Waxing and shaving are the time-honored means of removing unwanted body hair. However there is now available the alternative of laser hair removal that can eliminate stubble or reduce it for longer periods than waxing can achieve.

Laser hair removal is considered a long-term procedure, that can take even years to be fully effective. This treatment is only possible on follicles that are growing, and thus may require at least six sessions for results to be noticed. As sessions can only take place at intervals of two to three months, the entire procedure can take a fairly long time.

Certain precautions are necessary before you can go in for laser hair removal. It is best if you avoid getting tanned or sunburned. This may require you to use sunscreen whenever you go outside. It can also help if you stop the tweezing or waxing and go in only for shaving. Any sunscreen will have to be wiped clean before the laser session is started. A session can make your skin tender or red, and you may be required to put on some sort of lotion. You will also need to ensure that you are properly hydrated by taking in a lot of fluids (water is preferred) and avoid the sun, to help the healing process.

Laser hair removal is best taken from salons that have experienced technicians. Such treatment first requires the area that has the unwanted hair to be treated with a product that dyes the hair. This penetrates the hair inside the follicle. An intense light that comes form a handheld device is then used to spray the light on the dye treated area. This dye attracts the light and causes a lot of heat to be generated. It is this heat that makes the follicle release the hair and fall out from the follicle. It also gets damaged and is thus not able to produce any additional hair.

The damage to the follicle is very subtle and just prevents it from producing any hair in the future. The number of sessions required to completely stop unwanted hair depends on the skin and constitution of each person. It also depends on the area of the body that is being treated, and legs can take a lot of time to be free of hair.

It is also possible nowadays to get home laser machines which you can use on your own. It is easily done at home to remove hair from areas that are easily accessible by yourself. You need to keep a gap of at least six weeks between sessions.