Shaving, waxing, and other hair removal methods can be tiring, painful, and time-consuming—and they can still be inefficient. What’s more, over your lifetime, you could easily and repeatedly spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on shaving products. With laser hair removal, you get all of the benefit with much less hassle and overall cost. Here’s how.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Prevent Hair Growth?

Performed by a licensed dermatologist, laser hair removal involves moving intense pulses of laser light across the treatment area, be it your legs, back, bikini area, or underarms. This light is absorbed by melanin—the pigment in hair that makes it dark—which heats the hair up to temperatures high enough to burn the hair follicle. The damage slows and hinders future hair production, and over the course of your treatment, the follicle eventually reduces in size and stops producing hair entirely.

Since the light targets melanin, you’ll get more effective results if you have dark hair with lighter skin. It also is most effective on hair that is actively growing because it contains more melanin.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

For lasting, effective, and possibly permanent results, you’ll need anywhere from 2-6 hair removal treatments for a variety of reasons. First, the hairs themselves don’t heat up enough to irreparably incinerate the hair follicle in one go, so they’re able to heal themselves and begin growing hair again. It takes several treatments to fully impair the follicle’s ability to grow hair, but even after one laser skin treatment, you’ll notice that what hair does grow back is less noticeable and returns more slowly. Also, because laser hair treatment is most effective on hair going through a growth cycle, which can happen at different times, there may be the odd hair or two that won’t be targeted by the light. The number of treatments you’ll need will also vary based on your skin and hair type.

If you’re looking for lasting, professional laser hair removal, you’ll find that and more at the advanced Del Campo Dermatology and Laser Institute in Miami Beach, FL. As a comprehensive dermatologist facility, they offer personalized medical and aesthetic dermatology care, from acne-controlling skin treatment options to dermal fillers to skin cancer treatments. They boast short wait times, a boutique-style office, and a professional team with an American Academy of Dermatology board-certified dermatologist. View their services online or call for an appointment at (305) 705-6675.