As with many other cosmetic treatments, being a good candidate for the procedure is essential. Good candidacy will ensure a pleasant experience and satisfactory results with little to no side effects. Not being a good candidate on the other hand, can lead to pain, discomfort and even marks or permanent scars. When it comes to laser hair treatments, whether one is a good candidate depends on many different factors that the practitioner must take into consideration.
Scheduling a laser consultation with a reputable clinic is by far the best way to find out if one is a good candidate for the procedure. And many laser practitioners will typically agree on a few different factors: while the laser method can definitely treat more people than ever, most experts will say that it should be done on individuals with light or fair skin and somewhat dark hair. While laser machines for darker skin tones are available, the combination of fair skin and dark hair is the most desirable because it allows the hair, and not the skin, to absorb the laser energy.
While laser hair removal can definitely be an efficient hair removal method, it is not magical solution that will rid all hair in a single treatment. Multiple treatments, as many as six to eight, are often needed to eliminate hair for the long run. So patience, along with realistic expectations, will also make someone a good candidate. Even after all sessions have been completed, the client might still need maintenance sessions at some point, as no one can guarantee that hair will never reappear. Permanent reduction means that hair can get reduced, but with no promise of permanent removal. So keeping expectations in check is important, but that being said, many who undergo laser hair removal find that they do not have to resort to other hair removal method as often, and this saves them both time and money.
Once good candidacy for laser hair removal has been established, the client is often encouraged to do a test patch, meaning that the practitioner will release a single pulse over a less important area over the body to see how the skin will react. If there is no reaction after a couple of days the client can go ahead and schedule a series of treatments. Given the constant advancement of the laser hair removal field, and its ability to treat more individuals than ever, it is almost easier to say who is not a good candidate. Those with blonde or white hair may not want to consider laser hair removal, as the technology simply does not work on them. If ever in doubt regarding candidacy for laser hair removal, consulting a professional within this field is always the best idea.