Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Your Face: Debunking Myths

All the questions you had about laser facial hair removal treatment but didn’t know who to ask

 Before we begin, it is perfectly normal to have body hair and if you’d rather prefer to flaunt it rather than remove it, we wholeheartedly endorse it. If, however, you’d rather just live without the facial fuzz, we get that too. And we’re here to help. Laser facial hair removal treatments are a great way to get rid of facial hair and that dreaded monthly visit to your neighbourhood parlour.

While you may have waxed or shaved facial hair in the past, it is likely that you’re wondering whether subjecting your face to laser treatment is a good idea. Know that you aren’t alone.

Is it safe to remove facial hair with laser?

Laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure when performed by trained professionals. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal minimizes the risk of cuts and bruises, ingrown hair, and skin irritation.

 This is possible because a laser beam zaps the hair follicle without harming the skin surrounding it. To be sure, you are bound to feel some amount of discomfort since, really, the hair bulb heats up before it is burnt.

Typically, this wouldn’t be very different from the discomfort you feel when you’ve been outdoors for a long time during a hot summer day. And certainly, nothing that can’t be soothed with a cooling aloe vera gel.

Does laser facial hair removal treatment have any side effects?

Laser hair removal is a generally safe process. But just as you would be justifiably apprehensive of taking a razor to your face, you’d obviously also want to understand better any side effects laser facial hair removal treatment would have.

• Swelling and redness: Rare side effects of laser facial hair removal include swelling and redness in the treated area. These tend to be mild and temporary and should subside in as little as a few hours and at most a couple of days.
• Increased skin sensitivity: Laser facial hair removal treatment can make your skin more sensitive than usual. You would do well by avoiding exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods. During this time, a sunscreen with good SPF should also do the trick.
• Temporary pigment changes: Indian skin tones can, occasionally, experience temporary pigment changes. So, the skin on the treated area can get lighter or darker but this risk can be minimised by the aesthetician by using appropriate treatment settings. A short call with our certified doctor here can help you understand the side effects better.
• Scarring or blistering: In extremely rare instances, facial laser hair removal could lead to scarring or blistering. But this tends to happen only when the procedure is performed by untrained practitioners, using uncertified equipment.

What to do and what not to do before laser facial hair removal

Since your skin will become sensitive due to laser exposure, it is prudent to stay away from direct sunlight at least three days before (and as many days after) your appointment. This will reduce any risk of skin irritation.

While it is ok, even recommended, that you shave before you go in for your laser hair removal appointment, you must avoid waxing, threading, or tweezing for at least four weeks before the treatment.

Similarly, don’t use any makeup, or lotions on your face on the day of your laser facial hair removal appointment as skincare products can increase the chances of adverse reactions from the laser treatment.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. And also avoid any physical activity that increases body temperature for at least two hours before the treatment.

It is also important to be regular with your appointments. To see lasting effects, you are likely going to require at least three to six sessions. While you are bound to see effects after the first session itself, you’d do better than to postpone your following sessions. Imagine going to the gym for a day and not going back at all. Would you see results? The same applies to laser hair removal too.

Ensuring you keep those appointments will go a long way in getting the best results. Similarly, follow-up appointments for maintenance – every six months to a year – will also ensure you are fuzz-free for longer.

Can I remove hair from my face permanently with laser facial hair removal treatment?

Laser hair removal doesn’t always give you 100 per cent hair-free skin. How much your hair grows (or doesn’t) depends on a multitude of factors, including hormonal changes.

The face tends to be hormone heavy and is therefore prone to more hair growth.

While you can experience up to 90 per cent hair growth reduction after your laser facial hair removal sessions, you would likely require the occasional follow-up session. These maintenance sessions can offer you long-lasting results and manage hair regrowth effectively.

 How do I start with laser facial hair removal?

If you’re apprehensive of starting out with laser treatment for facial hair, you could try out just the chin area. This trial session will last no more than 15 minutes and cost ₹1,299. 

Once you’re satisfied, you can then graduate to the upper lip, upper neck, chin, and side lock.

Depending on how thick your hair growth is, you will be recommended, one, three, or six sessions. 

Booking a package for the recommended number of sessions is great because you are free from the hassle of remembering to book the next one and can save as much as Rs 12,000 on a full-body package.

Facial hair removal with laser is an effective and safe option for people looking to eliminate unwanted facial hair. However, it is important to consult with a qualified professional, follow post-treatment care instructions, and discuss any concerns or medical conditions before undergoing the procedure.

You can book an appointment with our certified doctor here.