Laser Hair Removal Vs. Traditional Methods: Which Is Best For You?

Laser Hair Removal Vs. Traditional Methods: Which Is Best For You

For mankind, extra or unwanted natural hair growth on the face and some body sites is a source of embarrassment and frustration. It makes one more conscious and limits one’s wardrobe choices because of a hairy appearance. Luckily, there are many ways available to achieve silky-smooth, hair-free skin in today’s time. These include the traditional ones like shaving, waxing, plucking, and depilating and the long-lasting one- Laser Hair Removal in Bangalore.

At present, nearly everyone concerned about their facial and body aesthetics opts for laser hair removal. When comparison is made with traditional hair removal methods, laser hair removal is usually preferred. But, why so? To find out, read this post on laser hair removal Vs traditional methods to understand which is the best. Here, laser hair removal is discussed and contrasting features of laser hair removal and traditional hair removal are noted down, to help you make the best-informed decision. The insights of this post are shared by Dr. Rasya Dixit, a leading dermatologist who practises at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a gold-standard hair removal approach to permanently remove or reduce unwanted hair on the face or body. It is executed by a certified dermatologist or cosmetologist.

This cosmetic procedure involves the delivery of energy of a concentrated beam of light of a specific wavelength from a medical-grade laser device to the targeted hair. The laser light energy gets converted to thermal energy which vaporizes the targeted hair, resulting in a tiny cloud of smoke with a sulfur-like odor. The hair gets vaporized when the heat generated from a laser is selectively absorbed by melanin, the natural pigment of the hair, and causes damage to the hair root or papilla. Gradually, over multiple treatments, unwanted targeted hair count gets reduced and there is no new hair growth. The thermally damaged hair follicles get naturally dissolved and expelled by the body.

There are different laser devices available for Laser Hair Reduction in Bangalore at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, each working at different wavelengths, energy outputs, and pulse durations. They work only on the targeted hair follicles belonging to the anagen (growth phase) of the hair growth cycle. As all the targeted hair follicles at a particular instance, can’t be actively growing hair, multiple treatment sessions are needed based on an individual skin and hair type. Thus, laser hair removal is found to be completely effective when done two to six times in intervals of four to six weeks.

For permanent hair removal, it is recommended to go for touch-up sessions recommended by dermatologists.

What is traditional hair removal?

Traditional hair removal methods have been in use for centuries even before lasers came up. They provide short-term results and need repetition.

Here are the common traditional hair removal methods:

1. Shaving

It involves the use of a razor blade to remove hair from the skin's surface, which grows back in a few days. Razors are available in a variety of types, ranging from low-cost disposable razors used on wet skin to higher-priced electric razors used on dry skin. But its major downside is that it leads to razor burns, irritated skin, and ingrown hair.

2. Waxing

This method involves the use of a sticky, wax strip to uproot unwanted hair in minutes. The procedure goes as follows: Using an applicator, hot wax is applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth. Then, on top, a strip of muslin is stroked down in the same direction as the hair growth. At last, the muslin strip is pulled away from the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

Waxing leaves the skin smooth and clean on the surface for many weeks. On the contrary, the follicle stays intact in the skin's dermis layer and the procedure is painful.

3. Plucking or pulling

Pulling hair out of its follicle is a simple and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. It is great for single, stray hair that is long enough. There are several ways to pull or pluck single hair strands. Physically removing the hair causes it to grow back more slowly because it must first reach the skin's surface before being visible. Furthermore, repeatedly plucking hair from the follicle might cause enough damage to prevent hair growth. However, pulling a strand of hair may be difficult and is also time-consuming.

4. Depilatory creams

Depilatory creams contain thioglycolate, a chemical that, when combined with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, practically melts hair away. Thioglycolate breaks the chemical linkages (disulfide bonds) that hold skin and hair cells together.

The procedure goes as follows: Apply depilatory cream to the unwanted hair and let it sit for three to fifteen minutes. The chemical dissolves the hair, resulting in a gel-like material that can be wiped or rinsed away after a set amount of time.

Depilatory creams are a highly effective method of reducing unwanted body hair at home. They can be used to cover large areas of hair. Depilatory creams, which are widely used to get rid of pubic hair, are also useful for thick, coarse hair. They are longer-lasting than shaving. However, their ingredients might irritate sensitive skin.

Laser hair removal Vs. traditional hair removal methods: which one is best for you?

Laser hair removal treatment is beneficial in a variety of ways. Here are the major perks of laser hair removal, which make it stand out among the rest.

1. Very Convenient, Painless Procedure

The procedure is fast and works best for getting rid of a significant amount of unwanted hair from an extensive area of the body. Depending on the body area being treated, hair removal might take anywhere from 10 minutes to half an hour. In addition, several patients have reported that the procedure is not painful, it is often associated with a gentle pinching/ tingling feeling or like a rubber band snapped against the skin. It is the easiest and most comfortable way to remove hair for anyone with a busy routine, from any area of the body without hassles.

2. Precise Treatment

Ingrown hairs are the most aggravating and unpleasant of all the targeted unwanted hair, and the optimum time to remove them is while they are in the anagen stage. Laser hair removal precisely targets hair follicles, heats them, and stops them from growing any further. There is no harm caused to the skin surface during the procedure.

3. Long-Lasting Results

Laser hair removal works to get rid of the unwanted hair that shows up on the skin surface while thermally damaging their roots, thereby inhibiting further hair growth. Thus, the results achieved last for the long term.

4. Simple and Easy Procedure

If an individual wants to save time, laser hair removal is the best way to go. The sessions are brief and simple. Even though the laser light is used over a vast portion of the patient’s body, the targeted hair is only exposed to the laser for a few minutes at a time.

5. Cost-Effective

Although the upfront cost of laser hair removal is higher than traditional methods, there is a low maintenance cost associated with the laser. Therefore, it can help save one’s money over the long run.

At Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, Laser Hair Removal Cost in Bangalore is provided at a very competitive price and they also use state-of-the-art lasers for best results. At the clinic the cost of lasers ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 50,000. This is just an estimated cost, get more details by consulting Dr. Rasya Dixit on laser treatment for hair removal cost, side effects or benefits!

Also Read: 8 Ways Laser Hair Removal Can Boost Your Confidence

Key takeaways

Laser hair removal is a painless, most effective, safe, long-lasting hair removal option that can work on all skin types in any area of the body with unwanted hair. It saves time and does not involve hassles. On the flip side, traditional hair removals cannot damage the hair follicles and inhibit unwanted hair growth. They can be painful, time-consuming, temporary hair removal options that are costly in the long run, and increase the risk of acquiring several skin issues, including burning, redness, sensitivity, and others.

So, make no more delays and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rasya Dixit for more details!