Laser hair reduction, commonly known as laser hair removal in Nigeria, is a reliable solution for reducing unwanted hair, treating ingrown hairs and shave bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). However, many people with darker skin tones have been hesitant to try it out. The good news is that laser technology has made significant strides towards inclusivity.
First of all, let me start by saying Happy new year! and apologizing for disappearing from this blog. I’ve been promising to blog more or rather return to blogging for the past few years but Adulthood keeps Adulting. My life as Doctor Onyinye has taken over or almost overshadowed my life as Modavracha. I figured it might be best to return and be more consistent as Dr Onyinye, the Aesthetic doctor (my current reality). Also, there is a lot of work still to be done in the world of Aesthetic medicine in Nigeria.
What is Aesthetic Medicine and What do Aesthetic doctors do?
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What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Laser hair removal is a procedure in which the dark pigment in our hair is selectively targeted with a laser device, the pigment absorbs the laser energy down to the hair root, converts the laser energy to heat with the heat destroying the root of the hair without affecting surrounding skin.
Is Laser Hair Removal in Nigeria Safe?
In Nigeria, where skincare and aesthetic procedures are expanding, understanding the nuances of laser hair removal is crucial for those seeking effective hair removal methods.
In the past, people with darker skin tones avoided laser hair removal due to the high risk of side effects that were often mentioned in textbooks and articles. The lasers available at that time were not suitable for darker skin.
However, with advancements in technology, such as Nd:YAG and diode lasers, laser hair removal is now safer and more efficient for individuals with darker skin tones. These lasers use longer wavelengths to specifically target hair follicles while minimizing damage to the surrounding melanin-rich skin.
IPL Is Not Laser!
I have gotten hundreds of clients who presented with complaint of quick regrowth of hairs despite having several sessions of ‘laser treatments’ elsewhere. On further investigation, it turned out they were having IPL sessions not laser sessions. IPL (Intense pulse light) just as the name implies – is really just a more intense version of the normal light you see in your electric bulbs. This gives off light that is weaker, more dispersed and less targeted. Laser on the other hand, work by emitting a single wavelength of light that is specifically focused on the targeted area, offering better penetration while sparing surrounding structures.
After 5 years of actively using lasers and thousands of clients later, I can assure you with my full chest that lasers work better for hair removal on darker skin than IPL.
It’s important to consult experienced practitioners who are familiar with using lasers on darker skin tones. They can tailor the laser settings to match the unique characteristics of darker skin, ensuring optimal results with minimal risk.
Before and after the laser procedure, sun protection is crucial. Sun exposure increases the chances of side effects, so it is advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Some questions I commonly get asked at the clinic by new clients are:
Is laser hair removal procedure painful?
No, the procedure is not considered painful however people’s pain and discomfort thresholds differ. I typically use a cooling device which goes down to -30degrees Celsius to keep discomfort to the barest minimum. However, in cases where it’s not enough for the client, they can opt for add-on numbing cream.
How many sessions of laser hair removal are needed?
The number of sessions required varies depending on factors such as hair color, thickness, targeted area, and hormonal disorders. However, industry standard is minimum of 6-8 sessions. Some people may notice significant hair reduction after a few sessions, while others may require additional treatments.
While complete hair removal may not always be possible with laser hair removal, substantial hair reduction and a noticeable decrease in thickness can be achieved. It’s important to have realistic expectations and follow the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results.
Are there side effects?
Yes, everything in life comes with a side effect. Burns, redness, blisters, skin discoloration can occur. However, the incidence of side effects is significantly lowered by the expertise and experience of the laser operator.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective option for individuals with darker skin tones, provided they choose experienced practitioners and follow pre- and post-treatment care guidelines.
Can laser hair removal procedure cause cancer?
Lasers used in aesthetic procedures cannot cause cancer as they use non ionizing radiation which do not affect DNA and cannot cause changes in cells of the body.
They use different ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (same as in Televisions, microwaves) to those found in sunlight (UVA/ UVB) or ionising radiation (nuclear radiation, x-rays), which are both known to damage cells and can cause cancer.
If you have any questions, more questions about laser hair removal or other aesthetic procedures you will like me to talk about, please let me know in the comments!