We all get a little peach fuzz here and there on our bodies, and our face is certainly not an exception. It’s common to see fine hairs appear on the face in areas like the upper lip, forehead, chin, and even the cheeks. Women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances, or hirsutism often have a more noticeable pattern of facial hair growth which can eventually root to a lot of mental stress and self-confidence. And you would assume that facial hair is only a big concern to women, but men with excessive hair growth especially noticeable on the forehead, near eyebrows, and cheeks are too often insecure about it.
In the last decade, laser hair has risen to be one of the most popular choices for hair removal considering how it provides a long-lasting hair removal solution. And it is only natural to wonder if laser hair removal can used for the face. This article will cover the most frequently asked questions about face laser hair removal.
1. Can you get laser hair removal on your face?
The skin of your face is relatively a lot different than the skin on the rest of your body. The facial skin is usually more delicate and sensitive. But yes, you can most definitely get a laser hair removal procedure done on your face as long as your skin type and hair colour pass the criteria for the procedure. The rule of thumb for this is that you must have light-toned skin and darker colour hair. Now, this does not mean that this is only applicable to a certain type of individual. The skin tone and hair colour criteria for laser hair removal is usually met by a range of people belonging to many ethnicities and races.
2. How does face laser hair removal work?
Facial laser hair removal works exactly the same way as the laser hair removal procedure would work on any other part of your body, which is by emitting a concentrated laser beam directed only towards the hair follicle and destroying it. This eventually stops and slows down the hair growth. Hair removal with laser is usually conducted within sessions, typically when the hair is in its growth phase so the treatment can be as effective as possible.
3. How many sessions of laser hair removal for face?
A simple answer to this would be anywhere between 4-8 weeks. Some may rarely need 10 sessions. This also usually depends on certain factors such as an individual's hair type, hair colour, skin colour, skin type and even if they have any hormonal imbalances. These sessions are usually spaced out over a period of 6 weeks as laser hair is most effective during the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.
4. How long does laser hair removal last on face?
It is a common question about laser hair, that is laser hair removal permanent on face? It is most definitely a long-lasting solution, which can be worth your time and money, but certainly cannot be considered a permanent hair removal method. Laser hair treatments tend to last from many months to many years. Committing to laser hair removal ultimately means committing to lifelong touch-ups here and there, which can sometimes turn out to be a little costlier than expected.
Investing in a good IPL device, such as Ulike Air 10 can help you actively avoid this concern as you can perform the laser treatment at home at your convenience and even when you do need touchups, you can quickly go through them where unlike in laser hair removal you would have to take time out and take an appointment with your practitioner.
5. Is laser hair removal painful on face?
Laser hair removal on the face is generally not painful and only gives a slightly uncomfortable feeling. But, it is seldom ever unbearably painful, which is such case with many individuals who get relatively painful treatments for hair removal such as electrolysis, threading and waxing. You might feel pain in areas of your face that are relatively more sensitive such as upper lips.
6. Are there any side effects of laser hair removal on face?
Laser hair removal may be a great hair removal option, but individuals with sensitive skin might notice certain side effects such as redness, discolouration, mild discomfort, and small blisters. Usually, these laser hair removal face side effects fade away with time as your skin heals, but it is always important to keep in mind to get your laser hair treatments done with a qualified aesthetician or practitioner and make sure to take proper care for laser hair removal face before and after the treatment.
7. How much is laser hair removal for face?
Different practitioners have different price ranges for laser hair removal face cost. The pricing is also different attributing to certain reasons such as the number of sessions, treatment area, and even the location of the laser hair removal clinics. But if you are looking to find an idea of what the estimate for laser hair removal on the face can be in the UK; the average for a single treatment is around £50-70, and treatment for 8 sessions to be £400-600.
8. What to do before laser hair removal on face?
Avoid tanning treatments and harsh sun exposure as you skin may risk becoming sensitive after the treatment. Avoid any kind of hair removal methods including waxing, threading, and plucking at least 4 weeks before the treatment. The practicitoner tends to shave the area themselves before the treatment so you need not do it as well unless asked to do so. Also, be sure to avoid certain active skincare products such as retinol or exfoliants. Medications such as Asprin or anti-inflammatory medicines are also highly dicoouraged. It is always best that you share you skin-care routine, medications, and skin concerns with your practitioner beforehand so they can guide you the best regarding it.
9. Can I wash my face after laser hair removal?
Yes, you can wash your face after laser hair removal but be sure that the face wash you use does not have any active ingredients. A gentle cleanser will likely do the job of cleansing your face and follow it up with a fragrance-free, gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
10. Do you have to shave your face before laser hair removal?
Your practitioner will best guide you on whether you should shave your face or not before the treatment. Traditionally, the practitioners ask you to have a full growth of hair and the practitioners themselves shave the area that needs laser hair removal treatment.
11. Is laser hair removal painful on face?
People who have had laser hair removal done on their face often remark that it feels like a rubber band snaps across the skin. This can be a little painful but still remain within the tolerable pain radar. Some laser or IPL devices such as Ulike Air 10 are equipped with cooling features. What this does, is give a cooling effect on the skin right after the laser targets the hair follicle. Many people because of this feature often report feeling minimal pain after it.
Conclusion
Dealing with facial hair, especially as a woman is not easy. It impacts your mental health and self-esteem in ways that is not even imaginable. It is important that you work on loving yourself no matter what because it can deeply impact on how others view you too. Now face laser hair removal can help you only to some extent to help you with facial hair and sometimes can play a major role in healing and reviving your self-confidence. And if you feel like laser hair removal is something you cannot commit to due to some reasons you can always consider IPL devices like Ulike, which are much handier and convenient to work with and function relatively similar.