Laser Hair Reduction

What is Laser Hair Reduction (LHR)?

Laser hair reduction uses a highly focused beam of light that targets the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles. The heat generated by the laser damages the follicle, inhibiting future hair growth.

With each session of laser, there is 10-15 % reduction in the hair growth. This is because it works best on anagen hair (hair that is in the growth phase of the hair cycle) as this hair is the thickest and the darkest.

Over multiple sessions, hair growth reduces, and the remaining hair becomes finer and lighter.

How is laser hair reduction (LHR) done?

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment

Before the procedure, the dermatologist evaluates your skin type, hair color, and medical history to look for any underlying hormonal abnormalities. These are the factors deciding on the number of treatment sessions required to achieve desirable results.

2. Pre-Treatment Preparation

The treatment area is shaved 24 hours before or on the day of the session.
Avoid waxing, plucking, or bleaching hair for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

3. The Procedure

Protective eyewear is provided to shield your eyes from the laser light.
A cooling gel or numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort.
The laser device is adjusted according to your skin and hair type.
The laser emits pulses of light, targeting the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
You may feel a mild stinging or warmth.

4. Post-Treatment Care

Redness or swelling may occur but usually subsides within a few hours.
Post procedure soothing creams are given to calm the skin.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to prevent skin damage.
Refrain from hot showers, saunas, or harsh skincare products for 24-48 hours.

Who can undergo Laser Hair Reduction?

Both males, females and adolescents can undergo LHR. Common sites treated are the underarms, hands, legs, private parts and face.
Those who suffer from strawberry hands and legs (keratosis pilaris), allergy to products used in parlors and ingrown hairs on regrowth of hair.
Women with male pattern hair growth due to conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism etc,.
Full body laser hair reduction is also done.
People who experience recurrent heat boils (folliculitis) on the body or underarms may have a decreased incidence with hair reduction in these areas.
For men who get boils in the neck region due to shaving or the back of the head from short haircuts.
Beard shaping
There is no consensus on an age limit for Laser hair removal in adolescents. After taking all factors into consideration, recommendations are that Laser hair removal may be performed above 15 years of age.

How safe is laser for hair reduction?

Laser hair reduction is generally a very safe procedure as the laser targets only the pigment and does not affect other tissues.

Some can experience mild side effects may include redness, swelling, and slight discomfort, which typically subside within a few hours to days.

Rare complications, such as hyperpigmentation may occur if post-treatment care is not followed correctly.

How effective is Laser Hair reduction?

The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the technology and the quality of the machine used. At @Reflect Skin & Hair Clinic, we use the most advanced Gentle Yag laser which uses the long pulse Nd Yag 1064nm wavelength technology. It is the most suited laser for Indian skin currently available with least complications.

The procedure is very comfortable for the patient with excellent results.

For best results 6-8 sittings are essential with one to two months intervals which will vary with the individual’s requirements and area treated. There will be 10-15% hair reduction with each treatment. So by the end of 6-8 sitting there will be 80-90% hair reduction.