser hair removal?

Ideally, a single laser hair removal session would be enough to get permanent results. According to the life cycle of the hair, however, not all hairs are in the same phase of growth at the time of epilation – which affects the result. 

Each hair goes through three successive phases: 

• Anagen Phase: This is the active growth phase of the hair follicle, during which the hair is attached to the follicle and contains abundant melanin. This is the stage when the laser works effectively, as it can reach the hair follicle and destroy it. If the root and pocket are not connected, then the energy cannot reach its target.

• Congenital Phase: It is the stage where the hair shrinks and begins to rise towards the surface of the skin. Having disconnected from the follicle, the hair is dead so the laser energy is not enough to reach the follicle and fight it.

• Telogen Phase: Or otherwise a period of rest of the follicle. At this stage there is little or no melanin in the follicle and therefore laser treatments will have little or no effect. Here, the formation of the next hair begins and the new hair pushes the old hair until the latter finally falls out.

The problem is that in most areas such as armpits, bikini and legs, only 20 to 30% of all hair growth is in the anagen phase at any given time.

In practice, this means that one laser session, under ideal conditions, will remove up to 30% of hair. The rest will fall off, but will grow back after 4-8 weeks depending on the area of ​​application. For that reason repeated sessions are required to completely eliminate hair growth.

Summarizing…

Laser hair removal is the only scientifically recommended solution for permanent removal of unwanted hair. It's for everyone, works on every hair type and skin phototype and is by far the most cost-effective long-term solution. However, it is not such a simple process – an individualized treatment protocol and correct treatment parameter setting are required for the application to be performed in a completely controlled and safe manner.

Are you interested; Book a free diagnostic appointment with our specialized staff and you will soon understand why we are the first choice for laser hair removal in Kalamata.