Long-term hair removal

Long-term hair removal (known in Romanian as “epilare definitivă”) is a service in which hair growth is reduced over the long term, through energy that targets the hair follicle, the root of the hair. Affected follicles produce sparser, finer hairs or stop producing hair.

The name can create the wrong expectations: in practice, the result is a long-lasting reduction in hair growth, not certainty that hair will never grow again. At Detalii Med treatment uses a diode laser with four wavelengths (755, 808, 940 and 1064 nm), which allows it to be adapted to different skin and hair types. The settings are decided at the assessment, for each person. The service is available at Detalii Med in Baia Mare for both women and men.

Hair removal is intended for women and men who want a long-term reduction in unwanted hair and to give up shaving, waxing or other temporary methods. Treatment is carried out by area, for example:

• legs (lower or full);
• bikini area;
• underarms;
• arms;
• abdomen and lower back;
• back and chest;
• face and upper lip.

Results are usually better with dark hair. Very fair, white, grey or red hair generally responds less well. Suitability for each person is decided at the assessment.

Hair removal can visibly reduce the number of hairs and make the remaining hairs finer and lighter, so that the area needs attention far less often.

It cannot ensure that hair will never grow back at all. Some hairs may return over time, especially under the influence of hormonal changes, and some hairs do not respond to treatment. For this reason, maintenance sessions may be needed. Nor is the result the same for everyone: it depends on hair colour and thickness, skin type, the area and hormonal factors.

An assessment takes place before the first session. The areas to be treated, the hair removal methods used so far, recent sun exposure, medication and any associated conditions are discussed. Skin type and the colour and thickness of the hair are assessed.

Based on this information, the laser settings are chosen, and sometimes a test is carried out on a small area. The usual contraindications are also checked:

• a recent tan or intense exposure to the sun or a sunbed;
• certain photosensitising medicines;
• pregnancy, in which case the decision rests with the doctor;
• lesions, irritation or infection of the skin in the area to be treated.

Hair removal is carried out in a series of sessions, because at any given time only some of the hairs are in the growth phase in which they can be effectively treated. The interval between sessions is set according to the area, usually a few weeks.

Before the session, the area is shaved, usually the day before, and hairs should not be plucked or waxed between sessions. During the session the skin is cleansed, protective glasses are worn and the treatment is applied across the whole area. The sensation is usually described as brief pinpricks or a feeling of warmth, tolerable for most people. The length of the session depends on the size of the area.

No recovery period is needed, and usual activities can be resumed straight away. After the session the skin may be slightly red or sensitive, and small bumps may appear around the follicles, which usually settle within a few hours or days.

• avoid sun and sunbed exposure, and protect the area with sunscreen;
• avoid, for a short time, saunas, very hot baths and intense physical exercise;
• do not use irritating products on the treated area;
• treated hairs may gradually fall out over the following days or weeks.

Hair removal is generally well tolerated, but like any procedure it has possible side effects and risks:

• temporary redness, a burning sensation or swelling;
• irritation or, rarely, small burns or blisters;
• changes in skin pigmentation, darker or lighter, usually temporary and more common on tanned skin;
• folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles);
• rarely, paradoxical hair growth in areas next to the treated one.

Following the advice given for before and after the session, especially avoiding the sun, reduces the risk of these effects.

The reduction in hair is seen gradually, from one session to the next. Several sessions are usually needed for a satisfactory result, their number being set according to the area, the hair type and each person’s response.

The result generally lasts a long time, although some hairs may reappear over time. In such cases maintenance sessions may be recommended, at intervals set individually.

Long-term hair removal reduces hair growth over the long term, by area, for women and men. It is carried out in a series of sessions, using a diode laser, with settings decided at the assessment according to skin and hair type. The result is a long-lasting reduction in hair, not its complete disappearance for ever, and maintenance sessions may be needed. Avoiding the sun and following the advice given help achieve a good result and healthy skin.