Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

Laser hair removal has taken the beauty and aesthetic industry by storm. And quickly become the most popular way of reducing unwanted facial and body hair permanently. While the treatment is generally safe and effective, not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal. There are certain factors that may make the treatment unsuitable or increase the risk of side effects. So let’s see who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal

Laser works by emitting a concentrated beam of light. This light is attracted by the pigment in your hair where it destroys the follicles and enables future hair growth. The main criteria for the treatment to be effective is for the patient to have pigment in their hair.

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Pregnant women –Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid laser hair removal, as the effects of the treatment on the baby are unknown. And without any studies to prove otherwise it’s better not to take any risks.

Medications –Certain medications, such as antibiotics ( especially the Cycline group), and acne medications ( Roaccutane), can make the skin more sensitive to light and increase the risk of side effects. It’s important to inform your practitioner of any medications you’re taking. Or if there are changes to your medical routine throughout your course.

Medical conditions –Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can affect the skin’s healing process and increase the risk of complications. With Type 1 Diabetes and Lupus the treatment is a definite no.

Patient with history of keloid scarring –Unfortunately if you have a history of developing keloids laser hair removal will be an absolute no, as the treatment in rare cases may cause scarring.

Recent sun exposure or tanning –Laser hair removal should not be performed on skin that is sunburned or recently tanned. This is due to the increased risk of pigmentation, burns and scarring. You must wait least 4-6 weeks before you can have a new patch test. And only after that you can resume treatment safely again.

Certain hair colours –Laser hair removal works best on dark hair, as the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicles. Light-colored hair, such as blonde, gray, or red are not responsive to laser hair removal.

In conclusion, laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment for many people, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

If you are unsure or would like to learn more about hair removal, please contact my team to arrange your free consultation with one of our Laser Expert. They will be able to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for laser hair removal and to discuss any factors that may increase the risk of side effects or complications.

How to book your consultation and what happens during your first visit?

As the first step of your skin journey at Skin Perfection, you’ll be invited to attend a no obligations consultation.This will give you the opportunity to get a good understanding of your skin.

During your first meeting you’ll receive all the information and knowledge you’ll need to keep your skin healthy. Finally to manage your skin concerns your practitioner will recommend you a personalised treatment plan.

Click here to book an appointment through our online diary.

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

FAQs

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection? ›

Laser works best on individuals with dark hair and light skin. The laser targets melanin (pigment) in the hair. Light-coloured hair (blonde, grey, or red) doesn't absorb the laser as effectively, making the treatment potentially less effective. Recent tanning.

Who should avoid laser hair removal? ›

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

What makes you a bad candidate for laser hair removal? ›

People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

Is laser hair removal suitable for everyone? ›

Laser hair removal is safe, but it can occasionally cause side effects, such as pain and discomfort, and red skin that may last for some time. It may also not be suitable for everyone, including pregnant women and people with certain skin types. There's no evidence to suggest that laser hair removal causes skin cancer.

What client would be the best candidate for laser hair removal? ›

Characteristics of a Good Candidate

Laser hair removal works best on individuals with a significant contrast between their hair color and skin tone. This means that those with light skin and dark hair often see the most pronounced results.

Who should not receive laser therapy? ›

Contraindications. Cold laser therapy should not be used over any suspicious cancerous lesions, or carcinoma, over the thyroid, on pregnant patients, and there should not be direct irradiation of the eyes, as the laser can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

What can go wrong with laser hair removal? ›

What are the risks of laser hair removal?
  • Mild swelling around the hair follicles.
  • Pigment changes may occur, especially in those with darker skin – these changes are usually temporary.
  • Slight redness of the skin.
  • Temporary irritation resulting in blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture.

Who is not suitable for laser? ›

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.

Who is not a candidate for laser? ›

A patient may not be a good candidate for LASIK if they have thin corneas, an irregular shaped cornea, corneal scarring, or other unusual findings. In those cases, your eye doctor may recommend photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery.

Does anyone regret laser hair removal? ›

But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

How to permanently remove pubic hair? ›

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method which uses a special machine to stop hair growth with chemical or heat energy; then, the hair follicles are removed with tiny electric tweezers.

Do you have to shave every time you do laser hair removal? ›

Because it will require multiple appointments to completely eradicate unwanted hair, and to give you an idea of the time between laser hair removal sessions we suggest 4-8 weeks. it is also recommended to shave 24 hours before each of your appointments, not just the first one.

How do you know if you're a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›

Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?
  • Adult patients with unwanted hair. ...
  • Patients with darker hair to be removed. ...
  • Patients with lighter skin. ...
  • Individuals who have not recently tanned or burned. ...
  • Women who are not pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Oct 15, 2021

Who is the ideal patient for laser therapy? ›

You may be an ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Scars from acne or chickenpox. Uneven skin pigmentation. Skin scars or birthmarks.

Do most celebrities get laser hair removal? ›

For people who want to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal is an extremely popular procedure, with millions of satisfied customers who swear by it. And yes, many of these customers are celebrities.

In what cases does laser hair removal not work? ›

When laser hair removal doesn't work properly
  • The laser you're treated with may not be the safest and most effective option for your skin type. ...
  • Your treatments aren't regular enough. ...
  • Your hair may have blonde, red or grey pigment. ...
  • You may be suffering from underlaying medical conditions.

What medications affect laser hair removal? ›

Antibiotics and Accutane, for instance, can increase skin's sensitivity to light and risk of skin injury after laser hair removal. Moreover, retin-A can increase the likelihood of skin damage and make the skin more light-sensitive.

Will I regret laser hair removal? ›

Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

Does laser hair removal have long-term side effects? ›

There do not appear to be any long-term health risks associated with the procedure. However, some people may experience minor side effects after laser hair removal. People should ask their dermatologist to test how a small patch of skin reacts to the treatment before having it done on a larger area of skin.

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