11 Myths about laser hair removal

Questions that our clients ask due to ignorance and fear of undergoing epilation have been gathered in this article, and we answer them. So, here is the whole truth about laser hair removal in myths and the reasons for their appearance.

Myth 1. Laser hair removal can cause cancer

The fear of getting melanoma is often based on the fact that UV rays, when excessively hitting the skin, increase the risk of this type of cancer. However, laser light has nothing to do with ultraviolet. Laser devices are approved by medical organizations. The laser beam with a short wavelength (up to 800 nm) affects only the pigment of the hair, destroying the hair follicle, without touching other tissues, including the skin.

Another cancer that our clients often fear is breast cancer. The explanation here is similar: the depth of the beam’s penetration is up to 4 mm, and it directly affects melanin (the pigment of the hair). The laser does not affect the lymph nodes, which can be numerous in the armpit area.

Only people with confirmed cancer and those in remission (up to 5 years) should avoid laser procedures. This is because laser hair removal increases microcirculation, which speeds up the division and growth of dangerous cells.

Myth 2. Laser hair removal can cause skin burns, scars, and pigmentation

Yes, such skin reactions are possible. But only in two cases:

1. if the epilation specialist’s recommendations are not followed;
2. the laser hair removal specialist incorrectly selected the protocol (matching the parameters of the laser device to the skin phototype and hair color).

Recommendations include post-procedure skin care, such as using SPF cream, avoiding active tanning, and not visiting a tanning salon. The period of these restrictions depends on the type of laser and ranges from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Regarding scarring – this effect is ruled out. It could only occur with an epilator using electrolytes. Such devices for hair removal are no longer used.

Myth 3. Laser hair removal should only be done after childbirth

The depth of penetration of the laser beam with a wavelength of up to 800 nm used in modern devices is up to 4 millimeters. Therefore, hair removal on the abdomen or in the area of deep bikini cannot affect the pelvic organs and reproductive function.

The contraindications for pregnant women are due to the fact that hormonal changes make the laser hair removal procedure less effective. Additionally, it is advisable for expectant mothers to avoid any, even minimal, psychological discomfort.

Myth 4. Laser hair removal is painful

Firstly, there are already laser devices that ensure absolutely painless hair removal procedures. This became possible with the new generation of alexandrite lasers patented in 2017 by the Italian company DEKA. The procedure is dynamic and occurs in motion. Furthermore, lasers use tips that cool them down. These tips prevent skin heating, which in previous generation devices caused painful sensations.

As for other laser devices – people’s sensitivity thresholds vary. For those who can tolerate waxing or sugaring, hair removal even with less advanced lasers can be quite bearable.

The need for anesthetic injections for the procedure and the possibility of allergic reactions is another misconception. The most painful procedures were with photoepilators. For their use, local anesthetics were indeed injected. Nowadays, these devices are practically not used.

Myth 5. Depilation is cheaper than epilation

Compare: sugaring, which lasts for about 3 weeks, costs approximately the same as one laser hair removal session. A course of laser treatments – 8-10 sessions, depending on the skin phototype and hair color. But the laser destroys the hair follicles completely, so the hair does not grow back. With sugaring, the hair may only become slightly thinner, some hairs are partially removed and ingrown. Additionally, procedures need to be performed regularly.

Now, about waxing. The cost of one procedure is much lower compared to laser hair removal, but the effect lasts only a couple of weeks. And you need to schedule another procedure again.

Regarding laser hair removal – after completing the full course (7-10 sessions), to enjoy smooth skin, you only need to schedule a maintenance session once a year. No more constant “trials and tribulations.”

Myth 6. You need to grow out hair properly before the procedure

Even a few days with grown-out hair before the epilation brings discomfort and insecurity to women. You choose jeans and T-shirts in the heat when you want to wear an open dress. After all, you have an upcoming epilation.

BUT! Not with the MOTUS AX alexandrite laser. The procedure in dynamics is performed only on shaved hair – 1 day before the epilation or on the same day. So, you can be confident and feel decisive – among close ones and at work.

Myth 7. Laser hair removal does not remove hair permanently

Moreover, on forums, there are claims that any hair removal methods lead to increased hair growth. It is important to explain the hair growth phases. There are three:

1. Anagen – active growth. Lasts from 2 to 7 years. It is during this stage that pigment is actively formed, and the destruction of the follicle by the laser’s effect on the pigment prevents further growth.
2. Catagen – transitional stage, lasts a few weeks. During this time, the hair papilla, which delivers nutrients to the hair bulb, atrophies. Pigment production stops.
3. Telogen – resting phase. The hair falls out, and activity processes stop. The resting period of hair is approximately 3-4 months.

Laser treatment on hair in the active growth stage, when melanin is at its maximum, is the most effective. However, even after a full course of laser hair removal, preventive sessions are needed to remove those hairs that were in the transitional or resting stage during the procedures. When the pigment that the laser affects was absent or present in small amounts in the follicle.

If you follow all recommendations, adhere to the specialist’s schedule, and attend maintenance sessions, which take only a few minutes – smooth skin is guaranteed.

Myth 8. Results can only be seen after completing the course of procedures

This is not true. Even after the first procedure, there are fewer hairs, and each time the hair becomes softer and thinner.

It is worth noting that the result of the procedure greatly depends on the skin phototype, hair color, and your age:

• For younger people, the number of procedures may be higher than for those over 40-50 years old;
• the darker and coarser the hair on light skin, the higher the settings can be set on the laser device, accordingly, the hair is destroyed faster;
• light hair requires a few more sessions.

After completing the full course, single weak hairs may appear, which can be removed with those few additional salon visits mentioned above.

Myth 9. Laser hair removal causes ingrown hairs

Hairs can grow into the skin for several reasons:

• you have a thick layer of epidermis;
• you rarely exfoliate;
• you do not adequately moisturize your skin;
• you use depilation methods that are not suitable for you;
• you shave, cutting off a thin layer of epidermis along with the hair.

With waxing, sugaring (sugar hair removal), some hairs are partially pulled out. But after the procedure, they are weakened and cannot “break through” the skin. They start to grow inward, often accompanied by inflammation.

Additionally, with the abrupt removal of hairs using these methods, a thin layer of skin is removed, sometimes causing micro-injuries. Similar damage occurs when you shave. In these healing areas, the skin becomes thicker, and the hair cannot grow through it.

With laser hair removal, the impact on the skin is minimal. The laser “works” only with the pigment in the follicle. Therefore, the skin remains intact.
Moreover, laser hair removal is one of the methods to combat ingrown hairs.

Myth 10. Laser hair removal is a women’s procedure

Men have long recognized the benefits of laser hair removal, as the procedure helps eliminate:

• constant irritation on the neck from shaving;
• ingrown hairs on the face;
• single hairs on the cheeks above the beard line;
• hair in the underarm area;
• excessive “vegetation” on the back, abdomen, chest, etc.

After the procedure, men find it easier to maintain daily body hygiene and feel more attractive. Negative sensations from shaving become a thing of the past.

Myth 11. Laser hair removal is forbidden in the summer

Restrictions related to avoiding sun exposure before and after the procedure for 2-3 weeks often lead to postponing hair removal to colder seasons. However, these conditions and precautions apply to laser systems from previous generations.

The MOTUS AX device that we use allows for completing the entire course regardless of the season. You are free to undergo laser hair removal all year round, just by following a few recommendations:

• avoid active sun exposure for 3 days before and after the procedure;
• do not apply alcohol-based products to the epilation area during these days;
• protect the skin with sunscreen for 3 days after the procedure;
• avoid depilation methods that damage the follicle during the course.

Perfectly smooth skin without hair, inflammation, and irritation is ensured by a course of laser hair removal with equipment from the Italian company DEKA.

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