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Home > Laser Hair Removal > For Each Body Part
Laser Hair Removal
for Teens
By: Candice Pardue
When a child reaches adolescence, many changes take place in their body. Hair growth is one of the most noticeable of these changes, and can often be annoying for some teenagers. Teens have a tendency to be overly sensitive about their hair growth, especially when it appears in a less desirable area of the body such as the face or arms. Girls are usually more sensitive about this than boys. What can they do about it? Laser hair removal might be an option.
How Laser Hair Removal Works for Teenagers
A teenager with unwanted hair might not want to
shave just yet, or use wax and other methods because
these methods can encourage more rapid hair growth
in a teen whose body is not fully mature. Laser hair
removal is an option to consider, but should be
decided by both the parent and the teen. All laser
hair removal clinics require a parent or legal
guardian's consent to perform the procedure on a
child under 18 years of age.
Laser hair removal works the same for teens as it
does for adults. In the latest technology, a laser
light called intense pulsed light (IPL) is used to
destroy hair follicles where the unwanted hair
appears. The procedure is safe for teens, but they
should be aware of how the procedure works
beforehand. Knowing what to expect will make the
visit more pleasant.
Possible Side Effects for Teenagers
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The side effects of laser hair removal have been
lessened tremendously with the latest IPL
technology. However, teens should be aware of the
possibility of side effects. A reddening of the area
treated can occur for several days after a laser
procedure so the patient will want to plan the days
after carefully. Having the procedure during a
school holiday week or the summer months might be a
good idea. Also, the hair will not disappear
immediately. It will usually thicken first, then
fall away within a week or two, so expectations of
the actual visit should not be set too high.
Swelling in the treated area can also occur for
several hours after treatment.
Teens should also understand that several visits
might be required to remove all the unwanted hair.
Four visits are the average, but it might take less
depending on the amount of hair that needs to be
removed, and the color of the patient's hair and
skin.
Drawbacks of Laser Hair Removal for Teenagers
Laser hair removal might not be the best option for
some teens. One reason is the cost. Laser hair
removal can be expensive for teens because it is not
permanent. A teen's hair growth process is usually
not mature, so more treatments might be required
soon to keep the unwanted hair away. After a
treatment or session, hair will usually stay gone
for around six months. After this period, hair
begins to grow again. A teen's hair growth is
sometimes more rapid than an adult's, so the laser
hair removal procedure might have to be repeated.
Another reason is laser hair removal doesn't always
work with every type of hair or skin. The affects
are usually best with the combined light skin and
dark hair. Blond, white and gray hairs lack pigment,
so the treatment is not effective or success rates
can be very limited. The teen and parent(s) should
consult with a laser hair removal specialist to
decide if treatment is best.
Tanning and Laser Hair Removal
Another thing to consider for teens is whether or
not they tan their body frequently, either in the
sunlight or a tanning facility. A tanned body does
not react to laser hair removal positively in many
cases. The reason? Tanned skin can prevent some of
the laser energy from reaching the hair follicles
because the darker the skin, the more light energy
it absorbs. When the skin absorbs much of the light,
the hair follicles are deprived of the light, and
the skin might also be burned during the procedure,
causing discomfort. Before the procedure, teens
should avoid tanning for as long as possible by
wearing strong sunscreen while outdoors.
Fortunately, there are new methods coming on the
scene to help those with tanned or dark skin as
well. As technology and techniques improve, so are
more positive results for people of all skin and
hair types. One example is super long-pulse
technology, which spreads out the light energy over
a longer period of time instead of using intense,
fast treatments. The skin is not affected, and more
hair follicles can be reached successfully. There
are many types of lasers and treatment methods on
the market, so the right type of specialist and
equipment should be sought out before considering
treatment.
Teens can benefit from laser hair removal if they
are prepared for the procedure and possible side
effects. A successful procedure can help build
confidence and provide a safe, simple way to get rid
of unwanted hair.
4 Common Factors Will Affect Your Laser Hair Removal
Results
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